I will be liveblogging the debate!

Its on! Both Senators McCain and Obama will be present for the first of three presidential debates, to be held tonight @ 9:00 pm EST - so in about an hour according to my time zone calculations.

Now - here's my preliminary thoughts. Obviously, the Government bailout of the financial sector, which will plan on buying up all of these ridiculous mortage-backed securities and derivatives has taken up almost the entire news cycle this week, with late night debates yesterday evening and then a complete disintegration of bipartisanship efforts to dress up this very poison-pill of an expenditure.

So, pardon me if I am a bit "worn-out" by all this bickering about the economy. The market was up over 100 points by the closing bell - obviously the passing of the bill is not as time-crucial as Treasury Secretary Paulson and Chairman Bernacke have painted it, it seems more like the classic Bush-style panic-plan. Obviously we need to do something dramatic, and do it soon - but I read the bill in its original form - it was blatantly unconstitutional - giving unprecedented amounts of power to the Treasury department and immunity from all congressional and judicial oversight... blatantly unconstitutional, as I said...

Anyway, I'm just sick of hearing about it and trying to think about it. Obviously, it will have to come up in some way or another - we can't just ignore it... but I am really really hoping this isn't going to be 2 hours of "debate the banking crisis."

Indeed, it would be very refreshing to hear about foreign policy, troop reduction plans, especially I am interested in the seeing the reserve both men have for continuing and making headway into the bitterly neglected Afghanistan operations.

As many neowhigs have direct and first-hand knowledge of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and our so called "Global War on Terror" - as soldiers, marines, pilots and players of the PS2s in the Blackwater chill-tents, you know - heroes.

(Please, no hysterics - and please do not confuse me as someone who is not proud of our troops for slight sarcasm) -- the troops, indeed, are generally of my age and my socio-economic group (yeah, I'm poor, ok?). I know this is an oft-cited chickenhawk cop-out to why they themselves don't enlist -- "well, health problems..." but if I didn't have massive congenital heart defects I would be in special training in a nuclear submarine right now.

Anyway, I seem to have lost track of my point. Ah yes, we are very proud, in the Modern Whig Party, of being the party that is not only "for the troops," but is fundamentally comprised of the troops.

Of course, I would like to really learn what they feel the role of the US military is in the 21st century, where the future of conflicts might be headed, where developments need to be made and hopefully places where bloat can be cut.

Now I think they will both have a bit of hard talk towards Iran, as well as the now crumbling failed-state-with-nukes Pakistan. However, I fear McCain will demonstrate no real leadership - I imagine "listen to the generals; situation on the ground determines actions..." will be a common line of reasoning with McCain.

Unfortunately for McCain, Americans tend to like new ideas over old ideas that are largely unsuccessful. Obama may be able to provide new answers to the old problems we're saddled with these days (thanks Dubya!).

Oh crap its about to start! Be Back Soon!