Winning the Demeanor War

By Sniffles

We cats are curled up on our favorite chair this afternoon, quietly thinking some more about last night's debate and being reminded of the legendary Kennedy-Nixon face-off which, curiously enough, took place on the same date 48 years ago.

And no, we're not reminded of the 1960 meeting solely because Senator Obama had the better suit and tie — or because Senator McCain looked pasty-ghostly next to him. (And of course we realize that while President Kennedy had to sit under a sunlamp to get his tan, Senator Obama didn't.)

No, we're thinking of Kennedy-Nixon because Senator Obama had much the same task last night that JFK had so long ago: Help viewers who didn't know him see him as a potential President.

We cats are admittedly biased, but we think he succeeded. Why? Because of the very things that ardent Democrats are complaining about this morning: Too much agreeing with McCain on stuff, too much graciousness, not enough Stickin' It To Him When He Lies and Distorts.

Actually, we think Senator Obama did stick it to Senator McCain last night. On a whole bunch of things, but especially when he recited the litany of instances in which McCain was wrong. But he wasn't talking to us — we're already voting for him. He was talking to folks who hadn't yet made up their minds. That's why it was so important that overall, Senator Obama's demeanor be gracious, dignified, substantive, intelligent and — yes — Presidential.

How ironic that it was, since McCain campaign manager Rick Davis himself said that the election would turn not on issues but on how the candidates presented themselves.

There are different kinds of political genius. JFK's was cool and measured, Bill Clinton's is "I feel your pain" warm and fuzzy. Senator Obama is definitely a descendant of JFK. It's been so many years since we've seen something like that, we've forgotten what it's like — and how much it can matter in perilous times. And since we've had so much drama the last few weeks, maybe an exhausted, worried America will prefer cool and measured. We'll see.