Though Gov. Sarah PalinâÄôs performance during ThursdayâÄôs debate was not stellar, the Republicans are breathing a sigh of relief. With Palin back on the sidelines her folksy demeanor wonâÄôt have much more than a lukewarm effect on the remainder of the campaign. But if John McCainâÄôs sparkle-eyed Sarah was merely a tactic, what sort of strategy does he have in store to win skeptical swing voters and narrow his growing gap? Have his mindless Maverick tricks proved that he is he just a stale slippery fish? After each debate, campaign analysts make note of gray responses, where candidates trip on specifics. This results in carefully planned answers for the next match, forcing the parties to draw out hard details on the issues. Some of the uncertain areas in ThursdayâÄôs debate were on issues like the economy, budget proposals, global warming, gay marriage, tax cuts, the Middle East, surge principles, education and their appeal to Main Street, America. The United StatesâÄô financial turmoil sprung out onto a global scheme over the weekend, meaning candidates are not only going to face specific questions on how to solve the national economic crisis, but Tom Brokaw, tonightâÄôs moderator, will probably go into the details of how a now-global disaster will play into their budgets. At the last debate, McCain proposed a spending freeze. When faced with the same question, Barack Obama was reluctant to answer âÄî not wanting to choose areas of spending that would limit his proposal for change. With about two weeks since their last performance, they have had ample time to look into their budgets, what will they be forced to cut and how will they pick up the pieces in Washington? Sen. Joe Biden nailed Palin with some tough comebacks throughout the vice presidential debate. One of his strongest points hit on policy reform. âÄúThe issue is, how different is John McCainâÄôs policy going to be than George BushâÄôs? I havenâÄôt heard anything yet,âÄù Biden said. Continuing a long strain of âÄúI havenâÄôt heard âĦâÄù phrases is a successful repetitive debate style that Biden often uses. Tonight, we expect McCainâÄôs response to these questions. The best chance he has to gain ground in the next month lies in his efforts to put a few bullets in his plan of reform and concretely state specific points that will differentiate him from the failures of the current presidency. Because according to Biden, âÄúso far, (McCainâÄôs plan) is the same as George BushâÄôs. And you know where that policy has taken us.âÄù PalinâÄôs hardest blow was on ObamaâÄôs proposed tax increases, stating that, âÄúBarack had 94 opportunities to side on the peopleâÄôs side and reduce taxes and 94 times he voted to increase taxes or not support a tax reduction.âÄù Biden retorted that âÄúthe charge is absolutely not true. Barack Obama did not vote to raise taxes.âÄù He snapped that, in fact, âÄúJohn McCain voted the same way.âÄù Though Biden was quick-witted with smart responses, Obama still needs to make his tax plan clear for swing voters. In their last debate, they both held strong opinions on their strategies for the war in Iraq. Will their perspectives be the same, or have their foreign policy advisers given them new advice? This is an important policy that both will need to immediately implement in office. So, McCain is a military vet, but does he really know how to win a war? Not only does the war effect our government spending, it also puts our ties with foreign nations at risk. Our friendships are already being tested in a world that is falling into a global financial crisis that stemmed out of our pockets due to free and unrestricted capital policies. Tonight, we need to hear answers that will reinforce America as a leader that will take charge to frame the new markets, which will be proactive in the debate on energy, and issues like Russia and the volatile situation in the Middle East. With only 28 days left, our patience and our wallets are wearing thin. Sorry to say, but we will not accept a flurry of words as an answer. Candidates: It is time to be specific.