It's a wild mosaic of McCain coverage out there, from the very, very good, to the decidedly the other direction — a sort of salad bar of political opinion on the Maverick. Here's a sample of what they're saying — does the "good" point to a late October-surprise that might very well turn into a Nov. 4 surprise?
The Good
Over on money-maven-y Bloomberg, McCain's economic plan is getting serious thumbs up. In a piece called "McCain Economic Plan a Winner, Even If He Loses," writer Amity Shales says, "It is worthwhile to take one last good look at the McCain economic program. You will find a serious agenda. . . we can review his plan and find much that would doubtless contribute to a recovery." She lays out six ways McCain is the right answer for the economy.
Political perennial Dick Morris (who advised Bill Clinton) has a piece this morning called "Undecideds Should Break for McCain." Morris says, "Obama's professed pursuit of "social and political justice" through "redistribution of the wealth," is enough to send a shiver down the spine of those who embrace the free market as the key to economic growth."
Weigh in and tell us if you forgive or not forgive this True Confession.
"Before last week, I'd had sex with two men. Now the number has soared to six. All were well-protected. All were what I would have considered out of my league. Too bad I can't tell anyone, especially my husband."
Pakistan Earthquake Kills 150:
A 6.5 earthquake hit southwestern Pakistan today causing heavy damage and resulting in the deaths of at least 150 people. A local expert says, “It was a shallow earthquake, which is very destructive. The aftershocks will be felt for a week with more or less the same intensity.” Hundreds more are injured following the quake.
Flash Floods Hit India:
Floods swept through northeastern India today displacing 70,000 people from more than 70 villages. Incessant rains caused the Putimari river to breach its banks and rescue forces have been sent in. Two relief camps have been set up to try to accommodate the tens of thousands. People are currently camping on highways under plastic bags.
Obama On Most TV Stations Tonight:
Barack Obama's 30-minute ad will air on most major TV networks at 8 p.m. ET. The taped infomercial will feature a live segment with Obama at a rally in Florida. He will also be on The Daily Show tonight. The 30-minute appearance will delay the start of game five of the World Series. John McCain will be appearing on Larry King Live tonight.
"I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of. . . Pennsylvania?" It seems that way anymore, with all attention being lavished upon that holy grail of voter, the Swing Voter. Because like it or lump it, the Electoral College system means the presidential race is decided really by 15ish states — those with the big enough electoral "score" to make a difference in the race to the magic winning number of 270. PA's hefty score makes those votes more attractive and potentially a bigger deal than others.
Want to find out how "swingy" your own vote is? Slate has put together this handy calculator to figure out that very thing. Slot in six easy facts about you and see both your "pull" and swing factor. The tool weights the state you're voting in higher than any other factor, and then adds in key demographics about race and education, finishing off with how many people there are like you in your state. The guts of the calculator are based purely on polls, so it is only a close facsimile of voter behavior — but with a week left, if the needle points sharply to one side or the other when you put in your info, clear off the sofa. You can bet one of the campaigns will be paying you a visit.
Dear Sugar,
I have never been a real commitment person. I have had a couple flings in the past year but nothing serious. I'm ready to open up to a more serious relationship and am actively looking, but I haven't found anything worthwhile so far. I have been told, repeatedly, that I am constantly putting up "single signals," which apparently keep others from approaching me. What are these and how can I stop them? — Playing the Field Phoebe
Halloween is almost upon us! If you haven't yet decided what to dress up as, here's a helpful guide on what costumes are guaranteed to cause ridicule, disgust, and in some cases, outright nausea. Presenting the Halloween Hall of Shame. Warning: not for the faint of heart . . . or gag reflex.
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