Driving around Northern Virginia this afternoon, the superiority of the Obama machine to the McCain operation was plain to see.

Obama’s placed youngsters holding banners, some holding very big banners, supporting the Democratic nominee at key spots along major roads. They wave the banners and wave hello at motorists.

There have been thousands of campaign signs planted in the grass next to every road over the last several months, and by now they’re just part of the scenery.

The waving kids, however, make you look. It’s like they’re holding a bake sale or a car wash.

The tactic, which is new to me, is also a far more efficient use of manpower — or kidpower — than door-to-door canvassing at this late hour.