Plumb crazy

Tom Waseleski

Who is Joe the Plumber and how can I get him to fix the drip in my kitchen? Joe was the unseen third man in this debate and, frankly, I was tired of hearing about him.

Here is who and what we should have heard more about:

1. George Bush. John McCain told Barack Obama that he's not Bush, but the record doesn't support him.

2. Sarah Palin. Obama could have nailed McCain on his first lethal mistake as a potential president -- putting politics over qualification in choosing a vice president -- but he didn't.

3. Litmus tests.  Obama gave a long and nuanced explanation that abortion would not be a test for his Supreme Court picks. For better or worse, it was totally unconvincing. He'll choose based on abortion rights.

4. Health care. McCain's plan will leave more Americans uncovered than ever. $5,000 per individual won't buy as much care as the group policies purchased by employers. Then he would tax the value of our company insurance policies? Thanks, but no thanks.

One final thing. John McCain needs a reality check on Palin's commitment to special-needs children. I'm sure she loves her infant son and is devoted to his care and nurturing. But as the governor of Alaska she has been clueless, if not callous, on the environmental hazards that can lead to birth defects. Check out this report from The New Republic.

How did you size up the final debate?