Ready to Lead

I posted earlier today that Obama is so far ahead in the polls because he has appeared more Presidential than McCain in the past few weeks. Jay Cost of Realclearpolitics.com writes that this is the case because it is easy for Obama to appear calm and collected when the economy, an issue he dominates, is front and center. On that issue, polls show that Obama is seen as more ready to lead on day 1.

From the article:

McCain's job over the next three weeks is to change this perception. If he is to have any chance of victory in an anti-Republican year like this, he needs to be seen as the one "ready to lead" and Obama "unready." Generally speaking, there are three ways to do this. First, he can make himself look more presidential; second, he can make Obama look less so; third, he can employ a combination of the two.

The third way is ideal, and has been done in the past. Bill Clinton did it in 1992 and 1996; George W. Bush did it in 2004. However, despite its many attempts over the last few weeks, the McCain campaign has not hit upon a strategy that does this.