Bush: The elephant in the room

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/10/07/art.bush.e.gi.jpg caption="Neither candidate mentioned their running mates."]

(CNN)– During the first debate, Barack Obama mentioned President Bush ten times. Many of the references tied him to John McCain - who never mentioned the name of the current commander-in-chief.

Tonight, the Republican nominee pointed to Bush three times – but only to highlight the policies where he parted ways with the president. Obama brought up President Bush twice as often.

Not mentioned? Either man’s running mate.