One Down, 21 More To Go....

Spring training's over. Starting on 6/3, the Obama v. McCain contest began in earnest. So, what did we learn from the first real week of the general-election campaign?

--Identity politics: Even after 16 mos, 22 debates and millions spent on TV ads, voters still don't know much about Obama. This gives McCain a unique (but rapidly closing) window of opportunity to define him. Sure, Obama's got the issue enviro on his side, but if he's not seen as a credible messenger, it won't matter. Will "fightthesmear.com" help the Obama camp crush rumors or simply help to spread them?

--Speak Easy: What should we make of Obama's reluctance to put town-hall debates on his calendar? Sure, it's McCain's turf. But as we saw from the GOPer's faltering NY performance last p.m., it's not w/out its risks. Even so, an unscripted format also means there's a greater chance that flag pins and Rev. Wright will dominate the conversation instead of the economy or Iraq.

--"Change" = More of the Same: Both cands want to own the "change" mantle, and style themselves as unconventional aisle-crossers. But on the No. 1 issue of the day - the economy - neither has shown a willingness to challenge traditional party orthodoxy.