Although the Town Hall forum debate at Belmont University wasn't all that scintillating, a few sharp contrasts stood out between the two combatants. What emerged from the discussion was the fact that Sen. McCain for the most part can admit mistakes, and he learns from them. By contrast, Sen. Obama is incapable of owning up to inexperience and bad judgment, so he seems doomed to repeat his blunders.

Obama still doesn't get it that people drive the economy, not government bureaucrats. In fact, the increases in regulations and taxes that he endorses will devastate small businesses, overall employment, and economic growth. On the one hand, McCain favors more freedom for folks that work hard and pay more than their fair share of taxes.

On the other hand, Obama wants Americans to depend on red tape riddled, dysfunctional, unresponsive, soul numbing government programs, while he lives high on the hog and pulls the strings. His ego would force him to generate a recession, or even a depression, due to the fact that he ignores historical lessons.

It's laughable how Obama lashes out against corporate and government greed, when he has been bought and paid for by corporate donors and lobbyists. He also played a big role in the reckless spending of Congress, and lax oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. He has benefited from greed and power, while he has returned the favor in the other direction. He has learned how to hustle and lie so smoothly, that con artistry has moved beyond second nature, to an all consuming first nature.

In contrast, McCain learned from the bad judgment of the Keating scandal in the 1980's, and has battled for reform and transparency in government since then. He has done his best to put America first, despite a few lapses here and there. He wants Americans to be free to choose their education, health care, and how they invest their money. Obama wants to resurrect a morally bankrupt nanny state socialism, while McCain wants to unleash the endless potential and talents of the American people.

You can't teach a socialist new tricks, yet Obama pretends to triangulate towards the center in order to fool the voters. His phony tough honcho act just doesn't cut it regarding Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and the war on terror. Can you picture the leaders of rogue states trembling in their boots as Obama lectures them to alter their behavior? Kind of hard to visualize, isn't it? He arrogantly thinks that his sound and fury will scare them silly.

On the other hand, McCain has vast experience in solving problems, and he has forged his character on many levels through over fifty years of service to his country. Like most Americans, he knows that greater energy independence can enhance our national security. He understands that there are a few renegade regimes that only respect forceful sanctions and ultimatums. These states negotiate from a perspective of deceit, and view diplomacy as just a game to win. Obama can't seem to get his head around the threats posed by outlaw states.

Hopefully, the McCain/Palin team will more assertively define to the voters the stark contrasts between their character, experience, and leadership versus the deficits of the Democratic candidates. At the same time, McCain/Palin need to start closing the deal as to how and where they would lead this great nation into the future with a platform of fiscal accountability, individual liberty, reform, and economic buoyancy. May God bless them as they labor over the next four weeks on the campaign trail.