Steadiness, experience show in debate

The mass media will undoubtedly figure out a way to spin an Obama victory in tonight's presidential debate. That was obvious before the first question was even asked at Belmont University in Nashville.

But listening to it, forming an overall impression of the debate as a whole, leads to a conclusion quite different from the media spin, the clever answers to "gotcha" questions and the regurgitation of campaign talking points--all in abundant supply at this media spectacle.

Against the backdrop of the U.S. financial debacle, the shaky national security situation with terrorist attacks in Pakistan and the unresolved wars in Iraq and Afghanistan--Americans will decide, in the secrecy of the voting booth or with their mail-in ballot at the kitchen table, how much change will they really want in these unsettled times?

John McCain is not flashy, certainly looks his age and is not a creative, gee-whiz kind of guy--but he does give off a strong aura of steadiness, familiarity, experience and heroism that in the final gasp, will reassure a majority of Americans.

Obama certainly acquitted himself well in the debate, avoided any obvious gaffes and was the smooth, calm politician he has the reputation of being. The silent role of race, which Americans won't talk about or even lie about to pollsters--is very evident in watching the debate and will influence many citizens final decision, whether they admit it or not.

People reach for a reassuring father figure in times of crisis, like they did FDR in the Great Depression, Dwight Eisenhower in the early Cold War and Ronald Reagan during the economic crisis and hostage holding in Lebanon at the end of the Carter years.

With 29 days until the election, McCain has a tough row to hoe. But Obama has problems too, with his race, age, radical associations and slim resume. But in the final analysis, Americans will be seeking comfort and assurance, and the question will come down to who can best give that to them.