Last night was the vice presidential debate between Senator Biden and Governor Palin.  Each did a strong job of talking to the American people and making the case why their ticket will be better for the American people — with an emphasis on the middle class.  They did that relatively well, but they failed to do something else.

Neither candidate looked into the camera and asked the American people to get involved.

Both candidates have a deep understanding of what is required to keep our military strong since each have a son in the Armed Forces.  However, at a time of tight budgets and uncertainty, why not ask people to join together, take shared responsibility and work to fill needs in their communities?  Why not emphasize that citizens need to be active contributors during times like these.  When college affordability was discussed, why not discuss scholarships in exchange for those who take up service in our schools, communities, and infrastructure projects?

Maybe this is expecting too much.  But both candidates repeatedly acknowledged the failings of private and public institutions.  That is even more reason we should be creating more ways to ‘bet’ on the American people to help our country get back on course by encouraging and offering opportunities to get involved in our shared challenges.

Maybe next Tuesday when Senators McCain and Obama reconvene this will be discussed.

We’re in some tumultuous times with plenty of uncertainty.  Citizens are frustrated with Congress and the President who each have horrid approval ratings; our leaders are struggling to pass bailout legislation at this critical hour (for the second go-around).  Yet citizens are eager — they are clamoring — to start coming together behind solutions.

If I were at one of those two podiums this evening, I would emphasize service as a way to create jobs, bring folks together, and get real work done that our country needs.  Couldn’t be a better time to talk about job-creating, cost-effective, proven solutions that more service opportunities would create.   Think about infrastructure needs; think about green jobs that can help bolster the labor industry by training workers to renovate and install equipment to make houses and offices more energy efficient; think about the dropout crisis and the need for tutors and mentors.

We saw this work once with the Civilian Conservation Corps that simultaneously addressed unemployment and challenges with our forests/infrastructure.

I hope the candidates aren’t ’small’ tonight, but rise to the challenge and strike a cord with what a moment like this needs – boldness and a willingness to call upon the American people to get involved.  No, they aren’t the leader of the ticket, but they are on the national stage tonight at a defining moment for this race and our country.

Be bold and have strong ideas.  Experience or no experience, that will resonate with the American people.

Senator John McCain recently unveiled his national service proposals on his campaign website:

John McCain will create a Service to America initiative to strengthen the teaching and understanding of American history, culture and core ideas, and to inspire Americans to serve causes greater than their own self interest. Civic participation by citizens over a lifetime, working in neighborhoods and communities, and service of all kinds – military and civilian; full-time or part-time; and national or international – can renew America’s civic purpose and heal our fractured patriotism.

In addition the site also prominently announces that Senator McCain is an orginal Co-Sponsor of the Kennedy-Hatch Serve America Act.  The bill would expand AmeriCorps by 175,000 annual service slots; expand Service Learning opportunities; encourage social entrepreneurship; establish a Civic Health Index; create Serve America and Encore Fellowships; launch a Volunteer Generation Fund; expand Volunteers for Prosperity and the Peace Corps.