What Obama Should Have Said

I thought last night's debate was fine. The candidates rehashed their positions on a number of issues, and both sounded reasonably well-informed and critiqued each other's record. There were no real headlines, and so a couple of items which should have been subheads carried the day: McCain proposed a big new government program, and the Obamaniacs feigned umbrage when McCain called their man "that one." Yadda, yadda. I call it a draw, basically, which plays to Obamas favor. It's like a scoreless seventh inning: An advantage for the team leading the game.

There was a huge missed opportunity for Barack Obama in last night's debate, though: An e-mail question from a 78-year-old who wanted to know what kind of sacrifices average Americans could make to help today. See the video here. McCain asked people to sacrifice government programs. Blech. Obama started well, but bunted, essentially, when he made the obvious reference to George Bush's infamous call to all Americans to "go shopping." He talked about alternative energy, which was the right direction, but he didn't actually propose any real sacrifices. He moved the runners, but didn't score. He didn't make a clear call that would galvanize people, or better yet, make a big headline to help brand himself. Here's what he should have said:

"Thank you for your question; I think it's a profound one. Americans want to be part of the solution, but aren't sure what one person, what one family can do. But families can make a very big difference that helps the economy, improves national security and makes America greener all at the same time.

Tonight I'm calling on every American who can afford it, to support alternative energy by installing wind or solar power at their home. I think it's the patriotic duty of every wealthy American, and I'm serious about that. Consider it a smart investment in today's markets. You'll get a guaranteed return in the form of decades of green electricity. You'll also be supporting this technology and making more affordable for more Americans. And you'll be helping to employ thousands of Americans in a growing industry, to design, manufacture and install these systems. It's so much better than sending our dollars overseas to buy polluting fossil fuels. And of course, it's exactly the sort of thing we need to do to start solving our climate crisis.

The government is helping, by offering tax incentives to do this; the Senate just approved extending tax credits for new solar installations for seven more years. But many Americans don't have five or ten thousand dollars to "go solar." We're fortunate that there are more than a million millionaires in this country. From this day forward, companies that install these systems should never have a day off. Their phones should be ringing off the hook. Americans need to call this week, this month, and get started on installing solar and wind at home.

If you're fortunate enough that you don't have to worry about the next paycheck; if you don't have to worry where the next house payment is coming from, and your needs are met, this is something you can do now. It will benefit all Americans. It will help our economy, make us more secure, and protect our planet. And I think it's clear right now, you have an obligation to act. Let's go!"

If Obama had said that yesterday, it would be the debate headline on every paper in America today.