Sticks and stones

I'm sure the Republicans are going to see McCain as being strong and forceful in this debate, and the media will portray both candidates as having scored points, and that the debate is in large part a draw.

But I'm seeing something different here. We've got one candidate who is consistently petty and condescending and grandstanding, and another candidate who is being decisive and showing competence and knowledge and leadership. Lots of people confuse the first for the later, but they're not the same thing.

This debate may not change too many minds, but Barack Obama is demonstrating the skills that we need in the next president of the United States.