Is It Just Me?
Or does the main thrust of McCain’s recent spate of ads seem to be that the fact that lots of people liek like Barack Obama is some sort of character flaw? I mean, the message seems to be: “Don’t vote for him! People like him!” I suppose the idea is supposed to be to paint Obama as all style and no substance, but I just don’t see that as a winning argument in American electoral politics. Setting aside the falsity* of the repeated claims that Obama lacks substance, if substance were really important to the American electorate, W would have lost badly in both 2000 and 2004. The at-large electorate seems to believe personality is a lot more important (hence the silly “Do I want to have a beer with him” test).
*Counterexample: Have a look at Obama’s energy plan, compare it to McCain’s plan, and remind me again who exactly is supposed to lack substance. The former consists of specific actions to be taken, while the latter consists mainly of wishful thinking.
Cross-posted at Lean Left
“…the fact that lots of people liek (sic) Barack Obama is some sort of character flaw”
Look into my eyes, what do you see?
Cult of personality
I know your anger, I know your dreams
Ive been everything you want to be
Im the cult of personality
Like mussolini and kennedy
Im the cult of personality
Cult of personality
Cult of personality
Neon lights, a nobel prize
The mirror speaks, the reflection lies
You dont have to follow me
Only you can set me free
I sell the things you need to be
Im the smiling face on your t.v.
Im the cult of personality
I exploit you still you love me
I tell you one and one makes three
Im the cult of personality
Like joseph stalin and gandi
Im the cult of personality
Cult of personality
Cult of personality
Just some food for thought.
Great song, but relevant to why McCain should be favored over Obama exactly how?
Excellent point, Karenina.
No, it’s not saying that popularity is a character flaw, tgirsch. Rather, the ad is saying that personality does not qualify you to be president. It just bursts the bubble a bit.
And regarding “substance,” the fact that someone’s campaign drafted a wonky energy plan does not mean that the candidate has substance or is qualified to lead.
Rather, the ad is saying that personality does not qualify you to be president.
Again, if only people thought that way in 2000 or 2004.
the fact that someone’s campaign drafted a wonky energy plan does not mean that the candidate has substance or is qualified to lead.
The energy plan is only one example. On issue after issue, Obama’s proposed policies are substantially more detailed than McCain’s. Also, Obama doesn’t repeatedly confuse Shia for Sunni, and seems to have a much better handle on economics than McCain does.
But feel free to mystify me: What does qualify one to lead? Please be specific; no vague answers like “experience,” unless you think Robert Byrd is the most qualified candidate imaginable…
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