Tonight was John McCain’s chance to champion Joe the Plumber, and he seized the opportunity with vigor. Whenever conversation veered, he brought it back on track. “We’re talking about Joe the Plumber,” he reminded Barack Obama at one point.

As thrilled as Joe may be, linguists were less satisfied with McCain’s performance.

In a humorous twist on the conversation about truth in campaigning, McCain lamented “ads that misportray completely” his stance on issues. But misportray is not a word.

To portray is to make a graphical likeness or depict in words. It may achieve a close semblance or it may be hazy. But it cannot be done to the reverse effect, to deliberately conjure the opposite of the intended image.

Instead, McCain should’ve said the ads misrepresent or mischaracterize him.

He also erred when he described his differences with Joe Biden, saying, “There are some issues on which Joe Biden and I openly and honestly disagree.”

It makes no sense to honestly disagree…as opposed to disagreeing dishonestly.

A lack of control of words can have unintended effects. McCain inadvertently insulted moderator Bob Schieffer when he referred to reform he had performed, adding to the host, “as you might recall.”

May expresses likelihood, while might expresses a stronger sense of doubt. If McCain was trying to flatter the longtime news anchor, he should’ve said may.

Then there was talk about changing the country’s direction, a line the self-described maverick has not mastered. “I’m gonna give a new direction to the country,” he said early in the debate. “I can bring them in that direction.”

It’s terribly awkward to say you’ll give a country a new direction. You can set it or steer it in a new direction. You can direct it toward a new course. But you cannot give it a direction. “Here, USA, turn left at the third light.”

The second sentence is equally problematic. We often confuse bring and take. Here’s the deal: Others can bring things to the place you are or take them to the place you’re going. (Take your driver’s license to your voting precinct and bring wine to the election party at my place.)

When you’re describing movement toward another point, as opposed to the speaker, use take. McCain wants to take the country in a new direction. And you can bet who will score a front seat: Joe the Plumber.