After the typical polite introduction by the hosts, the first (and only) town hall debate. Not surprisingly the first question was on the economy and what the candidates would do. The first answer by Sen. Obama made better points. But on the follow-up about who should be the Treasury Secretary, Sen. McCain was able to concretely suggest people where Sen. Obama floundered.

On the second question, however, Sen. McCain started the litany of pointing fingers. He did not do this. He did not do that. Sen. Obama hit back, but did not appear to like doing it as much. However, Mr. Tom Brokaw stumped both of them when he asked them directly whether we were going to go worse in the economy before we got better. It is abundantly clear that neither candidate wishes to bite the bullet and say that what has been happening lately may very well continue. This does not bode well for the American people being told the truth whenever one of them becomes President.

The third question was equally tough. How can we trust either one of you? I call that the “pox on both of your parties” approach. Unfortunately, Sen. McCain has dipped more into the gutter by mostly answering with a litany of what Sen. Obama has supposedly not done. Mind you, Sen. Obama’s answer was not great, but it did not fall into the litany chant. I wonder whether this presages the reamining 30 days of the campaign.

Tags: politics