I think that McCain's ad can be very effective

The one where he talks about his father and grandfather in the military and, of course, his service and capture in Vietnam (I don't know if this ad runs everyplace or only in "battleground states.")

It really does not surprise me that he chooses to highlight his roots while leaving other voters to wonder about Obama.

After all, when not thinking about the millions who came to this country bound and sold for slavery, the "American Way" has been to trace one's ancestors to, if not the Mayflower, at least to the Civil War.

For most of us, who look at the issues, McCain's history does not matter. But I can see how this could make a difference on many voters. No doubt, many here know family and friends who would be impressed.

On the one hand, a decorative war hero with a tradition of family members who serve the country, on the other hand, someone with no roots who - gasp - does not carry his patriotism on his sleeve.. er, his lapel.

I hope that the Obama campaign is ready for this contrast in images.

:kick:

and... a lot more voters, especially older ones, watch TV than surface the web.

Put it differently, going to his website - where I've never been - requires an action, while watching is ad on TV is very passive.