What will happen when McCain tries the POW defense in a debate?

[FatDave]

And you know he will. It's pretty much all he's got.

So what happens? Do the moderators call him on it? Does Barack call him on it? Or do they all let it slide?

[merh]

1. Did you see him on Leno use it as humor?

x(

it was disgusting

[FatDave]

3. I didn't.

But in the report I heard, he didn't use it as humor, he said it very seriously. I'll have to find the video tomorrow, I'm already up way too fucking late.

[VolcanoJen]

2. I'm not sure, and that's a good question.

I'm also not sure McCain would pull the POW card in a debate, and in fact I think he'd be coached against it. The first debate is just under a month away, and who knows if it will be armor, or a national punchline by then?

I can't imagine it lasting forever, this super-force-field defense. Americans have shown little patience for bullshit ever since 2004.

[KharmaTrain]

4. Depends on How He Plays It...

If he uses it to weasel out of a question, hopefully a panelist will call him out. Senator Obama needs to tread lightly...let the others carry the hammer on this one. He's gotten this far by staying above gimmicks...and, as both Rachel and Gene Robinson pointed out tonight, he's going to the well one time too many on this.

The shelf life on this "defense" is wearing thin on many...and it's best to let him hang himself with this.

[FatDave]

5. What if Barack said something like...

"John, you know I respect your service, and I thank God every day that I have never had to suffer the way you did in that hellish camp of torture and evil and your courage throughout is a testament to your strength of faith and character and yada yada yada yada...but could you please answer the fucking question?"

(OK, not really "fucking", but I couldn't resist.)

[KharmaTrain]

6. I Kinda Like That Approach

Gently but forcefully make him stay on topic. We know Gramps is an empty suit and is gonna weasel on any tough question...and if the moderators don't prod him to stay on topic, Senator Obama needs to call him on it...be as tactful as possible, but not let him try to pity his way out of answers people need to hear and know.

Cheers...