I think Vieira's observation is spot on. One of the biggest differences in the two candidates running for office this year is the 'calmness' factor. Today's world is full of crises that would cause panic in someone who acts without thinking. McCain's record and public behavior shows a history of rash judgment, short temper, and erratic behavior. Obama has demonstrated his ability to remain calm and act responsibly in the face of enormous pressure.

Yes, but Vieria is saying that "erratic" is somehow a code word for "old", and there is no reason to believe that at all.  McCain has been erratic and his age has nothing to do with it, in my opinion.

My bad, that's what I get for being excited about commenting first.

It was Obama himself who correctly labeled McCain 'erratic' and Vieira is way off base here.

Scoreboard so far:

Obama, Tommy: +1

Vieira, Kyle:  -1

Kind of like saying Michelle Obama is "uppity" but NOT because of her race.  Sure, I buy it.

If I overhear a stranger referring to another stranger as "uppity," I automatically think that race could likely be a factor.

If I overhear a stranger referring to another stranger as "erratic," I don't automatically think that age is a factor.

I don't think I'm unusual in that.  Vieira is stretching, and so are you.

They hollered the same way with "lost his bearings".

How is calling McCain erratic is a smear about his age. A smear about his age would mention his age. This is a comment, echoed by republicans and Democrats alkie tha McCain is erratic in a crisis. Watching how he "suspended his campaign, or even picked Plain as his running mate shows that he's erratic in a crisis. 

McCain is erratic , but it is not his age. By the way since when do we care what Joe Scarborough and Chris Matthews believe?

Palindrone Twit is erratic, too.  Is she old?

As a matter of fact, there are witnesses who state that Grampy has been erratic most of his life.

Agism would be referring to him as "senile" (which he probably is) or calling him an old fart (which he definitely is).

NERZOG:  I resent, RESENT, do you hear, your called John McCain an "old fart". I am an old fart and it is insulting to all old farts that we could be compared to an old fart like John McCain.  Having consulted three dictionaries (one in French) I failed to find "erratic" meaning "old".  There is "old", "too old", or "not old enough".  "Gee, Mr. Maddog, seventy-three isn't old." "Golly, no, Mr. Maddog, you're not "too old" for me to go out with you."  "Sorry, Maddog, your date is "not old enough" to drink in my bar."  

Yes, but Meredith Vieira thinks that you're erratic, just because you're old.  Isn't that soooo age-ist?

Maddog your no John McCain-------and thank goodness!  Good luck with that date!

erratic is singing "bomb bomb iran" in front of cameras, knowing he's doing it.  why inflame a situation?  as stupid a remark as "bring it on".

It's "analysis" like Vieira's which has made me swear off commercial "news." It's NPR Radio that I go to for responsible, respectful, shout-free, in-depth, commercial-free reporting.

But I'm sorry to say that NPR Radio is not immune from silly right-wing talking points. Just today, on Morning Edition, I heard host Steve Inskeep characterizing the "erratic" adjective as "referring to his age." I was most disappointed in Inskeep for (doubtless unwittingly) playing to the right-wing crowd.

Even the great NPR Radio bears monitoring.

Looks like Vieira has answered the question, "Who wants to be a millionaire?" with "I DO! I DO!"