Since Romney is supposed to be an "economic genius", McCain would probably be ahead right now. Or at the worst, in much better position. If he would have picked Lieberman, he would have lost all support from the conservative base. His support from them is still shaky as it is. It would have probably locked up Florida for him, but cost him in many other states.

I think McCain went soft in the head with all that comedy he's playin with that Alaskan girl.

I gotta say things are looking really good for Obama. It's hard not to get over confident. In politics, 3 weeks can change everything. Still, I have a very good feeling.

I'm just skimming some stories this evening, but Obama gaining in swing states, his favorability rating is high and Christopher Hitchens is supporting Obama???

I heard McCain say he was gonna kick O's "you know what" at the debate Wednesday. Hmmmmm.

Which reminds me, did you all see that skit (I think from one of the late night shows) mimicking the last debate, showing McCain wandering around the stage aimlessly asking if anyone's seen his dog.

TIS

N. Carolina and Virginia are so significant since they have been Republican for so long.

JL,

I'll ask you this cause I know you do the sports thread but anyone else feel free to answer. It would be fun to do some "NON" money betting game in regards to the election. Something that everyone can join in on without it mattering who you are voting for. For instance, whoever comes closest to the total electoral votes for each candidate, or popular votes (don't think I can count that high) ? Or who will win the swing states Something that we could all contribute or something on-going. Since this election IS historic, it might be fun. Yes? No? Bad idea? I'm just not good at composing these things.

TIS

RICHMOND, Va. - Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin mistook some of her own fans for hecklers Monday at a rally that drew thousands.

A massive crowd of at least 20,000 spread across the parking lot of Richmond International Raceway, and scores of people on the outer periphery more than 100 yards from the stage could not hear.

"Louder! Louder!" they began chanting, and the cry spread across the crowd to Palin's left. Some pointed skyward, urging that the volume be increased.

Palin stopped her remarks briefly and looked toward the commotion.

"I hope those protesters have the courage and honor to give veterans thanks for their right to protest," she said.

Some in the crowd tried to shout toward her what was really being said, but she couldn't hear them.

On a sunny day in which many had stood in place for more than three hours without shade, at least 25 people collapsed from heat-related illnesses and three were hospitalized, according to the Henrico County fire department.

Palin had campaigned with John McCain earlier Monday in Virginia Beach, only the second time the GOP ticket has campaigned in Virginia since June. Democrat Barack Obama or his running mate, Joe Biden, together visited the state eight times during that span.

Virginia has been solidly Republican for 40 years but is now a battleground, with both sides locked in a very close race for the state's 13 electoral votes.

Addressing the crowd, Palin largely avoided her recent criticisms of Obama. Instead, she acknowledged the emotion that has built up on both sides, particularly since the financial collapse.

"There is a lot of anger. There is anger at the inside dealing and anger at lobbyists and anger at the greed on Wall Street. There is anger at the Washington elite and there is anger at voter fraud," she said.

She promised a spending freeze if she and McCain win, and evoked cheers of "Drill, Baby, Drill!" in calling for greater domestic mining and oil drilling. The crowd roared when she criticized Biden for remarks he made in Ohio that the United States had little interest in coal-fired electrical power.

The afternoon's loudest ovation came when country music star Hank Williams Jr. offered a rendition of his hit "Family Tradition" that opened by assailing "the left-wing liberal media."

Palin later appeared in northern Virginia, raising half a million dollars at a fundraiser in McLean. About 400 people attended the $1,500 per person event Monday evening at the Ritz Carlton in Tysons Corner. The money goes to the Republican Party since the McCain campaign can't raise any more money under federal rules.

Palin said voters will not be fooled into thinking that McCain's election would be the equivalent of a third term for President Bush. She said McCain "took the gloves off" at his campaign appearances Monday and shouldn't be faulted for pointing out differences in the two tickets' records.

About 40 Democratic protesters waved signs at rush-hour commuters in busy Tysons Corner before the event.

Not close to his father's
accomplishments and talent.