Because I was unable to watch Obama’s infomercial last night, I had to do some research.  The impression wasn’t exactly……well……impressive.  At least from the AP’s point of view.

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama was less than upfront in his half-hour commercial Wednesday night about the costs of his programs and the crushing budget pressures he would face in office.

Obama’s assertion that “I’ve offered spending cuts above and beyond” the expense of his promises is accepted only by his partisans. His vow to save money by “eliminating programs that don’t work” masks his failure throughout the campaign to specify what those programs are – beyond the withdrawal of troops from Iraq.

The Associated Press seems to think Barry misled viewers on several areas in his Super Terrific Happy Half Hour propaganda piece.  Let’s look at a few:

• Health care costs – Obama claimed his plan would lower costs by $2500 per year per family, but it doesn’t.  In fact, Obama can’t point to any particular cost reductions.  He plans to spend $50 billion over five years on modernization and chronic-disease prevention and presumes that this will lower costs in the future, but in the meantime it raises costs at least in the short run on everyone (the $50 billion doesn’t come out of thin air).
• The Pay-Go of his plans – No, he hasn’t demonstrated that he’s found the revenue for his spending, despite his claims last night.  Non-partisan analysts believe that his spending programs will add at least $428 billion to the deficit in his first term, and that’s if you accept his non-specific pledge to cut spending in other areas.
• Tax cuts for working class families – Before the commercial aired, he had already begun backing away from that idea because of the financial crisis, although Obama didn’t acknowledge it in the ad.
• The “right” to affordable health care – Obama doesn’t guarantee coverage in any of his plans, at least not for adults.
• Getting out of Iraq – Obama noted that the US spends $10 billion a month in Iraq and talked again about “bringing that war to a close” — but he’s backed away from his previous pledges to get out on a strict 16-month timetable, which is as fast as the remaining units can be properly withdrawn.

Whew.  Thank God we didn’t miss much.  Except for the usual lack of truth by B. Hussein Obama.

A quick hit on tonight’s yawner…further thoughts may come…

I thought Obama won the “window dressing” aspect of tonight’s debate.  McCain seemed focused on addressing the debate as a “town hall,” as the format was supposed to do, but in reality we are clearly in an era of TV.   Barry, I believe, capitalized on this very well.  Not only did he pander to the physical audience, he was well aware of the viewing audience.  Sadly, this is what people in TV land focus on:  Style, no substance.

And speaking of substance, I thought the debate was fairly even if not McCain coming out a little ahead.  He was better prepared on the economic issues than he was in the past, especially since the last debate.  He had his hic-cups at times but if a true independent listened they should have heard what he was saying.  I thought he absolutely bitch slapped Obama on foreign policy.  Unfortunately, because he is the Republican nominee, no matter what he said on the economy he is going to fall on the sword and receive the blame in that regard.

With Obama, well, he really has no substance.  He has no record.  He is morally and ethically bankrupt and whose sole desire is to be President.  An empty suit that looks good in it.

With that said, a win on the visual for Obama and a squeaky win on substance for McCain is still a win for Obama at this point.  So after tonight he moves a little closer to the presidency.   I still believe, just like my friend zulubuff, that when it comes down to the privacy of that voting booth, people aren’t voting for B. Hussein Obama.  Indeed we will find out in 27 and half days.