Batman or Spidey? McCain, Obama Weigh In

He might be unable to define what change means, but Barack's the only horse in the race, say mag's editors

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama "is the only possible choice to lead the country," says Esquire, though the magazine’s position is less an endorsement of Obama and more a treatise against John McCain. Obama has failed to define his key campaign theme of change “except as all those things encompassed by the phrase ‘Elect me’”—but he still represents a departure from George W. Bush that McCain does not. More»

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama and John McCain were hit with blunt questions tonight about how they would "bail out" Americans hurt by the staggering economy. In the second of three debates, this one a town hall-style face-off, the candidates fielded questions from an audience of 80 undecided voters and moderator Tom Brokaw. In one of the evening's few surprises, McCain said the Treasury Department should buy up all the troubled mortgages in the country, and help homeowners renegotiate them. More»

Voters compare gambler mentality v. calm thinker as they react to crises

(NEWSER) - Crises like the Georgian conflict and the credit crunch have revealed how differently Barack Obama and John McCain would rule. McCain’s fitting moniker is Mr. Hot, write John Meacham and Evan Thomas in Newsweek. By suspending his campaign, gambling on Sarah Palin, and see-sawing on the economy, McCain shows himself to be “a candidate who makes no apologies for his merry mischief-making.” More»

Neither candidate is solid on market crisis, but each can spin it to his strengths

(NEWSER) - Wall Street’s troubles pose a challenge for both candidates, though because his party hasn’t held the White House for nearly 8 years, Barack Obama has a slight leg up, writes Gerald Seib in the Wall Street Journal. Neither ticket has a strong market background, with John McCain more a “national-security and character candidate” and Obama lacking the experience to be a definite source of reassurance. More»

Focuses on McCain, avoids fueling Palin fever

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama has maintained near-silence on the subject of Sarah Palin, a quiet amplified by his newfound willingness to aggressively attack John McCain, reports the Los Angeles Times. Her name is rarely mentioned outside of references to the McCain-Palin ticket; when asked directly about her, he switches the focus back to McCain; Joe Biden remains equally mum. More»