Obama-McCain: The Early Results

[babylonsister]

Robert J. Elisberg

Obama-McCain: The Early Results

Posted June 10, 2008 | 12:41 PM (EST)
Read More: Barack Obama, John McCain, Mccain, Obama, Politics News



Most Americans don't even start thinking about the election until after Labor Day. So, this is not a prediction. It's not even prediction adjacent. At best, it's a very reticent observation of the early landscape. And those can change.

But -- right now -- I get the sense that Barack Obama will clean the table with John McCain.

John McCain is a remarkable man, with a substantial life. But inexplicably he looks petulant, stiff, whiney and -- shocking to note during his "Green Banner" speech -- awkward. With a nervous laugh. But it goes far beyond those superficialities. His economic plan continues the one driving America into a recession, with an economic advisor (Phil Graham) who's a lobbyist for the banking industry at the heart of the housing crisis. More importantly, Sen. McCain himself admits knowing little about the economy -- an issue that may be the biggest this year, even over Iraq. And as for Iraq, he's largely supportive of the president, who has a 28% approval rating. Indeed, he's voted with the 28% president a full 95% of the time.

John McCain can be charming when he quips one-on-one with Jon Stewart, but when he's out making speeches, he appears lost. Making gaffe-after-repetitive gaffe. (Incorrectly claiming al Qaeda is in Iran. That we should be in Iraq for 100 years. Singing "Bomb-bomb-bomb Iran.")

But perhaps the biggest gaffe of all for John McCain was planned. The decision to make a speech the same night that Barack Obama became the presumptive Democratic nominee allowed everyone to compare the two right at the start, Day One. And even to conservative commentators on Fox News, McCain came across dismally on every level -- content, warmth, crowd size, enthusiasm and banner décor -- while Obama was seen as vibrant, youthful and graceful.

But it's far worse than image (critical though that is): because at that speech, John McCain ceded the playing field to Barack Obama.


more...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-j-elisberg/obama-mccain-the-early-re_b_106284.html

[blue sky at night]

1. right.......

most americans don't start thinking about the election until after labor day.....sure and I don't even know who's running do you?

[babylonsister]

2. I think that's true usually, but not this year. People are struggling,

and it's too important. They might not be obsessed, but they're listening, most likely.