As the election campaigns lurch forward to Nov 4th, John McCain has displayed some erratic behavior. Ex-Tire Swing pundits claim that he's in a bubble and unaware of the campaign that his staff is running.  Maybe.  Perhaps there's a more sinister explanation as we move closer to All-Hallows-Eve. 

Undoubtably, McCain has taken a leaf from Robert Louis Stevenson's book and distilled a potion of undeniable potency.  Only such an drought would explain his complete truthfulness of his defending of the Straight Talk Express and his 100% truthful ads at the same time that his campaign produces another round of cretinous fliers and robocalls. 

I can imagine the pure, honest Dr. John taking his first swig of the potion.  He crumples on the ground in a fit with many an rolling eye and spit-speckled frothing of "new taxes on families making $42,000!"  Mr. McCain awakes and drags himself to his parners in crime, Steve Schmidt and Charlie Condon. 

The next morning in whichever of his six houses he finds himeself in, Dr. John wakes and finds himself in a shambles with no memory of the night before.  He is surrounded by invoices for robocalls and lobbyist. "Oh mercy, me!  However did I wind up?" he asks.  He brushes off any doubts like the flattening of his comb-over. 

He looks out the window. "Say there are my friends, on the Tire Swing outside!"  With barely a thought about the empty flask on the floor at his feet, he runs outside to join his buddies.

They'll all wonder what might of happend to their beloved Dr. John, but as slowly as an untreated wound will throb with pus, Mr. McCain will creep out of his own accord, lurching to and fro, and howling at the moon, "Ayers! Ayers! Don't they know that it's my time, MY time."

Earlier in the primary season, I discussed with a friend about my support of Obama in the Texas primary.  I supported him for pragmatic reasons: I wanted the primaries over and perceived that he ran a tight campaign.  He’d built an effective campaign in states that had huge support for Hillary such as Texas.  His speech last night served as a culmination of the primary organization that he put together.

 

His speech unfolded much as he described: workman-like and defining both himself and McCain.  The setting and tone of the convention reflected this well-organized campaign.  Overall, it’s been fairly gaffe free.  Some dust ups with Reverend Wright and the “bitter” comment, but nothing like enumerating the McMansions.  His ground game in states like Pennsylvania and Nevada helped him to slowly but surely add to the necessary delegate count.  His working with Howard Dean has amplified the 50-state strategy that will change the Democratic Party for a generation. 

 

The convention had clear, on-message speeches from a variety of supporters.  The parlaying with Bill and Hillary to overcome the ‘disunity’ meme created a smooth transition from convention to candidacy and in itself was no mean feat.  His selection of Biden as a running mate show Obama’s eagerness to win the election using Biden’s tenacity and toughness, but also reflects Biden’s ability to serve as solid Vice-president and if needs require a stable President. 

 

I attribute the success of this convention to two forces.  The growing movement in the country to return to a government that works for the people rather than against them and Obama’s skills as an executive.  Though his speech making skills have been touted by all quarters, it’s the quiet, thoughtful executive skills that helped to create the circumstances that lead to last night speech. 

 

Political observers, scientists and campaign staff will look back at last night’s piece of political theater and perceive not an overwhelmingly uplifting speech, but rather the genius of a candidate who has participated with an eager electorate to change history.