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Sunday, January 27, 2008 6:04 AM CST
Two bits worth: It comes down to McCain, Obama
DISCLAIMER: The Courier provides our story commenting feature in order to solicit feedback, debate and discussion on topics of local interest. Please keep in mind that civility is a necessary component of productive conversation. All blatantly inflammatory or otherwise inappropriate comments (i.e. vulgarity, marketing, etc.) are subject to rejection and/or removal. Comments will appear if and when they are approved. For a more in-depth explanation of our policy, please see our Rules of the Road. Thanks for reading, and thanks for participating.
Two bits worth: It comes down to McCain, Obama
By SCOTT CAWELTI
Howard Dean did it. So did Ed Muskie. Michael Dukakis too, and just a few days ago, Hillary. What did they do?
They all looked terribly un-presidential on camera. The President of the United States needs to project dignity, gravitas, a seriousness of purpose that help his or her fellow citizens believe they're at least competent, if not always inspiring.
So when Howard Dean screamed like a goosed cheerleader, Sen. Muskie went wet over a newspaper story questioning his wife's sobriety and propriety, and Gov. Dukakis peeped his helmeted head out of a tank looking like a whack-em doll, political fortunes were spent.
Hillary, however, gained by getting publicly verklempft because she seemed real at last. Normally a policy wonk, in New Hampshire she seemed genuinely moved, more human than politician. A future president needs to look authentically human occasionally, especially when they usually seem robotic. Unpresidential evidently trumps inhuman.
Still, in our age of instant imagery, a general rule remains: Look like a president, act like a president, and someday you might become a president. However, not necessarily a good president.
Warren G. Harding remains the model president-image. He looked perfect for the part: Tall, handsome to a fault, a commanding physical presence.
Yet he made a terrible president. He did virtually nothing for over two and a half years, then died of a heart attack. Even he believed he deserved oblivion, saying "I am not fit for this office and never should have been there."
Which brings me to our current crop of candidates. Some in fact do look and act more presidential than others. In order of looking the part, from most to least: McCain with his long and hard experience showing in every line and look. Then Romney, with a hint of gray and a manly profile that's ridiculously photogenic.
Edwards next, who manages to look permanently but genuinely concerned. Then Giuliani, whose impish smile comes too readily, but who seems at least potentially wise. Getting down there, Huckabee, who looks for all the world like Richard Nixon's brother, including the shifty eyes. If he weren't an ordained Bible-beater, he probably wouldn't have made a ripple.
Last and least: Hillary and Barack. We've never had a woman or a black president, so both challenge our national image of a tall, white male president. Neither looks immediately presidential, and more power to them.
Now I'm jumping out on a limb and predicting the candidates and the November outcome. Save this column, and I'll send two-bits --- $.25 --- to anyone who mails it to me at the Courier if I'm wrong on either. (Only one quarter per family, please.)
The GOP will collectively decide that they have confidence in McCain's presidential appearance and nominate him, despite his advanced age and moderate stance on a number of issues. The Straight Talker will rule.
The Democrats will damn the imagery baggage and run full speed with Obama. Hillary will go down fighting, but she will definitely go down. She might manage to seem presidential, (Bill's narcissism won't help) but she's too much of a gift to the GOP.
So come next November, we will be choosing between a white male candidate who looks presidential, and the young black candidate who challenges that look and breaks the presidential image-mold.
And so we will elect Obama.
President Barack Obama. Why? Three reasons:
1. George W. Bush the man. He did look presidential at times, though he never did speak or think like a real president. And look at what a complete mess he's made. Anybody and anything associated with him will get short shrift from voters. McCain, strike one.
2. George W. Bush and Iraq. Unless we're making spectacular progress there, we're going to want to quit and spend our foreign policy billions where they might actually do some good. Guess which candidate supports Bush's Iraq policies most. McCain strike two.
3. George W. Bush and issues: The economy, health care, immigration, and Social Security. All problematic and getting worse. All crying for solutions that the old guard hasn't found. McCain strike three, and he's out.
And that's worth two-bits.
They all looked terribly un-presidential on camera. The President of the United States needs to project dignity, gravitas, a seriousness of purpose that help his or her fellow citizens believe they're at least competent, if not always inspiring.
So when Howard Dean screamed like a goosed cheerleader, Sen. Muskie went wet over a newspaper story questioning his wife's sobriety and propriety, and Gov. Dukakis peeped his helmeted head out of a tank looking like a whack-em doll, political fortunes were spent.
Hillary, however, gained by getting publicly verklempft because she seemed real at last. Normally a policy wonk, in New Hampshire she seemed genuinely moved, more human than politician. A future president needs to look authentically human occasionally, especially when they usually seem robotic. Unpresidential evidently trumps inhuman.
Still, in our age of instant imagery, a general rule remains: Look like a president, act like a president, and someday you might become a president. However, not necessarily a good president.
Warren G. Harding remains the model president-image. He looked perfect for the part: Tall, handsome to a fault, a commanding physical presence.
Yet he made a terrible president. He did virtually nothing for over two and a half years, then died of a heart attack. Even he believed he deserved oblivion, saying "I am not fit for this office and never should have been there."
Which brings me to our current crop of candidates. Some in fact do look and act more presidential than others. In order of looking the part, from most to least: McCain with his long and hard experience showing in every line and look. Then Romney, with a hint of gray and a manly profile that's ridiculously photogenic.
Edwards next, who manages to look permanently but genuinely concerned. Then Giuliani, whose impish smile comes too readily, but who seems at least potentially wise. Getting down there, Huckabee, who looks for all the world like Richard Nixon's brother, including the shifty eyes. If he weren't an ordained Bible-beater, he probably wouldn't have made a ripple.
Last and least: Hillary and Barack. We've never had a woman or a black president, so both challenge our national image of a tall, white male president. Neither looks immediately presidential, and more power to them.
Now I'm jumping out on a limb and predicting the candidates and the November outcome. Save this column, and I'll send two-bits --- $.25 --- to anyone who mails it to me at the Courier if I'm wrong on either. (Only one quarter per family, please.)
The GOP will collectively decide that they have confidence in McCain's presidential appearance and nominate him, despite his advanced age and moderate stance on a number of issues. The Straight Talker will rule.
The Democrats will damn the imagery baggage and run full speed with Obama. Hillary will go down fighting, but she will definitely go down. She might manage to seem presidential, (Bill's narcissism won't help) but she's too much of a gift to the GOP.
So come next November, we will be choosing between a white male candidate who looks presidential, and the young black candidate who challenges that look and breaks the presidential image-mold.
And so we will elect Obama.
President Barack Obama. Why? Three reasons:
1. George W. Bush the man. He did look presidential at times, though he never did speak or think like a real president. And look at what a complete mess he's made. Anybody and anything associated with him will get short shrift from voters. McCain, strike one.
2. George W. Bush and Iraq. Unless we're making spectacular progress there, we're going to want to quit and spend our foreign policy billions where they might actually do some good. Guess which candidate supports Bush's Iraq policies most. McCain strike two.
3. George W. Bush and issues: The economy, health care, immigration, and Social Security. All problematic and getting worse. All crying for solutions that the old guard hasn't found. McCain strike three, and he's out.
And that's worth two-bits.
More Stories from Columnists » Cawelti
jeroze wrote on Jan 28, 2008 1:34 PM:
" I hope you are right, Scott, even more than I would hope to have two extra bits. "
Hillaryc wrote on Jan 30, 2008 7:01 AM:
" Scott, it's not looking good for Obama after the whooping he got last night in Florida,,, i think he gets it handed to him on Super Tuesday and Hillary wraps up the nomination,, as Obama will realize he can wait four years to run again,,, "
jeroze wrote on Jan 30, 2008 10:04 AM:
" Sorry Hillary,
After 7 years of disastrous leadership we shouldn't have to go through 4 or 8 more years. The time for a change in the way of doing things is Washington is NOW. Yes Right Now!!!!!! "
After 7 years of disastrous leadership we shouldn't have to go through 4 or 8 more years. The time for a change in the way of doing things is Washington is NOW. Yes Right Now!!!!!! "
hillaryc wrote on Jan 30, 2008 1:22 PM:
" amen Jeroze, but you missed the disastrous leadership number,,, we are going on 15 years "
OFJohn wrote on Jan 30, 2008 2:08 PM:
" My guess,
Hillary vs McCain with the new President being McCain.
Hillary seems to be too popular with the Democratic faithful and her campaighn will reign in ol' Bill to the point where he is an asset again instead of just an a**.
But Hillary is too polarizing and will get as many people out to vote against her as McCain will for him. Also, McCain is moderate enough to be appealing to the Independents while Hillary is just the opposite. Lewellyn's candy store in CF, here I come with my bright new quarter! "
Hillary vs McCain with the new President being McCain.
Hillary seems to be too popular with the Democratic faithful and her campaighn will reign in ol' Bill to the point where he is an asset again instead of just an a**.
But Hillary is too polarizing and will get as many people out to vote against her as McCain will for him. Also, McCain is moderate enough to be appealing to the Independents while Hillary is just the opposite. Lewellyn's candy store in CF, here I come with my bright new quarter! "
hetfield wrote on Jan 30, 2008 3:11 PM:
" I'll side with John on the winner, but I hope McCain takes on Obama, not Billary.
The one thing I cant get over with Obama is his refusal to wear a US Flag pin on his suitcoat. He likens this practice to the Republicans desire to look patriotic post-911. I disagree completely. "
The one thing I cant get over with Obama is his refusal to wear a US Flag pin on his suitcoat. He likens this practice to the Republicans desire to look patriotic post-911. I disagree completely. "
think wrote on Jan 31, 2008 10:18 AM:
" McCain has to get past Super Tuesday. Most of those States are fed up with illegals. McCain is the best Democrat they have. Blame Bush for doing nothing about illegal immigration. 12 million here using gas, taking jobs and doing time and they wonder why we are going into depression. So if McCain wins, either way we have a Democrat in office. "
Skip wrote on Jan 31, 2008 6:00 PM:
" Bickering aside, has anyone else bothered to question why one should waste 41 cents on a stamp just to get a quarter back? "
(return of) joe wrote on Feb 1, 2008 12:05 AM:
" Bad news? Hillary is the front runner. Good news? McCain is the front runner. And I'm a democrat! "
jeroze wrote on Feb 1, 2008 12:58 PM:
" in reference to hetfield January 30 2:08
I guess I am in the same orbit as Barack about the flag. If I wear a flag pin it will always be under the fish symbol and a lot smaller. "
I guess I am in the same orbit as Barack about the flag. If I wear a flag pin it will always be under the fish symbol and a lot smaller. "
jeroze wrote on Feb 1, 2008 1:26 PM:
" Skip Jan 31, 2008 .... There are those who think that they would still be ahead. "
jeroze wrote on Feb 1, 2008 1:28 PM:
" Skip, they are the same people that travel 40 miles to save a dollar on a a tank of gas. "
jcbr wrote on Feb 1, 2008 5:46 PM:
" well a third grader could be as good as obama / wheres the leadership / check his voteing record / present was his vote / im a democrat but i would have liked colin powell or wes clark to have ran / i respect colin when he was wrong and wouldnt stay a puppet for bush he quit wes clark is a smart man with world knowlege / hilary willbe our next pres and hold your hats bill as vice-pres / as for mcain i respect his prisoner of war status but he changes his mind too much / what u call it flip-flop / rudy had it not been for 911 he would have been impeached / ill stand by what i said and take the heat / tnks jcbr "
hillaryc wrote on Feb 1, 2008 5:48 PM:
" Couple of thoughts, not worth the stamp though,,, Hillary V Mccain and Hill will destroy him. Far right Conservatives won't vote and she or Bill will do something to set off his famous temper and he will implode. Honestly hope if Mccain gets the Nomination that Obama goes up for the D's. Mccain, Hillary, are the same as Bush domestically and will just continue to spend with no thought and offer no real solutions on immigration.
Obama V Romney would actually be an interesting race as they both seem to be open minded enough to have faith in us to make some decisions on our own. Romney wins as the Clintons will sabotage Obama somehow, so Hill can run in 4 years.
I really think a third party candidate is going to be the difference maker somehow someway.
My guess is we could have president Gingrich or Bloomberg with Lieberman as the VP
"
Obama V Romney would actually be an interesting race as they both seem to be open minded enough to have faith in us to make some decisions on our own. Romney wins as the Clintons will sabotage Obama somehow, so Hill can run in 4 years.
I really think a third party candidate is going to be the difference maker somehow someway.
My guess is we could have president Gingrich or Bloomberg with Lieberman as the VP
"
jeroze wrote on Feb 2, 2008 11:33 PM:
" Reply to Hillary C January 30,2008 1:22 Maybe 9 or 10 but not 15 years.
"
"
Newswatcher wrote on Feb 10, 2008 7:51 PM:
" jeroze, yeah Hillaryc is right, 15 years, if not more.
Imagine if Bill Clinton had been tough enough internationally to have enough intel to know what Bin Laden was up to so that BEFORE 2001, he could have thwarted this War on Terror that THE TERRORISTS STARTED on 9/11/01! He was too busy hiding a 21 yr old under our nations Oval Office Desk to notice. Yeah things here seemed good, mostly due to the Dot.com rise and the Terrorists quietly planning their doom on our country while Clinton closed military bases. You gotta look at all the years, not just the obvious ones where Bill was behaving badly. He is so lucky that our techworld was booming while he was President and it had NOTHING to do with his leadership! He just takes all the credit, no wait, Hillary takes it now too. "
Imagine if Bill Clinton had been tough enough internationally to have enough intel to know what Bin Laden was up to so that BEFORE 2001, he could have thwarted this War on Terror that THE TERRORISTS STARTED on 9/11/01! He was too busy hiding a 21 yr old under our nations Oval Office Desk to notice. Yeah things here seemed good, mostly due to the Dot.com rise and the Terrorists quietly planning their doom on our country while Clinton closed military bases. You gotta look at all the years, not just the obvious ones where Bill was behaving badly. He is so lucky that our techworld was booming while he was President and it had NOTHING to do with his leadership! He just takes all the credit, no wait, Hillary takes it now too. "
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DISCLAIMER: The Courier provides our story commenting feature in order to solicit feedback, debate and discussion on topics of local interest. Please keep in mind that civility is a necessary component of productive conversation. All blatantly inflammatory or otherwise inappropriate comments (i.e. vulgarity, marketing, etc.) are subject to rejection and/or removal. Comments will appear if and when they are approved. For a more in-depth explanation of our policy, please see our Rules of the Road. Thanks for reading, and thanks for participating.
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Hillaryc wrote on Jan 28, 2008 12:46 PM: