Five Ways Obama Can Nail the Next Debate ... And Still Be Obama

A lot of Democrats are saying they wish Obama had "shown more fire" and hammered McCain aggressively last night. It doesn't really matter, though, because it won't happen. That's not who the man is. The overall verdict is that he did well, but there's room for improvement.

Here are five ways Obama can do even better in the next debate, while being true to his own style:

1. Address McCain's Negatives ... in a Positive Way

There are positive themes that would accentuate McCain's negatives, like sunlight casting shadows. They include:

• "A Steady Hand." Given how confused and erratic McCain's behavior was this week - the debate's off, it's not off, the campaign's suspended, it's not suspended, etc. - Obama could've highlighted it by emphasizing his own steadiness and resolve: "In order to manage a financial crisis you need a steady hand." "Resolving the situation in Georgia will require a President who is resolved, unflappable, steady and balanced in a time of crisis ..."
• 21st Century Mindset. Obama's use of the phrase "20th century mindset" was very effective. He should keep using that, emphasizing the positive: "The 21st century has brought us new problems, as well as new opportunities. It's also brought us new tools to solve our problems. We can't solve the problems of the future with the thinking of the past."

  He can use this to contrast himself with McCain on specific issues, too, e.g. "This kind of 20th century thinking won't solve our 21st century terror problem." And Obama should stick with the theme that McCain's economic philosophy is another "20th century mindset." But he can be even more specific: "John believes in the Republican magical thinking that says if you give away the store to the very wealthiest, somehow there will be more for everybody else. It hasn't worked."

• Leadership: Obama can emphasize that Republicans are now following his lead on a broad range of issues, from economics to defense. They're acknowledging the need for a bailout, and even adopting a timetable in Iraq. He can use that to show how he builds bipartisan consensus, while at the same time subtly underscoring their weaknesses.

  When McCain responds by repeating Obama's talking points - "I can make change," "I'll clean up Washington," etc. - Obama can say "I'm glad you've come around to my point of view, John. But it's going to take a new team in the White House to solve these problems."

Which leads us to ...

2. McCain = Bush. McCain = Bush. McCain = Bush. McCain = Bush.

Here's another debate theme: "We can't solve our problems with the people and ideas that caused those problems. Doesn't make sense." But, McCain will respond, I'm a maverick. I opposed that wing of the party. The reply? "Sure you did, John - eight, ten, and twenty years ago. I miss that guy! But the longer Bush has been in office the more you voted with him - now 95% of the time - and you're using the same team of lobbyists and cynical political operatives that have put us in the mess we're in today. That's not being a 'maverick' - that's following the crowd."

Obama should use every opportunity to bring up this issue - and to drive home the fact that McCain's leadership team has more lobbyists in it than any campaign in history (even Bush's). "You can't stand up to the oil companies if you're relying on lobbyists to make your decisions and carry out the tasks of government. We tried it under George Bush - it didn't work."

When Georgia comes up, he can say something like this: "When you have someone like John McCain, whose campaign advisor is a paid lobbyist for Georgian politicians, you won't be seen as neutral or effective - because you're not. That kind of influence peddling won't be allowed in my Administration."

And whatever else he does, Obama should be sure to use the phrase "Bush and McCain" as often as possible.

3. Use concrete examples to make policy issues personal.

Obama's opening comments on the economy were strong: "How's it going to affect me? How's it going to affect my job ... my house ... my retirement ..." He should stick with that. It's effective. But he can now become even more specific:

• When your credit card rate jumps up to 28% and you can't understand why, that's because of the policies put in place by Bush and McCain.
• When you can't pay your mortgage and there's nowhere to turn, that's because of the policies put in place by Bush and McCain.
• When you can't afford to fill your gas tank or heat your house, that's because of the policies put in place by Bush and McCain.
• When your health plan covers even less of your costs and won't provide treatment that you or your kids need, that's because of the policies put in place by Bush and McCain.

Once again, emphasizing "Bush and McCain" is important.

4. Point out the deceptions, distractions, and other political gamesmanship.

McCain used a lot of the classic political tricks last night, and pretty effectively. The best way to respond is call him out on it - every time. How? When McCain says things like "my opponent asked for $932 million in pork-barrel spending," Obama can say: "First of all, that's a distortion. And you know what? That's what the Republicans have been doing for years now in Washington - distorting people's records. That's just smoke and mirrors. It's the politics of the past."

When he repeats the charge, or makes another like it, say: "Look what he's trying to do: here we're talking about an entire economy in crisis and he keeps making distorted political attacks. That's what these guys do when they know they're wrong on the issues. They distract folks with these kinds of misleading and pointless statements. Maybe it's worked in the past, but not anymore."

And if McCain keeps repeating himself, as he did with the $932 million, address him directly and say "John, the people deserve a real discussion of the issues. Don't just repeat these talking points from your advisors. Let's talk about the issues."

Which gets us to ...

5. Talk directly to McCain.

Jim Lehrer was right: The candidates should talk directly to each other. McCain can't do it - he can barely look Obama in the eye. It could be highly effective if Obama looked directly at McCain and said something like this:

"John, I've admired you and your service to this country. I still do. You deserve to be honored for your sacrifice and dedication. But sadly, you've chosen to join in with a failed group of leaders and a failed political philosophy. I will always appreciate what you've done, but the American people can't afford four more years of the same philosophy and the same crowd of political insiders."

There are a lot of reasons why the Democratic candidate is never going to go for the jugular. But these five approaches, or something like them, could help make the next debate a decisive one - while still letting Obama be Obama.

RJ Eskow blogs (intermittently) at:

A Night Light
The Sentinel Effect: Healthcare Blog
Future-While-U-Wait