Sen. John McCain began the work of exposing Barack Obama for the far-left, liberal, "empty suit" that he is, following his convincing wins in Wisconsin and Washington state last night. McCain made several direct statements about Obama, but without actually using his name! McCain delivered 12-minute remarks that were concise, pointed, and effective, while Obama's speech last night, after his wins, lasted 45 minutes, delievered in a rambling style that left me thinking - "He has fallen in love with the sound of his own voice." The contrast could not have been more stark, which is what will be true of this Fall's election.

John McCain scored convincing wins in Wisconsin and Washington state Tuesday, moving closer to locking up the GOP nomination. McCain is still short of the 1,191 necessary delegates to clinch the nod, but the decisive margin with which he defeated Mike Huckabee in both states offered evidence that he’s beginning to consolidate support from the party base.

McCain defeated Huckabee by 18 percent in Wisconsin and, with votes still being counted, appeared on his way to winning Washington by over 20 percent.

More encouraging for the Arizona senator, his success in the open Wisconsin primary included some who had previously held back.

According to Badger State exit polls, McCain won among self-identified Republicans by a wider margin than he did overall. And among conservatives, McCain came out on top, 48 percent to Huckabee’s 44 percent. Even those who called themselves “frequent” conservative talk radio listeners – 28 percent of Republican primary voters – strongly supported McCain over Huckabee, 56 percent to 36 percent.

As if recognizing the emphatic message sent by the results, McCain offered only a glancing nod at Huckabee in his victory speech. After praising his nominal GOP rival, McCain set his sights on his likely general election opponent.

“I will fight every moment of every day in this campaign to make sure Americans are not deceived by an eloquent but empty call for change that promises no more than a holiday from history and a return to the false promises and failed policies of a tired philosophy that trusts in government more than people,” McCain said in Columbus, Ohio, aiming squarely at Barack Obama.

Citing recent events in Pakistan, Cuba and Venezuela, McCain also brought up two of Obama’s most provocative foreign policy comments last year.

“Will the next president have the experience, the judgment experience informs, and the strength of purpose to respond to each of these developments in ways that strengthen our security and advance the global progress of our ideals?” McCain asked. “Or will we risk the confused leadership of an inexperienced candidate who once suggested invading our ally, Pakistan, and sitting down without pre-conditions or clear purpose with enemies who support terrorists and are intent on destabilizing the world by acquiring nuclear weapons?”

McCain, 71, also signaled willingness to spotlight his age as a means to underline the inexperience of Obama.

“I’m not the youngest candidate,” McCain said. “But I am the most experienced.”