Live blogging: Missed opportunities on energy issue

Neither candidate was able to shine during a discussion of energy independence and the environment.

Published October 8, 2008 1:52AM (EDT)

Once again, since the debate has turned to energy issues, I have to ask -- why isn't Barack Obama bringing up Nevada and Yucca Mountain, the proposed nuclear waste storage facility that would be housed in that state? Seems like a wasted opportunity to connect with swing state voters and put a human face on his energy policies.

Neither candidate really scored many points on the energy discussion. Both were a little more halting, a little less fluid than they were in discussing the economy. And while John McCain had an opportunity to get a good jab in on Obama's vote on an energy bill the administration backed, when he took that opportunity he ended up sounding petty and angry.

Speaking of petty and angry -- what's up with Tom Brokaw, who is doing an OK job of keeping the debate under control, but not doing so well at sounding genial while doing it? McCain should probably ratchet down his shots at Brokaw too.


By Alex Koppelman

Alex Koppelman is a staff writer for Salon.

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2008 Elections Barack Obama John Mccain R-ariz.