Is a Knockout Needed?

With the anticipation most political observers have for tonight’s final debate, one could be forgiven for assuming the candidate introductions will be done by Michael Buffer and include his signature “Let’s get ready to rumble” line.

Many — especially Democrats wanting to play the expectations game — have said the debate is an absolute do-or-die for John McCain. As Sam Youngman pointed out today, the Obama campaign itself says McCain needs a game-changer. A knockout.

Let’s be clear. Tonight’s debate is important for McCain. There’s no two ways about it. It is his last opportunity to stand next to Barack Obama and inform the voters on their key differences. McCain must spell out those differences on issues such as healthcare and taxes and definitively answer for voters why he has the experience and judgment to lead this nation for the next four years.

Voters like Obama. His favorability ratings are through the roof, even though (or perhaps because) most Americans do not know much about him. That it is why, given the uncertain international and economic environment, McCain must question Obama’s judgment on every issue raised. Even the potentially explosive issue of Obama’s relationship with William Ayers is meaningless unless it is used to question Obama’s judgment.

Also look for some mention of Israel and whether an Obama presidency would risk its very existence. Thank you, Jesse Jackson.

McCain will have to be aggressive — and persuasively make the case that Obama’s judgment itself is an important issue. Even if after the debate is over voters still might personally like Obama, McCain must plant a seed of doubt.

But after the debate is over, lost in all the post-debate spin will be one important fact — the election will have 19 days to go.

Knockout or not, that’s an eternity in politics.