Barack Obama is a smart young buck. At 47, he’s doing his part to target younger voters. He recently purchased space in “Madden NFL 09.” And NBA Live 08. And Need For Speed: Carbon. Online gamers will see his ads in the form of billboards.

And you wonder why only 18 percent of young voters find John McCain inspiring.

But McCain has noticed what Obama is doing. And in an effort to catch the attention of the young, video-game voters, McCain has launched his own gamer campaign.

Right after last night’s debates, sources say McCain took an Atari game console out and challenged young voters to several games of “Pong.” The Republican nominee lost to two 18-year-old boys, then fell asleep during the third match against a 20-year-old.

In the land of video games, the only message appropriate for McCain at this point would be GAME OVER.

Obama rules the NBA Live 08 hardwood.

Obama rules the streets of Need for Speed: Carbon.