Reply #15: Despite what some think, it's a smart move...

[regnaD kciN]

By appearing with McCain, and without partisan rancor, Obama will be able to present himself as just as "dedicated to protecting our nation" as the Republican (an area which normally hurts us in presidential elections). Plus, just being up there with the senior senator from Arizona will be an image that will help frame them as being equal in standing, which hurts McCain's insistence that Obama isn't experienced enough to lead.

Plus, as others have pointed out, likely Obama's speech will blow McCain's away. This will be a major media event, with lots of people watching on television, and will serve to reach people in a way that sound-bites on the national news won't.

Right now, with both conventions over, the only real chances for each candidate to reach a wide audience will be the debates...and this. If McCain wants the election to be about "personality," this is a golden opportunity for Obama to, without campaigning or dealing with politics at all, out-point McCain on personality in front of a huge national audience.

Nicely played, I'd say.