When We Get Done Bombing Iran, Don't Forget to Shoot Grandma Before the Government Takes Her Money

Obama may be doing McCain a favor by declining his offer for 10 joint town hall appearances. Despite the popular conception that the format is McCain's forte, it has also proved his Achilles' heel. Remember last year at that town hall in South Carolina, where McCain started singing (as a joke of course) to the tune of the Beach Boys' "Barbara Ann" — "Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb bomb Iran." (Geeze, it was so funny then, I'm still crying as I type this.)

Well, today, a disjointed, warbling and at times defensive McCain appeared at a town hall in Denver aimed at showcasing his economic plan. Responding to a question about the estate tax, McCain worried what would happen if the estate tax repeal was allowed to expire at the end of 2010 as scheduled.

"I'm afraid there might be a lot of unexplained deaths on Dec. 31 or Sept. 30 or whatever it is," he quipped, flashing an impish grin, and adding: "I'm not pointing at mothers-in-law." Of course, you weren't Johnny, but then, again, we can never be too vigilant when it comes to keeping money out of the national treasury -- even if it means cracking a few skulls from time to time.

P.S. I'm officially deeming this the campaign of the great "Jackie O dress-off." Michelle Obama started strong, no doubt, with her fabulous shifts and silhouette suits. But score one for Cindy McCain today with her green belted dress and pearls right out of the pages of Women's Wear Daily circa 1963. With potential first ladies like these, it's going to be hard to remember which decade we're living in.