The media does not get it.

[Drunken Irishman]

I'm watching Chris Matthews and they're debating Obama and McCain's framing of the economy. Of course, Patrick Buchanan thinks McCain has the inside track here, because Obama's out of touch and people will want the same ol' over rocking the boat. The problem with that, of course, is that many Americans do not want the same economic policies, but beyond this, and it's something the media does not get, is that now the discussion is on the economy. McCain does not want this to be a debate about the economy, or he'll lose. The fact the first week of the campaign has been a total discussion of the economy puts McCain on the defensive and at his weakest. McCain wants this to be a race about national security and if the economy takes center stage, he will lose.

So forget whether Americans want to stay on the sinking ship or jump to the lifeboat (as Matthews brought up), the real issue here is that everyone is talking about the economy and that's McCain's weakest point.

[LSparkle]

1. I think Matthews and co. have been saying BOTH candidates want to talk natl sec

but the economy is becoming THE big issue. I'm hoping Obama can
find his footing on this issue because he hasn't exactly been
out in front on it ... and Bomb Bomb McLameSame is REALLY S.O.L.
if the economy takes center stage because he's already ADMITTED
he doesn't know anything about it ...

[Drunken Irishman]

2. I disagree.

I think the fact Obama's first major address since wrapping up the nomination was on economic issues shows he wants to go down this path. The only reason McCain is talking about the economy is because Obama brought it up first. Had Obama addressed national security, we'd be debating national security right now and not the economy.

[LSparkle]

3. Good thing Obama brought it up, then ...

I think he needs to sound a more populist theme (borrow more from
Edwards than from HRC) -- he made a good start in S.D. (at the CORN
PALACE!!); hopefully we'll hear more speeches like that.