Obama Stretching His Lead

I like to make predictions. It’s in my blood. I predicted the Redskins would defeat the Dallas Cowboys Sunday in Dallas. Oh, I didn’t tell anyone because I love my ’Boys, but I (sadly) got that one right, too.

And so I’m making another prediction today — Barack Obama will continue to dominate the campaign high ground for the next few weeks, perhaps stretching his lead to as much as double digits.

I know this for two primary reasons. First, the narrative of this financial crisis facing America plays to Sen. Obama’s strengths — he’s measured and thoughtful in his responses and in the principles he lays out. Some would argue that he’s been too vague, but that’s what presidents do — set priorities and let the bean-counters sort through the numbing details.

Second, the Republican brand continues to haunt John McCain and his campaign. Countless times over this week you heard the phrases “Bush administration” and “Republican-led Congress” of the past eight years presiding over this ticking time bomb. As my momma likes to say, “the chickens have come home to roost” on this one, and, whether the blame is well-placed or not, the Republicans are bearing the brunt of this bailout criticism.

The Obama machine will roll again today with the Biden-Palin debates. Sen. Biden is an institution in this town, and he knows how to rabbit-punch verbally. And while Sarah Palin is the journey-woman who puts the human touch in John McCain, she’ll get her lunch handed to her tonight if she performs as poorly as she has lately with the national press corps. Say what you will about the networks, but they only ask the questions. It’s up to the candidates to pivot and parlay meaningful responses that strike at the heart of why they deserve elected office. I know Sarah Palin has that fire in her belly; I just fear I won’t see it in tonight's debate.

Oh by the way, why aren’t the Republicans and fair-minded individuals demanding the removal of Gwen Ifill from moderating this debate? If Obama-Biden win in November, she will hit a financial jackpot with her soon-to-be-released (Random House) high-praise book about Sen. Obama.

Wow, only in America. Random House is laughing all the way to the bank. Clink … Clink … Clink.