Obama Opens 14-Point Lead On McCain

For the first time since the general election campaign started John McCain's poll numbers are less then 40%.  A CBS News/New York Times Survey shows a major swing among independents, which may suggest that McCain's strategy may be hurting him.

Twenty-one percent of voters say their opinion of the Republican has changed for the worse in the last few weeks. The top two reasons cited for the change of heart are McCain's attacks on Obama and his choice of Sarah Palin as running mate.

Tonight's debate then is very important for McCain, with 20 days left in the campaign he needs to score a major blow tonight in order to keep his candidacy off  life support. I don't think he can do it, he hasn't shown that he has the ability calmly point out his difference with Obama. If he goes on the attack to strong he will be percieved as desparate and clueless.

Obama just needs to play it cool and not get caught in any gaffes and he should walk away with it.