Since Palin came to the fore, the Republicans have been gaining ground in the Character Polls. Although Obama has been previously criticized for lacking concrete policies, focusing too much on the serious issues at this stage will lose potential votes.

In addition to the complete lack of content in his speech, John McCain didn't wear a flag pin! He must not be a patriot! The Republicans made a big fuss about the flag pin earlier in the campaign... can we do the same?

Is the only service to this country's values, performed in a military uniform?
McCain's service is noble, patriotic and deserving of praise.
However, that does not give his campaign the right to belittle Barack Obama's serivce to this country as a community organizer, who helped low income families find housing.
This piggy backs off of using patriotism as a bludgeon.

No more should McCain be referred to as a hero or someone who loves his country. That day has passed. McCain is a Senator just like Obama and Biden. Remind voters of this at EVERY single opportunity!

It seems that the republicans will be playing McCain's patriotism to death in an effort to contrast it with Obama's different background. To counter that Obama's campaign should emphasize Obama's public service and present his leadership in those cases.