Town Hall

Obama, who has been criticized by opponents for being "aloof" and "professorial," may have his work cut out for him on Tuesday. But his laid-back, unflappable demeanor creates an excellent opportunity to connect with the voters in the room and those watching on television.

The protesters believe we must end the occupation of Iraq and redirect spending toward human needs. "You're so old," called one to the McCain fans. "It's time to change the rules."

The only modern way to combat this powerful, entrenched, well-financed conservative cabal is to create public outrage. After sleeping through the bloodless coup the 2000 elections turned out to be, Americans have tuned into the battle between Hillary and Barack that kept us listening, talking and taking sides. Obama must re-ignite that excitement by engaging McCain in the most democratic of forums.

This weekend McCain tried to project a moderate image but wound up doing the opposite, extolling military diplomacy, supporting Bush court appointments, and assailing reproductive and gay rights.

I made it to two of Bill Clinton's six separate town hall appearances saturday. He runs late, talks in detail, charismatically, and doesn't answer any questions from the crowd. Not a single one.