How Obama Won — and May Win

[nittanyalum]

LOL, wow, was the title of that article misleading! As often as I find myself in polar opposition to Pat Buchanan, I couldn't believe I was about to click in to read him write about how Obama may roll over McCain and take the White House. And I didn't. LOL. If anything, that blog is a post-mortem endorsement of why Clinton might have been the stronger Democrat candidate. I do think his final observation, though, is Obama's ace in the hole. Just like Reagan, Obama can win on personality if he plays his cards right. McCain is a decent guy, but sorry, in the one-on-one debates, he is going to come across as old and stuttery and stiff compared to Obama, if he's on his game. If Obama picks a good VP candidate, he still has every opportunity to deliver the White House to the Democrats.

[ADqtPiMel]

Originally Posted by nittanyalum

Just like Reagan, Obama can win on personality if he plays his cards right. McCain is a decent guy, but sorry, in the one-on-one debates, he is going to come across as old and stuttery and stiff compared to Obama, if he's on his game.

Especially with the rise of HDTV...it will be Kennedy and Nixon all over again.

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by ADqtPiMel

Especially with the rise of HDTV...it will be Kennedy and Nixon all over again.

True - plus, with the short time limits given to candidates to respond to questions, it essentially becomes a "who can top this soundbite" contest.

Or McCain could try something along the lines of Reagan/Mondale..."I am not going to exploit for political purposes my opponent's youth and inexperience."

[shinerbock]

Originally Posted by nittanyalum

LOL, wow, was the title of that article misleading! As often as I find myself in polar opposition to Pat Buchanan, I couldn't believe I was about to click in to read him write about how Obama may roll over McCain and take the White House. And I didn't. LOL. If anything, that blog is a post-mortem endorsement of why Clinton might have been the stronger Democrat candidate. I do think his final observation, though, is Obama's ace in the hole. Just like Reagan, Obama can win on personality if he plays his cards right. McCain is a decent guy, but sorry, in the one-on-one debates, he is going to come across as old and stuttery and stiff compared to Obama, if he's on his game. If Obama picks a good VP candidate, he still has every opportunity to deliver the White House to the Democrats.

I think McCain is likely much better on a range of substantive issues, but the American people don't always care or notice. McCain has to keep his composure and try to get Obama to lose his. If he can truly back Barack into a corner about his far-left ideology and radical associations, I think cracks in the facade will go a long way for McCain.

I highly doubt that if McCain wins this election, it'll occur during the debates. Now if he picks Romney or Jindal, who would both fare well against pretty much any Democratic candidate, that could help. But if McCain wins, it'll be because the GOP political ops turn the public opinion.