Just five days before Election Day, the polls are tightening (although you wouldn’t know it from watching CNN).  McCain has closed the gap and I believe he has the Obama campaign exactly where he wants them heading into the final weekend.  That said, it’s historically very difficult for a campaign that’s consistently been behind to play catch-up before Election Day.  So, the boards don’t bode well for McCain in that sense. But as the feisty McCain says, it ain’t over ‘til it’s over.

Where I’m more concerned – and bear with me for a moment – is if McCain wins.

Why?

The main stream Media has already been dancing in the end zone for an Obama victory, which I believe is highly, highly irresponsible.  The Media is setting the Nation up for a potentially dramatic Election Day, which means if John McCain actually wins and Barack Obama loses (perish the thought!), then mark my words there will be hell to pay.

If McCain wins he will be, in effect, “robbing” the Obama supporters of the Victory they have already been promised by the Media. I don’t think it’s a stretch to suggest there might be protests in the streets – after all, Barack Obama did tell everyone to take the day off of work, right?

And I’m not referring to African Americans.  I’m neither racist nor that simple-minded.  I’m referring to the beatnik slackers who usually strap on their bandanas, throw bricks through Starbucks' windows, and protest the International financial summits.  The ones who delight in protesting to the backdrop of their favourite tracks of Rage Against the Machine.

I feel for McCain.  I also admire him for his willingness to continue the fight and take on this daunting task.  I wonder if the McCain camp has even begun to plan for this contingency.  Because either way, it’s a potential “lose.”  He either loses outright on Election Day, or he becomes the one person who has robbed millions of angry Americans of their dream.  As the potential President-elect, it will then be up to McCain to unify a terribly divided country facing an already terribly bleak economy. Not an enviable position.

A word of caution to the Media: you have an ethical responsibility to report the Election news, not to create the news.  You have a responsibility to produce coverage that does not incite riots.  McCain is right, it AIN’T over ‘til it’s over.  And although protesting in the streets may make for good ratings next week, I implore you to put country above self.   

For the good of the country, let the people speak on Tuesday.  Then the end zone is all yours.