For Obama, Would Another Fist Bump Be Too Cool?
Political advisers size up the big implications of a small gesture
Democratic insiders are speculating about whether Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, will give each other their famous "fist bump" at the party's national convention next week, when he is scheduled to receive the presidential nomination.
Some party veterans think it's a bad idea. "It's too hip," says one. "It's a young people's thing that will turn off or puzzle older voters," who don't have much affinity for Obama so far.
On the other hand, the fist bump would probably further endear the Illinois senator to his legion of young fans, whom he is counting on to reconfigure the electorate with a high turnout in November. "For those under age 30, it would pay off," says a Democratic pollster, but he adds that it may not go over well with those over 60.
The Obamas caused a stir with their celebratory fist bump at a victory rally in St. Paul, Minn., in June. It was picked up on YouTube and became fodder for endless commentary on cable TV and among bloggers, particularly after a Fox News host asked if the gesture was "a terrorist fist jab."
Reader Comments
Obama the flip flopping Harvard Lawyer...
A few words taken from Barrack Obama’s first resume.
Conceited, self-absorbed, arrogant, self-important, hubristic, ambitious, vain, snobbish, stuck-up, high and mighty, smug, superior, self-righteous, haughty, full-of-yourself, spectacular, elitist, snooty, overconfident, showy, self-aggrandizing, puffed-up, narcissistic, educated, pious, bigheaded, inflated, vainglorious, condescending, incomparable, untouchable, illustrious, outstanding, superior, flaunting, high-class, pretentious, exceptional, advanced, better-quality, pompous, stateliness, august, ostentatious, erudite, portentous, grand, magnificent, flashy, brassy, significant, affected, brilliant, glowing, special, esteemed, extraordinary, unique, distinctive, exclusive, bold, daring, assertive, intrepid, audacious, valiant, brash, forthright, divine, scholarly, nervy, self-assured, better, enhanced, a cut above, first-class, prominent, patronizing, aristocratic, regal, bossy, famous, high and mighty, breath taking, supercilious, majestic, imperial, stately, fancy, noble, overconfident, egotistical, self-centered, proud, pushy, brazen, presumptuous, aggressive, strident, loud, studious, cocky, boastful, swaggering, audacity, resplendent, knowledgeable, blustery, bullying, memorable, privileged, selected, anointed, god-like, chosen, preferred, vaunted, saintly, extravagant, inflated, overstated, honored, advantaged, intimidating, aggressive, great, luminous, radiant, dazzling, shining, sparkling, gleaming, skillful, intelligent, gifted, refined, accomplished, impressive, swollen, fulfilled, precious, lustrous, elegant, clever, sharp, brainy, well-read, cultured, awesome, learned, awe-inspiring, incredible, urbane, distinguished, imposing, eminent, renowned, masterful, decorous, venerable, sure, secure, poised, self-possessed, certain, paramount, superlative, unsurpassed, finest, high-minded, edifying, enriching, genuine, marvelous.
And that’s before he became Senator. And now celebrity.
Now ...we are Devo
Why not?And why stop at the fist bump ?There are some equally revealing indicators of their (Obama )allegiances that could be expressed,such as the latin kings gang sign(two open palms interlocked loosely w/index fingers as the peak of the crown) Or the street version of the peace sign,now flashed sideways.Gosh,look how far we've come...down.
Obama's fist bump at convention?
I don't think he should for the simple that it's his wife. If it were anyone else, I'd say got for it if you want to. I wouldn't worry about older voters, because if they're Obama supporters, they're down with it.
Re:The Fox News host who asked if it was a "terrorist gesture".
That stinks of desperation.
advertisement
