What is behind Obama's "say it to my face" gambit? Watch this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAyK-enrF1g <== watch this video

I think Obama had a smackdown ready for any Ayers or Jeremiah Wright idiocy coming out of McCain at the debate the other night. McCain, wisely, didn't go there. Or maybe that information didn't make it to the notes he jotted down at the start of the debate. It's a long walk from backstage to the high chair on stage. A lot of water can spill out of a full cup if you walk too fast.

Anyway, I think Obama was disappointed that McCain didn't try any personal smears that night and threw out the "say it to my face" challenge to get a second shot at this. Why would this be so important to Obama? I don't think it's because it's personal to him. I think his campaign wants to see McCain goaded into anger, to show what a bad idea it is for this man to become president.

The reasoning behind such a strategy can be gleaned from this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAyK-enrF1g
It's titled "John McCain's Rage is a National Security Concern" and it features quite un-clubby testimony from former senator Dennis DeConcini of Arizona, McCain's one-time mentor in the senate.

Wednesday. He is going to challenge McCain to say it to his face.

And I'm betting it pisses McCain off but good.

Literally, I think McCain will try to punch him, with Obama sidestepping his ungraceful paw and then McCain stumbles on stage.

I'm not kidding now.

saying "whoops, there you go, you all right?" and McCain would look like the doddering old man he is.

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/10/obama_why_wont_mccain_bring_up.php

From TPM, which everyone should read before coming to DU