John McCain released what his campaign earlier called his “final argument” for the 2008 presidential campaign. “Freedom” stays positive, focusing on McCain’s own qualifications for the presidency and avoiding any mention of his opponents:

I’ve served my country since I was 17 years old. And, spent five years longing for her shores. I came home dedicated to a cause greater than my own.

We can grow our economy. We will cut government waste.

Don’t hope for a stronger America. Vote for one.

Join me.

This works much better than the earlier effort, “Obama praises McCain”. He speaks directly to the nation as he did with his best ads, but only in voice-over. The spot reminds people of McCain’s extraordinary service to this nation and his dedication as a public servant. It exemplifies his theme of “Country First”.

Should this be the last word? I think not. McCain still has 96 hours to run comparative ads highlighting Obama’s lack of experience and his bombshell about opposition to higher tax rates being “selfish”. As a final positive ad, this works well, but I’d give his acceptance speech at the convention higher marks.