Lt. Commander John McCain Reporting for Duty

Jimmy P. at the RNC—Tonight, John McCain has to pretend he's walking into an aircraft carrier "ready room" full of concerned aviators waiting to hear what exactly the mission is and how they can accomplish it. America needs to hear The Prosperity Plan and how it will lead to economic victory:

From the campaign's perspective, the key points McCain needs to hit hard tonight:

1) Energy - lowering gas prices through more supply.

2) Energy - achieving independence and security.

3) Energy - transitioning to the post-hydrocarbon economy.

4) Energy - How Obama's "green energy plan" would keep prices high and choke the economy and kill our global competitiveness.

5) How each of Obama's tax increases would get passed along to the middle class and slow the economy.

6) How each of his own tax proposals would help the middle class. Make mention, for instance, that his corporate tax cut would increase worker wages, keep good jobs at home, and help America compete with rising Asia.

7) How Obama's spending is untenable when we are facing budget deficits closer to $1 trillion than to zero.

8) Be able to explain his healthcare plan in simple terms.

9) Growth over redistribution.

10) Prosperity over equality.