With one presidential and one vice presidential debate behind us, a pattern is emerging: each time, the Democratic candidate has come to the table armed with facts and policy proposals, while the Republican catered to pundits and the public with an amalgam of attitude and atmospherics, colloquialisms and avoidance-by-way-of-personal-anecdote.

And in tomorrow’s town hall meeting in Nashville, John McCain will be on his home turf. McCain’s been described as the “master of the town hall,” and Nashville may present his last, best hope of wresting the momentum from Barack Obama. Rest assured, he’ll be in fighting form.

Obama, who has been criticized by opponents for being “aloof” and “professorial,” may have his work cut out for him. But his laid-back, unflappable demeanor and his down-to-earth lifestyle create an excellent opportunity to connect with the voters in the room and those watching on television. Here’s what he needs to do to capitalize:
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