Frankly, as good as his speeches are, I think he's much, much better ad-libbing.
And you know, I don't think that the McCain has gotten even a taste of Obama's quick wit full bore. We got a bit of it with the "You're charming(?) enough" to Hillary during the debates. Snotty? Sure. Point made? Yes.
Of course, if he did let his wit fully unfurl, I doubt McCain could keep up in kind. And then all kinds of folks' feelings would be hurt.
Obama gets in a great shot on McCain's partial walkback of the tire gauge nonsense. (Tough to gainsay NASCAR on proper tire inflation, ain't it John.) Money quote:
"In the coming days it’s going to be interesting to watch this debate between John McCain and John McCain."
Looks like Obama and the DNC know how to fight back the lies, smear, and gutter politics of Rove disciple Steve Schmidt. Heck, even Paris Hilton got in a solid shot. The McCain campaign is looking more than a bit incompetent and feckless.
I understand Obama not wanting to feed McCain crowds he can't get on his own but part of me really wanted Obama to do the 10 town halls just to see McCain crushed by the mental quickness. I am very much looking forward to the debates in the fall. I think McCain may be far out of his league in this regard.
On another note, does anyone else notice how the MSM plays Paris and McCain's ads at least 5-1 over Obama's responses?
Mike says: "I understand Obama not wanting to feed McCain crowds he can't get on his own but part of me really wanted Obama to do the 10 town halls just to see McCain crushed by the mental quickness. I am very much looking forward to the debates in the fall. I think McCain may be far out of his league in this regard."
I think so also, but I can see the thinking behind not wanting to be seen as just pounding the crap out of a senile guy over and over again. A little will go a long way.
His incredulousness at McCain's wilfull ignorance is exactly what the reptilian-brained among the American voters need to hear.
Great quote.
The irony is that for all of Obama's smarts they will be his greatest liability in the eyes of the former Reagan democratic and red state voters--they identify with the simple minded precisely because they can relate to them, and the right is deftly able to cast the left as weak, effete, and out of touch because they are "intellectuals."
A biting indictment of a large segment of the American public.
Ah yes, and no hint at all of projection in the theory that red-state rubes would vote for Obama if only they were smart enough to appreciate him, eh Chauncey?
Chauncey, you left out an important word from your post. It's "some". I presume you meant to say "some" Reagan democrats and "some" red state voters. I can't remember any election in my state (which is decidedly red)I've ever seen or read about where a candidate received 100% of the vote.
I live in Texas, I'm a white male, I could be called low income, I even cling to my gun. I'm all that and I'm also voting for Barack Obama. I find his intellectual acuity very appealing. Particularly when compared to the idiot that is currently serving as our President.
"Some" is a necessary qualifier. But, I would add the caveat that right wing populism, a false populism in terms of satisfying the material needs and interests of the white working class and poor rural voter, is very appealing and will do the work for McCain of mobilizing voters through a frame that obama is a leftist (which he isn't), "liberal" (how much and how so?), intellectual elite, and never mind "arrogant" or "uppity." A double irony considering that McCain is certainly not of the people.
And I am glad that Obama appeals to you John, but would you not admit that your willingness to support Obama is atypical--even allowing for his purported lead among "working poor" white men?
I love this one too. I can't imagine most folks NOT being impressed by his style and basic honesty. BUTTTTT... the problem is, this clip isn't the one being played ad nauseum and for free all day long on CNN, Faux, and MSNBC. It's McCains dumb crap ads.
I think the biggest obstacle to Obama's landslide will be overcome when someone figures out how to get clips like these more widely broadcast. Too many "undecideds" and "independents" are NOT on the internet very much--they're getting their info the old fashioned way.
It was interesting to watch Obama volunteers latch on to the idea of putting these clips on DVD -- probably the best shoe-leather media that can be distributed.
To be fair, this was part of the basis of Ron Paul's early campaign...
Barack is booky nerdy wonky smart. Anyone who ever thought otherwise didn't do their homework on the guy.
BUT
He's also people smart. Political smart. In a way so many Democrats who've run for President weren't.
He certainly isn't immune to gaffes, and more to the point, the media is simply going to be harder on Obama's gaffes than McCain's. But I trust Obama to make good decisions about how he communicates in non-literal ways (i.e. overstepping on beating up on McCain in a debate with facts will not end up helping Obama win votes, even if Obama "wins" on the facts).
This is a great clip Ta-N. Have to say.... I think this is the most appealing I've seen Barack in tone so far.
He doesn't sound scripted, even if he did script it. Very few pauses, unlike how he often speaks when making a point (the "uhs" and pauses can make him sound a little stilted). And he's just a touch aggressive about whacking McCain with clear, understandable facts. That's a good thing. People like the plain-speaking "tough guy" thing in a President.
I agree that the problem is that this clip is not the one that will get played again and again. But if he keeps this type of tone on ISSUES that matter throughout, some of it is going to leak through our crazy media. He looks tough and smart and presidential and likable, all at once. Hope he can keep it up....
Chauncey, I can't answer your question as to whether or not I am atypical. If you purely look at stereotypes of toothless rednecks (of which there are certainly some here) then yes, I am atypical. However, when I went to caucus for Barack Obama in the tiny town where I live that has more than a few toothless rednecks in it, there were 7 blanks on my sign in page. 4 people wrote in Barack Obama and 3 wrote in someone else. Am I atypical?
The ignorant line while great will work its way nicely into the Rove-McCain "elite, arrogant" tapestry they are making for Obama.
A cautionary note to all those who think that Obama will win votes by showing his knowledge and quick wits when facing McCain on stage.
After Gore did just that with Bush in their first debate, Bush "won" the 2nd debate by just not making as many errors as he did in the first ... and of course, Gore's audible sighs put points in Bush's scorecard too. The bar is going to be raised awfully high for Obama whereas expectations will be so low for McCain, he'll just have to stay awake to win. He might even gain points if he snarls at Obama and let's loose with a bleep or two.
Let's face it, televised presidential debates were the first editions of American Idol. Style wins over substance just as likely as not and a candidate sometimes wins just because he can score a one-liner, not screw up royally, or just not look like a shifty crook.
This Obama clip shows a young and vital man, one who is also intelligent and witty. The McCain clip I saw on the News Hour last evening showed an old and tired man. The election isn't until November.
"Voting for someone because they are "young and vital" is about the most shallow endorsement for a candidate I've ever read.
Dan
Posted by Djeri | August 7, 2008 12:41 PM"
At the same time, JFK beat Nixon among people who watched the debate on TV because he looked young, charismatic and in control, while Nixon looked like the flop-sweat guy. However, Nixon won people who heard the debate on the radio. McCain doesn't even have the issue knowledge Nixon had.
Here's a piece no one cared about. Meh, whatever, probably the most enjoyable article I did during my stint at TIME. Premiered a month before I got laid-off. The nail in the coffin? Ya think?
Here's me going after Al. I didn't so much have a problem with him, as I had a problem with media acting like this dude was the go-to guy for everything black.
This was my first real story at time. I was writing for the Business section, a real change of direction for me. At any rate, it's about Wal-Mart's attempts to colonize the inner-city. As much as I enjoyed this piece, I mostly enjoyed going out to Chicago, which is a beautiful, beautiful city.
This a piece I did about the cops just outside our nation capitol, in Prince George's County, a few years back. I wanted to offer a counter to the dumb, conventional wisdom that if you paint your police force black, you could eradicate police brutality. In fact, Prince George's--one of the richest, blackest counties in the country--also had one of the most brutal police force's in the country.
The Beautiful Struggle: A Father, Two Sons, and an Unlikely Road to Manhood 
People fear what they don't understand. Hate what they can't conquer. I guess it's just a theory of man. -- Nas
Honestly - I cheered like a damn loon.
His incredulousness at McCain's wilfull ignorance is exactly what the reptilian-brained among the American voters need to hear.
Frankly, as good as his speeches are, I think he's much, much better ad-libbing.
And you know, I don't think that the McCain has gotten even a taste of Obama's quick wit full bore. We got a bit of it with the "You're charming(?) enough" to Hillary during the debates. Snotty? Sure. Point made? Yes.
Of course, if he did let his wit fully unfurl, I doubt McCain could keep up in kind. And then all kinds of folks' feelings would be hurt.
"People fear what they don't understand. Hate what they can't conquer. I guess it's just a theory of man."
I don't mean to quibble, Angryhippopotamus, but I believe the line is "just the fury of man."
Not to nitpick but it's Carmine Falcone, not Carmen.
Obama gets in a great shot on McCain's partial walkback of the tire gauge nonsense. (Tough to gainsay NASCAR on proper tire inflation, ain't it John.) Money quote:
"In the coming days it’s going to be interesting to watch this debate between John McCain and John McCain."
The DNC further piles it on with their new mock political campaign labeled Exxon-McCain '08.
Looks like Obama and the DNC know how to fight back the lies, smear, and gutter politics of Rove disciple Steve Schmidt. Heck, even Paris Hilton got in a solid shot. The McCain campaign is looking more than a bit incompetent and feckless.
Under Obama and an enhanced version of the current Dem Congress, more than just your tires will be inflating fast... =D
I understand Obama not wanting to feed McCain crowds he can't get on his own but part of me really wanted Obama to do the 10 town halls just to see McCain crushed by the mental quickness. I am very much looking forward to the debates in the fall. I think McCain may be far out of his league in this regard.
On another note, does anyone else notice how the MSM plays Paris and McCain's ads at least 5-1 over Obama's responses?
Mike says: "I understand Obama not wanting to feed McCain crowds he can't get on his own but part of me really wanted Obama to do the 10 town halls just to see McCain crushed by the mental quickness. I am very much looking forward to the debates in the fall. I think McCain may be far out of his league in this regard."
I think so also, but I can see the thinking behind not wanting to be seen as just pounding the crap out of a senile guy over and over again. A little will go a long way.
Honestly - I cheered like a damn loon.
His incredulousness at McCain's wilfull ignorance is exactly what the reptilian-brained among the American voters need to hear.
Great quote.
The irony is that for all of Obama's smarts they will be his greatest liability in the eyes of the former Reagan democratic and red state voters--they identify with the simple minded precisely because they can relate to them, and the right is deftly able to cast the left as weak, effete, and out of touch because they are "intellectuals."
A biting indictment of a large segment of the American public.
So sad.
Chauncey DeVega
Ah yes, and no hint at all of projection in the theory that red-state rubes would vote for Obama if only they were smart enough to appreciate him, eh Chauncey?
Chauncey, you left out an important word from your post. It's "some". I presume you meant to say "some" Reagan democrats and "some" red state voters. I can't remember any election in my state (which is decidedly red)I've ever seen or read about where a candidate received 100% of the vote.
I live in Texas, I'm a white male, I could be called low income, I even cling to my gun. I'm all that and I'm also voting for Barack Obama. I find his intellectual acuity very appealing. Particularly when compared to the idiot that is currently serving as our President.
John Dykes
"Some" is a necessary qualifier. But, I would add the caveat that right wing populism, a false populism in terms of satisfying the material needs and interests of the white working class and poor rural voter, is very appealing and will do the work for McCain of mobilizing voters through a frame that obama is a leftist (which he isn't), "liberal" (how much and how so?), intellectual elite, and never mind "arrogant" or "uppity." A double irony considering that McCain is certainly not of the people.
And I am glad that Obama appeals to you John, but would you not admit that your willingness to support Obama is atypical--even allowing for his purported lead among "working poor" white men?
Cd
I love this one too. I can't imagine most folks NOT being impressed by his style and basic honesty. BUTTTTT... the problem is, this clip isn't the one being played ad nauseum and for free all day long on CNN, Faux, and MSNBC. It's McCains dumb crap ads.
I think the biggest obstacle to Obama's landslide will be overcome when someone figures out how to get clips like these more widely broadcast. Too many "undecideds" and "independents" are NOT on the internet very much--they're getting their info the old fashioned way.
Ella,
It was interesting to watch Obama volunteers latch on to the idea of putting these clips on DVD -- probably the best shoe-leather media that can be distributed.
To be fair, this was part of the basis of Ron Paul's early campaign...
Its not "like" they take pride in being ignorant; they take pride in being ignorant. Expect they will well after it stops paying off, if it ever does.
I agree that it was a great line. Minor quibble -- what makes you think it was ad libbed?
That's our guy!
Barack is booky nerdy wonky smart. Anyone who ever thought otherwise didn't do their homework on the guy.
BUT
He's also people smart. Political smart. In a way so many Democrats who've run for President weren't.
He certainly isn't immune to gaffes, and more to the point, the media is simply going to be harder on Obama's gaffes than McCain's. But I trust Obama to make good decisions about how he communicates in non-literal ways (i.e. overstepping on beating up on McCain in a debate with facts will not end up helping Obama win votes, even if Obama "wins" on the facts).
This is a great clip Ta-N. Have to say.... I think this is the most appealing I've seen Barack in tone so far.
He doesn't sound scripted, even if he did script it. Very few pauses, unlike how he often speaks when making a point (the "uhs" and pauses can make him sound a little stilted). And he's just a touch aggressive about whacking McCain with clear, understandable facts. That's a good thing. People like the plain-speaking "tough guy" thing in a President.
I agree that the problem is that this clip is not the one that will get played again and again. But if he keeps this type of tone on ISSUES that matter throughout, some of it is going to leak through our crazy media. He looks tough and smart and presidential and likable, all at once. Hope he can keep it up....
Chauncey, I can't answer your question as to whether or not I am atypical. If you purely look at stereotypes of toothless rednecks (of which there are certainly some here) then yes, I am atypical. However, when I went to caucus for Barack Obama in the tiny town where I live that has more than a few toothless rednecks in it, there were 7 blanks on my sign in page. 4 people wrote in Barack Obama and 3 wrote in someone else. Am I atypical?
John Dykes
The ignorant line while great will work its way nicely into the Rove-McCain "elite, arrogant" tapestry they are making for Obama.
A cautionary note to all those who think that Obama will win votes by showing his knowledge and quick wits when facing McCain on stage.
After Gore did just that with Bush in their first debate, Bush "won" the 2nd debate by just not making as many errors as he did in the first ... and of course, Gore's audible sighs put points in Bush's scorecard too. The bar is going to be raised awfully high for Obama whereas expectations will be so low for McCain, he'll just have to stay awake to win. He might even gain points if he snarls at Obama and let's loose with a bleep or two.
Let's face it, televised presidential debates were the first editions of American Idol. Style wins over substance just as likely as not and a candidate sometimes wins just because he can score a one-liner, not screw up royally, or just not look like a shifty crook.
This Obama clip shows a young and vital man, one who is also intelligent and witty. The McCain clip I saw on the News Hour last evening showed an old and tired man. The election isn't until November.
Djeri:
Voting for someone because they are "young and vital" is about the most shallow endorsement for a candidate I've ever read.
Dan
"Voting for someone because they are "young and vital" is about the most shallow endorsement for a candidate I've ever read.
Dan
Posted by Djeri | August 7, 2008 12:41 PM"
At the same time, JFK beat Nixon among people who watched the debate on TV because he looked young, charismatic and in control, while Nixon looked like the flop-sweat guy. However, Nixon won people who heard the debate on the radio. McCain doesn't even have the issue knowledge Nixon had.