From watching McCain last night and his surrogates on TV this morning, its clear that McCain has two talking points -- drill, drill, drill, and "spending" is the problem.
Obama's talking points -- I'm not sure, they are all over the place. In the primary, his repetition of his opposition to the war won the race for him. But he seems to have no consistent theme this time.
It's very simple -- Bush, Bush, Bush. McCain promises more of the same Bush policies. If you like Bush, vote McCain.
If those are your talking points, and you stick to them relentlessly, think about how every question can turn to Bush.
Q Does Obama's message of "hope" and "change" need more specifics?
A: The change is a change from the failed Bush economic plan. McCain wants to continue Bush's program, we offer change -- a focus on the interests of people and families, not oil companies.
Q: Aren't you concerned that Obama's message isn't resonating because, even in this pro-democratic year, he's statistically tied with McCain in the polls?
A: The real question is why Barack Obama, a previously unknown african american, is leading John McCain in the polls. McCain is a favorite of the washington establishment, but he's losing to Obama because the American people know that the republican plan for the economy is a disaster. You don't have to take my word for it, you've seen it in action under Bush, and McCain promises more of the same. We need a fresh start.
Q: Doesn't Barack Obama need to pick someone with foreign policy experience for his Vice President?
A: No. George Bush picked Dick Cheney as his Vice President because he had experience, but Dick Cheney terrible judgment, and his leadership has been a disaster. John McCain has the same instincts as Dick Cheney on foreign policy -- we can't afford to continue those policies. We need change -- Barack Obama offers a new vision -- working with the world, not arrogantly insulting our allies.
You can go on and on -- every question can go this way.