Lovable l'il guy

I believe Josh Marshall would call this riding on the tire swing.

In recent days, McCain has attempted to move away from his campaign's controversial negative tone, and instead present his genuine optimistic persona and inspire Americans with leadership and good humor during these uncertain times. While still in the midst of this mid-course correction, it may be risky for McCain to strike Obama forcefully in such a high profile forum.

To make matters even worse for McCain, this final session is focused on domestic policy, an area in which he is considered vulnerable. And for all the public interest and media focus on the debates, it is unlikely the last go-round could have a truly game-changing effect.

McCain's best bet is to ignore all the advice he is getting about what he needs to accomplish and how he should comport himself: don't try to be all things to all strategists. Instead, he should say what he truly believes about his own proposals, about Obama's qualifications, and about the challenges the country faces, without an over-crafted strategy. His debate performances have improved, and he is always his most likeable, and most formidable when he uses his head and speaks from the heart. To paraphrase the wise old song, dignity is just another word for nothing left to lose. McCain might lose the election, but he doesn't have to lose his reputation in the process.

Hacktastic Halperin.