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.