D?j? vu all over again?

The 1960 Presidential campaign featured the first televised debates. Pundits agree that Kennedy’s good looks, charisma and ease in front of the camera helped him get elected. By contrast, Nixon looked haggard, awkward and shot bullets of sweat at television screens.

After painfully watching McCain deliver a speech last night, his unrelenting monotone made me wonder if this election campaign won’t be a repeat of the 1960 campaign. Obama is at ease in front of a camera and uses the teleprompter like a pro. He has an interesting vocal delivery and has charisma. McCain is pale and boring by comparison. I think this fall will be a long season for Republicans.

As superficial as this may seem, I do not think I can bear to listen to John McCain for 4 years for that very same reason you mention. Both Obama and Clinton speak with an intelligence and have communication skill far beyond what we have seen in recent years. McCain is a solid, patriotic, kindly old gentlemen, but even with good speech writers, the deivery, and therefore the message, is somewhat "off.' I would avoid as many debates as possible with Obama if I were McCain that is for sure!

Speaking skills and charisma will definitely be a big factor - hopefully McCain won't have any more skin issues as a bandaged face next to Obama's youthful grin won't help either!

I've also heard that some people think this is another Kerry-Bush race, an elitist versus someone more palatable to the masses.

I've also heard that some people think this is another Kerry-Bush race, an elitist versus someone more palatable to the masses.

Bush is an Elitist with a redneck mask on--it served him well I must say. Barbara, Bush Sr, and his brother all have that educated, New England persona. Starting with the Texas governorship, and I think with Carl Rove's direction as personal "acting" coach, the stage was set for him and that has served Bush well......"aw, shucks."

Hubby and I had a discussion last night about McCain and Obama's style of speech. I agree, the McCain monotone is grating. Obama has a hesitation after every few words that I find painful and I'm always thinking "okay! get on with it!"

Hubby and I had a discussion last night about McCain and Obama's style of speech. I agree, the McCain monotone is grating. Obama has a hesitation after every few words that I find painful and I'm always thinking "okay! get on with it!"

You raise a good point. When Obama held a press conference to express his disappointment with Rev. Wright, he was too calm. His voice and delivery did not match his words. This part of him reminded me of Dukakis. It will be interesting to see if Obama is more animated in the debates. It would be a stark contrast to MonoCain.

MonoCain!!! Good one!

I've heard that radio listeners favored Nixon, but TV viewers favored Kennedy. Here I think Obama has an edge on both media. To me there is something frightening and tyrannical about McCain's tone, and he needs to lose the "my friends" phrase. Both candidates need to make clear where they really stand on the issues, and not just in their book or on their web page.

I thought the following review (from http://http://www.dailykos.com/) was spot on:

"Oh, Go with the Green Background!"

"It'll make you look like the cottage cheese in a lime jello salad" Always a good look for an older gentlemen.

The aesthetics of McCain's speech, just mercifully completed before a slightly energized crowd of literally dozens, was awesome in how dreadful it was.

Who is setting up these events and making these decisions? I mean, to go to the Yat haven, white suburb of Kenner and speak in a small venue with a half-set up...a place where the biggest event of the year is the gun and boat show...and speak to an all white crowd, some of whom couldn't be bothered to remove their baseball caps...and call in New Orleans. And to do it on a night to set up a contrast to Obama at the site of the Republican Convention, on the night he secures the nomination.

He came off like a grumpy old man preaching to a choir of negative Nancies. He's paying someone to advise him to do things like this, and that person needs to be replaced pronto.

...He came off like a grumpy old man preaching to a choir of negative Nancies. He's paying someone to advise him to do things like this, and that person needs to be replaced pronto.

True dat.

As superficial as this may seem, I do not think I can bear to listen to John McCain for 4 years for that very same reason you mention. Both Obama and Clinton speak with an intelligence and have communication skill far beyond what we have seen in recent years. McCain is a solid, patriotic, kindly old gentlemen, but even with good speech writers, the deivery, and therefore the message, is somewhat "off.' I would avoid as many debates as possible with Obama if I were McCain that is for sure!

Actually McCain has shown in the past that he is a very good debater. In fact I'd argue that it's Obama who should (and I believe is) trying to avoid a large number of election debates. He has not performed as well as Clinton in those.

McCain's big problem is he can't deliver a good speech, which has always been an issue for him. He should be avoid that and stick with the small town forums he is good at. To make matters worse, it appears his campaign is being run by complete idiots who aren't paying attention to the other candidates.

Any sane human being would not have held that rally last night. The obvious differences between McCain with a old people in a room and Obama's and Clinton's rallys in huge auditoriums with cheering crowds was too painful to watch... and I told em so this moring when I mailed them.

True dat.

Ditto.

I thought the following review (from http://http://www.dailykos.com/) was spot on:



Who is setting up these events and making these decisions? I mean, to go to the Yat haven, white suburb of Kenner and speak in a small venue with a half-set up...a place where the biggest event of the year is the gun and boat show...and speak to an all white crowd, some of whom couldn't be bothered to remove their baseball caps...and call in New Orleans. And to do it on a night to set up a contrast to Obama at the site of the Republican Convention, on the night he secures the nomination.

He came off like a grumpy old man preaching to a choir of negative Nancies. He's paying someone to advise him to do things like this, and that person needs to be replaced pronto.

The good news is, this criticism is out there and McCain can't possibly miss it. Fox of course, didn't have anything negative to say. That really made me mad too.

Does anyone out there know if there is a correlation between being a great speaker and being a great president?

If I had been voting based on who was the best speaker, I would have definitely voted for Bill Clinton. He used to be such a smooth speaker who could also relate to the masses, despite his Ivy League education.

Lately ... well, I've read that he might have suffered a little brain damage due to his heart surgery. It happens.

Reagan was the best speaker! The USA needs a diplomat...which IMO includes being a good speaker.

Does anyone out there know if there is a correlation between being a great speaker and being a great president?

If I had been voting based on who was the best speaker, I would have definitely voted for Bill Clinton. He used to be such a smooth speaker who could also relate to the masses, despite his Ivy League education.

Lately ... well, I've read that he might have suffered a little brain damage due to his heart surgery. It happens.

I have never based my vote on who is the best orator and it looks like this year is no exception.

Although I am not a Republican I can honestly say that this morning I heard a "Town Meeting" where McCain was giving a speech in La. and he sounded 100% better then he did last night. They all have their times and nobody's voice grates on my nerves more then George W. Bush.

This morning at the AIPEC conference all three sounded strong like someone had lit a fire under them.

It's going to get really interesting!

Does anyone out there know if there is a correlation between being a great speaker and being a great president?

If I had been voting based on who was the best speaker, I would have definitely voted for Bill Clinton. He used to be such a smooth speaker who could also relate to the masses, despite his Ivy League education.

Lately ... well, I've read that he might have suffered a little brain damage due to his heart surgery. It happens.

I am not being disrespectful but the tone of this thread is extremely superficial. One of the great presidents of the 20th century was Harry Truman....not known for his oratorical skills or charisma. Character, integrity and judgement were his strong points. Franklin Roosevelt, argueably one of our top 3 presidents, was physically challenged and was a shell of a man in 1945. Yet he is a giant in the eyes of history. The tone of this thread would have dismissed these 2 great men as insignificant because of their style or looks. Substance and character are the hallmarks of greatness. McCain has all the traits to be a great president. Obama has all the hallmarks of being a great president but I believe he needs more experience in the ways of govt and the ways of politics on a global scale. Lets listen to what the candidates say and ignore what they look like or what they are wearing or how tall and good looking they are. We are blessed to have 2 excellent choices this year....but I think we need to focus on their ideas and policies and not on their looks and style. I admire Obama greatly but I believe he is not ready now. Of course my opinion may change as the debates begin. I will keep an open mind. But my decision will be made of substance and not style.

I am not being disrespectful but the tone of this thread is extremely superficial. One of the great presidents of the 20th century was Harry Truman....not known for his oratorical skills or charisma. Character, integrity and judgement were his strong points. Franklin Roosevelt, argueably one of our top 3 presidents, was physically challenged and was a shell of a man in 1945. Yet he is a giant in the eyes of history. The tone of this thread would have dismissed these 2 great men as insignificant because of their style or looks. Substance and character are the hallmarks of greatness. McCain has all the traits to be a great president. Obama has all the hallmarks of being a great president but I believe he needs more experience in the ways of govt and the ways of politics on a global scale. Lets listen to what the candidates say and ignore what they look like or what they are wearing or how tall and good looking they are. We are blessed to have 2 excellent choices this year....but I think we need to focus on their ideas and policies and not on their looks and style. I admire Obama greatly but I believe he is not ready now. Of course my opinion may change as the debates begin. I will keep an open mind. But my decision will be made of substance and not style.

I will respond since I am the starter of this superficial thread.

Truman and Roosevelt were presidents before the television age which is the point of my opening post. McCain is a war hero and I believe to be an honorable man but he has a boring, monotone delivery. Obama will likely come across better on the tube. As for substance, I cannot comment. I have not seen enough of Obama to know what to expect.

For the record, I support neither of these men and will continue to support the Libertarian ticket.

I will respond since I am the starter of this superficial thread.

Truman and Roosevelt were presidents before the television age which is the point of my opening post. McCain is a war hero and I believe to be an honorable man but he has a boring, monotone delivery. Obama will likely come across better on the tube. As for substance, I cannot comment. I have not seen enough of Obama to know what to expect.

For the record, I support neither of these men and will continue to support the Libertarian ticket.

Traderx

That is precisely my point. We should be LISTENING to what the candidates espouse and NOT so concerned about their style and appearance. Unfortunately we as a nation will never have the opty to have another Truman or Roosevelt or even Eisenhower because of the television age. Those fellows would never be elected to public office because of the image they projected. It is SAD. McCain must be very special because his character and genuiness comes across even though he could be described as a shlepper. He may be the last of his breed !! This is a defining election. We will now get the specificity of the Obama policies and they will be analyzed and dissected to the core. But our responsibility as citizens will be to LISTEN and not be swayed by superficialities.

I am not being disrespectful but the tone of this thread is extremely superficial. One of the great presidents of the 20th century was Harry Truman....not known for his oratorical skills or charisma. Character, integrity and judgement were his strong points. Franklin Roosevelt, argueably one of our top 3 presidents, was physically challenged and was a shell of a man in 1945. Yet he is a giant in the eyes of history. The tone of this thread would have dismissed these 2 great men as insignificant because of their style or looks. Substance and character are the hallmarks of greatness. McCain has all the traits to be a great president. Obama has all the hallmarks of being a great president but I believe he needs more experience in the ways of govt and the ways of politics on a global scale. Lets listen to what the candidates say and ignore what they look like or what they are wearing or how tall and good looking they are. We are blessed to have 2 excellent choices this year....but I think we need to focus on their ideas and policies and not on their looks and style. I admire Obama greatly but I believe he is not ready now. Of course my opinion may change as the debates begin. I will keep an open mind. But my decision will be made of substance and not style.

Thank You!!!!!! I think we can all agree that Obama is better at delivering a speech - big deal.

One of the other points I would like to raise is the incessant spin that accompanies our political process. There is entirely too much "noise" that needs to be filtered. All the spinmeisters distort and outright make up stuff. The voter needs to educated himself or herself and get the facts. This takes work and dedication. But isn't democracy worth the effort ? We need to be informed voters......nothing more or less.

I am not being disrespectful but the tone of this thread is extremely superficial. One of the great presidents of the 20th century was Harry Truman....not known for his oratorical skills or charisma. Character, integrity and judgement were his strong points. Franklin Roosevelt, argueably one of our top 3 presidents, was physically challenged and was a shell of a man in 1945. Yet he is a giant in the eyes of history. The tone of this thread would have dismissed these 2 great men as insignificant because of their style or looks. Substance and character are the hallmarks of greatness. McCain has all the traits to be a great president. Obama has all the hallmarks of being a great president but I believe he needs more experience in the ways of govt and the ways of politics on a global scale. Lets listen to what the candidates say and ignore what they look like or what they are wearing or how tall and good looking they are. We are blessed to have 2 excellent choices this year....but I think we need to focus on their ideas and policies and not on their looks and style. I admire Obama greatly but I believe he is not ready now. Of course my opinion may change as the debates begin. I will keep an open mind. But my decision will be made of substance and not style.

Don't underestimate the superficial. The lights, smoke and mirrors. The Hollywood. Granted many that discuss these issues on this board are smart enough to look beyond it and do form opinions and vote on issues. But IMHO, the majority of people in this country form opinons and act on the superficial...

And this is exactly why this is a great thread (again, IMHO).

I saw a video of Nixon that night after he first saw himself on the TV monitor. He said he wished he would have shaved.

Geowickey

The fact that the superficial is the most important ingredient in the selection process of our political leaders is pathetic. We get what we deserve !!!

We can biatch and moan about the 24 hour news cycle, its need to fill time, and manufactured drama and conflict, but because of it we will not elect an ugly or inarticulate president (again).

I believe it was the movie "American President" where they said (very paraphrased) "if we had TV we wouldn't have elected a president in a wheelchair" re :FDR.

I consider articulateness, the ability to speak extemporaneously, and eloquence some pretty good indicators of intelligence, but the sheeple are certainly believing the muddy e-mails and uber out of context sound bites.