Is it possible McCain simply doesn't see the trap he's being lead into?

[Bicoastal]

Obama OBVIOUSLY has a great response to his supposed connection to Ayers, as well a great response to McCain's "shock and dismay" at John Lewis' statement. McCain thinks he's going to bring up these topics tomorrow and surprise the world--he's already admitted as such. But Obama's been anticipating both of these moves for a solid week, if not longer.

Doesn't he realize that you don't telegraph your punches when competing in a political debate? Is he really this clueless?

I ask you..

[CreekDog]

1. McCain tells Obama not to telegraph his punches (re: Pakistan)

and McCain meanwhile telegraphs his punches continually. :wtf:

[scheming daemons]

2. Which is why Obama challenged McCain to "say it to my face"

Obama had a response ready for the LAST debate.

[WinkyDink]

3. More cocky fly-boy than clueless.

[Ian David]

4. McCain has no clue.

Because Admiral Ackbar supports Obama.

[Johonny]

5. McCain does not seem to be aware

that the TV camera records pictures and broadcasts them to the world.

[supernova]

6. I think he's just arrogant

McCain is arrogant enough to tell a political opponent what "not to do." but not realize he's supposed to take his own advice.

Following his directions is for the little (brown) people to do.

[FSogol]

7. I agree. It is McCain's arrogance. n/t

[old mark]

9. Arrogant and impulsive, given to fast action with no thought and

no thought to the consequenses.

Perfect President, huh?

[Arugula Latte]

11. Many of the white men from that generation that I've known have a huge sense of entitlement

Yes, this is a gross generalization, but I've seen so many instances of it I feel comfortable making it. These guys just feel like "I'm white, I'm male, I expect deference, I expect that my wishes will be carried out, and I expect other people to cater to me." My father was a bit like that (although he had many good qualities, too, etc.).

[emulatorloo]

17. I know plenty of "White Men" of that generation who aren't that way

I can even think of a few in the Senate.

[AzNick]

8. He does not lead and listens to everybody

He takes advices from many people and does not show leadership, unlike Obama.

Palin was not his choice.

Going negative was not his choice.

He is erratic because THEY are erratic.

They are losing to a better candidate, running a better campaign, with better ideas and a better plan, and they can't accept it.

Had he run a good campaign, being more pragmatic and acting less on a whim, he'd probably be closer.

Obama goes in a straight line and shows command, McCain does not, and that too is responsible for McCain being far behind.

Had Obama been white and bearing a Western name, he would be leading by a strong 15%.

[bornskeptic]

10. He said he'd bring it up at the debate

because that was what the people he was talking to at the time wanted to hear.The fact that he said he would is no indication as to whether he will or not. My guess is that since he's such a wimp, he probably won't dare to.

[CitizenPatriot]

12. my dream

(though I am sure Obama knows better than I)

McCain brings up Ayers...and Obama pauses.

then quietly facing McCain, he says, "John, you said you were going to run an honorable campaign. what happened? you and I both know this Ayers thing doesn't fly. Here's the truth....but since you want to go here, let's talk about the Keating 5 and how it relates directly to the Wall Street melt down we are experiencing RIGHT NOW. Let's talk about your deregulation votes and what they have meant to the american people. Let's talk about the lack of transparency and accountability you have facilitate for your wall street friends. and john, isn't that the very thing you claimed destroyed your honor during keating 5? What were you thinking?"

[Occam Bandage]

13. Does he really think that Obama would dare him to say it to his face

if he didn't have a rejoinder planned--and a comeback to McCain's comeback, if any?

[Narkos]

14. Catch 22 for McLame

the base will be furious if doesn't bring on the filth! Either way he totally and utterly FUCKED! I love it!

[emulatorloo]

15. Biden on Hardball - McCain will regret it for the rest of his life

I wish I had the exact quote -- Biden said it with kindness and sympathy. But you get the point.

[jberryhill]

16. McCain is not going to bring that stuff up on his own

...and neither is Sen. Obama.

If the moderator asks a direct question, McCain will not get into specifics - he may generally raise "character" or "judgment" questions, or go to "there are things we just don't know".

The reason McCain will do that is because he can raise vague suspicious themes, and his conditioned supporters will assume that he's talking about whatever trash they received in their email.

The idiotic "trap" McCain thinks he sets there is that if Sen. Obama responds to any specific out-of-forum accusation, then McCain can say, "Hey, I didn't bring that up, you did."

It's a stupid game, because Sen. Obama's response will likewise be general, yet forceful and direct.

[fugop]

18. Shifting focus

I think they're going to shift focus and pivot to the ACORN thing, regardless of how ridiculous it is. I think they believe if they raise the specter of the election's legitimacy, they'll get some leaners. But I also believe Obama will be ready for that, too. I can't wait until the debate ends and all the talkers say it was a tie. And then the insta-polls come in. Again. Wheeee!