It seems that I have taken my own sweet time in getting around to writing about all the not-very-interesting things the two presidential candidates said about Russia last night, and that many other bloggers have already issued their opinions. Although there was certainly more time spent talking about Russia than at any other moment of this entire campaign, we still did not hear much that was new. Sen. John McCain issued his trademark line to differentiate himself from George Bush about seeing the letters “K, G, and B” in the eyes of Vladimir Putin (I have lost count how many times he has said this), and commented that with regard to the war in Georgia, Russia “must understand that these kinds of actions and activities are not acceptable and hopefully we will use the leverage, economic, diplomatic and others united with our allies, with our allies and friends in Europe who are equally disturbed as we are about their recent behaviors.” Obama did not parrot McCain exactly, as some appear willing to conclude. OK, let’s be frank: although many estimate that Obama won the debate, he was absolutely slaughtered by McCain on the Russia issues, appeared visibly uncomfortable, and attempted to steer the discussion toward issues he was more comfortable with (like chasing down Bin Laden). McCain, on his behalf, appeared to relax for the first time throughout the night once he was given a chance to talk about Russia, and coasted from there to a stronger finish. Nevertheless, for all the delights of the American democratic process as showcased by this debate, voters were not enlightened in terms of any new clear or incisive ideas or solutions about how to handle problems in the U.S.-Russia relationship.