John McCain's Demeanor Deficit Against Barack Obama in the Debate
U.S. News colleague Liz Halloran has a great write-up of last night's debate, citing the "demeanor deficit" between John McCain and Barack Obama.
Under the bright lights on the Hofstra University stage and in split-screen television coverage seen by most viewers at home, McCain looked like the quintessential exasperated older brother who can't believe anyone is taking his kid brother seriously.
There was copious eye-rolling. Frequent and exaggerated wide-eyed "I can't believe what he's saying" looks. And, as the debate progressed, a stiff, look-straight-ahead uncomfortableness that was in marked contrast to Barack Obama's trademark unflappable calm, which last night was modestly spiced with some head shakes and "there he goes again" grins.
I was especially struck by Obama's grin, which seemed to be a nod to the famous line Ronald Reagan used against Jimmy Carter in their 1980 debate. Reagan flashed his trademark charm and humor by deflecting Carter attacks with a bemused, "There you go again."
Tags: debates | presidential election 2008 | Barack Obama | John McCain | behavior
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Demeanor Deficit
Was that a typo? Did you mean:
Da Meaner deficit? McCain does appear to be a whiner and mean-spirited. He pretends that only he is a patriot and all who disagree with him are communists. I wondered what happened to the other McMean, Joe McCarthy. Those are big shoes to fill, but McCain is doing the job.
As for "ted of MA" (I'm fairly sure you are not Ted Kennedy!) That was the most remarkable mis-statement of regurgitated McCain/Palin vomit I have heard to date. It's like you took every vile thing ever said, chewed it up and spit it back out. Brilliant! It does speak to your ability to remember vitriol.
I adore Obama
I am an Ethiopian. My name is Zena. I know that America's case is not my primary agenda. But I also know that your case can have an effect on us, too. That's is why I think Obama is the answer for America's as well as the worlds problem.
what else do u want?
I guess he should call McCain "that one" when he disagrees instead of smiling.
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