Good morning, Washington. Like many of you, we couldn’t help but notice that last night’s post-debate spin on the cable networks gave McCain high marks, even though the polls released immediately afterward indicated that viewers overwhelmingly thought Obama had won. Also like many of you we of course noticed that both candidates gave a shout out to D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee (we’ll have more on that shortly). But believe it or not, in the end last night’s final presidential debate really served to remind us that the election itself is right around the corner – at least, we certainly hope these last couple of weeks go by quickly – so this morning we actually started to think about life in D.C. after the election for the first time. What will we all be spending our time reading about and discussing at our favorite watering holes six months from now? How will the city’s demographics immediately change as one administration moves out and another moves in? Add both your post-debate thoughts and your post-election musings in the comments.

Track Problem Caused June Derailment: WTOP has the hot scoop on the upcoming release of the investigation into the Orange line train derailment in June. They say the report shows that a track issue caused the June 9 derailment, in 400 people were stuck in the tunnel for just under two hours between the Rosslyn and Courthouse stations, although thankfully no one was hurt. The report is supposedly being made public in the next few days.

Metro Makes Cuts: Further evidence that everyone is feeling the pinch: The Examiner reports that Metro is cutting 100 jobs in the face of an uncertain economic future thanks to dwindling budgets for the local governments that subsidize the system.

Briefly Noted: Cab driver shot and killed near Fed-Ex field in Landover … PG County officer fires shots at SUV after driver rammed police cruiser … Montgomery County cop pleads guilty to DUI … Police seek elementary school teacher in child porn case.

This Day in DCist: One year ago, the Red Derby was opening in Columbia Heights and the Dalai Lama was in town to receive the congressional gold medal.

Photo by brandonwu