Play Chess.

As I sit here on Sunday (my birthday) watching an encore presentation and homage to Tim Russert of "Meet The Press" from last week (6/08/08), I realize that everything the panel is saying with respect to the demise of the Clinton campaign, contains all the lessons practically gift boxed for John McCain. All he has to do is step away from their egos and learn.

It's obvious the Obama team has done their homework. Democrat, republican or independent can't deny his people have it together. The most recent news that his campaign is courting the Evangelicals is nothing short of brilliant. Mr. McCain, your base is slowly getting eaten away from right behind you. Obviously, those running Obama's show (and perhaps even the candidate himself) play a mean game of chess. Anyone who knows the game knows exactly what I'm saying, because these are classic winning moves. It's also obvious the McCain camp doesn't play and probably thinks they're far too busy and/or way above all that to focus on such a ridiculous notion. Remember the film, "War Games", where the key to winning the game was to teach the master computer the most important lesson by playing the most basic of games, tic-tac-toe? "The only winning solution is not to play." Of course, that was a completely different game entirely, but it always boils down to the lowest common denominator. Don't tell me what the chair is made of before you tell me how comfortable it is. Classic sales strategy.

The McCain camp is making the most basic mistakes any chess player would laugh at. Get your opponent to move his men over here while you're destroying his army over there. Also, pawns are not to be taken lightly and your king should be used sparingly. The whole game is a metaphor that teaches very important life lessons. I should like to remind those who plan the war that the game of chess was invented by the Iranians.

Let me be blunt: John McCain has an ego. Having worked in Hollywood for as long as I have coddling oversized celebrity egos, it's easy to see. I know first hand ego is a terrible, terrible thing. Those who think their stuff don't stink emit the foulest stench of them all and always are the first to make the most foolish mistakes. Watching "Meet The Press" and listening to an entire panel analyze the Clinton's biggest mistakes including taking the leaders of the party and the voters themselves for granted was the beginning of the end for them. Watch and learn Mr. McCain. Arnold Schwarzenegger once said you could make the best film in the world but it would mean nothing if you don't promote it properly. Take notes, senator. You're losing.

I can clearly see it, and I believe the majority of Americans can too. Step out of your skin and your ego for a minute and look at everything objectively. If I were you, I'd take the gloves off because times are going to get even more desperate. Your opponent already has almost a 10 point lead ahead of you in the polls. Recent history has shown us he'll keep it. Stop telling yourself anything else except, "I'm losing. I need to change course, NOW."

I'd tell the world the truth, if I were you. He's not agreeing to debate because he's afraid. Do we really want a wimp running things right now? One of his own supporters General Wesley Clark said last week on "Morning Joe" that if he were advising the new president on how to handle the war in Iraq, he'd tell them he should talk to General David Patraeus...and to... WAIT. STOP THE WORLD! The last time I looked, YOU spoke to General Patraeus in person on numerous occasions, and Barack Obama hasn't in over 3 years. I'd work the room on that one.

Destroy his pawns. It is possible for pawns to checkmate the king. Break his economic plan down piece by piece and destroy it.

It's hard to look at someone you're almost twice as old as and realize you're losing this war on the presidency, but the first step is coming to the conclusion that this is what is happening and it will only get worse. Then, get over it and move. Surround him. Some very smart chess moves in the process could make the difference between your checkmating him or the reverse will happen to you unless you do something...ELSE.

Ron Maestri
www.ronmaestri.com