McCain's fix-it man

Joe the Plumber Cartoon
Originally uploaded by rbtenorio

John McCain has a new buddy, Joe the Plumber, whom the senator talked about so much at the last presidential debate with Barack Obama on Wednesday. Does Joe translate into working-class appeal for McCain? Find out in the latest episode of "The Devil Made Me Blog It"!

Obama tru$tworthy on economy?

Obama Economy Cartoon
Originally uploaded by rbtenorio

In the presidential debate with Sen. John McCain on Tuesday night, Sen. Barack Obama came across as compassionate in discussing the economic crisis with members of the audience. Does this qualify him to lead our nation? Mephistopheles thinks not in the latest episode of "The Devil Made Me Blog It"!

McCain impresses on foreign policy

Sen. John McCain closed his presidential debate with Sen. Barack Obama Tuesday night on a strong note, sounding experienced, realistic, and occasionally witty on foreign policy.
"(You) have to temper your decisions with the ability to beneficially affect the situation and realize you're sending America's most precious asset, American blood, into harm's way," McCain said. "I know those situations. I've been in them all my life. And I can tell you right now the security of your young men and women who are serving in the military are my first priority right after our nation's security."
McCain preached pursuit of Osama bin Laden and congratulated himself for supporting the surge in Iraq -- neither a surprising stance. Yet he also showed thoughtfulness. When moderator Tom Brokaw asked whether he thought Russia under Vladimir Putin was an evil empire, McCain replied, "Maybe," then clarified: "Depends on how we respond to Russia and it depends on a lot of things. If I say yes, then that means that we're reigniting the old Cold War. If I say no, it ignores their behavior."
Humor and nuance, both welcome. Obama, by contrast, sounded naive at times, such as when he said, "I believe that we should have direct talks -- not just with our friends, but also with our enemies -- to deliver a tough, direct message to Iran that, if you don't change your behavior, then there will be dire consequences."
Economic issues are dominating the headlines lately. Yet if you think that foreign policy, and not ecomonic, issues will dominate the term of the next president, McCain looked like the better candidate on Tuesday night.

McCain's Brain

Brain Cartoon
Originally uploaded by rbtenorio

New developments in the worlds of politics and science this week. The research community learned that 12 athletes had decided to donate their brains to science. Meanwhile, presidential-race watchers witnessed Sen. John McCain suspend his campaign due to his concern over the economy and desire to work toward a solution. McCain also requested that his debate tonight with rival Sen. Barack Obama be postponed. That didn't happen ... but Lucifer sure liked the way McCain's mind works. Read more in ... "The Devil Made Me Blog It"!