The Hiller Instinct: Presidential Debate Preview

Which is exactly what McCain must do? So here are some tips for how he can do it, and some hints for how Obama can hold on. Like the candidate, McCain's stump speech is getting a little long in the tooth.

So the first thing McCain needs tonight is some new material...to freshen up his image. There are some things he's said so often he should simply not say them again...like, "It's well-known that I have not been elected miss congeniality in the United States Senate nor with the administration."

In the first debate, McCain never looked directly at Obama. Instead, he looked down or away...and it made McCain look small.

Tonight he should look at Obama eye-to-eye...this is after all a face-to-face showdown.

This is a picture of last ditch effort to win a football game and turn defeat into victory

It's called a "Hail Mary" and McCain could use one tonight. He already signaling where the throw may go: "What does he plan for America? In short: who is the real Barack Obama?"

Who's the real Barack Obama? May be the only question left blocking your way to the White House and you can seal the deal by answering it, not by continually praising McCain as you did in the first debate:

"McCain is absolutely right..." Obama said at least 3 times.

Hint number two: Show us your sense of humor. We know you have one...remember when you were asked whether Bill Clinton was the first black president:

Obama said, "I would have to investigate more Bill's dancing abilities, you know, some of this other stuff before I accurately judged whether he was in fact a brother.'' Most importantly tonight: stay out of the mud. McCain may want to go there, and you know why:

"That's what you do when you're out of touch, out of ideas and running out of time." Obama said

The economic turmoil is trouble for John McCain. The economy is not his strength, and foreign policy--which is--is the forgotten issue of this campaign. Add in the unpopularity of the president and the conclusion is clear: McCain needs a big win tonight.

I'm Andy Hiller and that's my instinct.