There's much speculation that tonight's debate will be a slug-fest with John McCain doing his best to distract the American public from economic issues by dwelling, as his campaign has done the past few days, on Barack Obama's associations with Jeremiah Wright and William Ayers. 

The question, for me, is what should Obama do with that type of frontal assault?  There are those who were irritated with John Kerry for not responding aggressively enough to similar (swift-boat) tactics.

But what my heart is really longing for is a different tactic.  Instead of responding in kind, wouldn't it be wonderful if instead Obama kept on topic, rebuffing attacks by focusing on the economy.  Wouldn't it be great if he were to say, "It seems like John's changing the subject again.  I've explained my positions on my association with these men.  I'm not going to let his campaign's focus pull my eye off the ball.  I am here to talk about the economy.  Here are four things we need to do and do now."

And then go on to enumerate them.  (Hey, if I could enumerate them off the top of my head, you'd all be voting for me.)

In this instance, agree with Peggy Noonan.  The general election campaign has turned into something very small bore.  We need serious people to solve serious issues.  I'm hoping Obama's not listening to his handlers if they're telling him to match blow for blow.

Who was it that said "an eye for an eye and the whole world's blind?"

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