The likely big loser in tonight's debate

I'll watch tonight's presidential debate with some reluctance. I'm afraid it's going to get nasty. Followers of my previous blog know that I had written months ago that if McCain and Obama won their parties' nominations, we might witness something rarely seen in presidential politics in my lifetime — a civil campaign.

Looks like I was wrong. Both candidates have abandoned civility in favor of the tried-and-true attacks on opponents' veracity, integrity, philosophy, morality, judgment, political records and private lives. The rhetoric on the campaign trail has grown more harsh in the past week, and this promises to carry over into tonight's debate.

Neither candidate can come out ahead. If Obama turns into an attack dog, he repudiates the clean, respectful image he has touted since his campaign began. If McCain turns into a snarling Doberman, he risks playing into critics' contention that he is impulsive, self-righteous and a little bit mean. Both candidates need to avoid these pitfalls, but both are probably being advised that they can't afford to play Mr. Nice Guy.

The biggest loser will be the American voter. The first presidential debate and the vice presidential debate drew huge audiences. Americans will likely tune in tonight to help make up their minds for their task four weeks from today. If the debate turns out to be little more than "you're a jerk" and "you're another one," the American people lose. And our best opportunity for a clean, insightful, principled presidential campaign will be lost.