While John McCain reiterated the same tired old strategies and tactics (I know the difference, too) that have led to the mess in Iraq, the cynical fleecing of the American middle class, the loss of credibility overseas, the resurgence of al-Qaida, the collapse of the housing market, the torture of prisoners at the hands of Americans, 4,000 American deaths and counting, and the mishandling of Iran and North Korea, Senator Barack Obama took a different tack.

He showed a gracious composure under attack, a familiarity with foreign policy, an insistence on reigning in heartless corporations, a dedication to the protection of our middle class, and a plan for real change in this country that is long overdue.

Is there anyone out there with less than seven homes and 13 cars that feels better off than they were eight years ago?

Don’t even get me started on Sarah Palin and the kind of judgment and thought processes that produced that choice. Let’s wait for the vice presidential debate, if it ever really happens, to see how she does against Joe Biden.