Fired-Up Mac Couldn't Land a Punch on Obama

Without a game-changer, Republican strikes out in third debate, and race

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 16, 2008 3:49 AM CDT

(Newser) – John McCain turned in his best debate performance last night but couldn't turn it into the game-changer he needed, Sam Youngman writes in The Hill. McCain was fiercer this time, but he failed to score a direct hit on his unflappable opponent and didn't come up with any new arguments for himself—or against Barack Obama, Youngman notes.

Bringing up "Joe the Plumber" was the Republican's best move, but it likely won't change the course of the race. "McCain needed a decisive win," Youngman concludes. "Instead, he might have just cemented the status quo, leaving Obama with little more to do than run out the clock and turn out his voters."

[Images (5)]

[Quotes (2)]

John MCain, right, joined by wife Cindy McCain, reacts to the crowd following his presidential debate against Barack Obama at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

John McCain, walks through the audience following his presidential debate with Barack Obama at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Barack Obama shakes hands with John McCain as moderator Bob Schieffer watches during the presidential debate Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008, at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. (AP Photo/Gary Hershorn, Pool)

Barack Obama listens as John McCain answers a question during the presidential debate Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008, at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. (AP Photo/Gary Hershorn, Pool)

John McCain gestures during a presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008. (AP Photo/Photog)

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The Arizona senator’s flurry of attacks and the Democrat’s calm, measured responses will likely do little to change the campaign trajectory. - Sam Youngman

Joe the Plumber might not be enough to do for McCain what 'Joe Six-Pack' couldn't—raise enough doubts about Obama to put McCain in the White House. - Sam Youngman

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Fired-Up Mac Couldn't Land a Punch on Obama