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OCTOBER 7, 2008

A Physical Contrast

I think it's very much to Obama's advantage that he and McCain are freed from their podiums, roaming the stage. For one thing, this calls attention to Obama's height advantage. Obama is also just more fluid and graceful. McCain is stiff, awkward, and generally looks much less comfortable on the move.

(Pardon a bit of theater criticism, but I do think these things have an effect.)

--Michael Crowley

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Thus far neither candidate has really said anything and they are both repeating their first debate talking points. The one thing that really struck me thus far was McCain's bizarre response to Brokaw's question about his choice of treasury secretary: "Not you Tom." And he sounded angry when he said it. What the Hell was that about?

- WillPastor

October 7, 2008 at 9:33pm

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Speaking of the old man's anger, what was up with McCain calling Obama "That one"? Last time, he wouldn't look Obama in the eye; now he won't even speak Obama's name out loud?

- rhubarbs

October 7, 2008 at 9:54pm

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I really don't see what that kind of comment has to do with governing the nation.  Michael, would you complain about FDR because he could not walk without assistance?  Focus on something a little more relevant, would ya?

- cal80

October 7, 2008 at 10:01pm

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I agree with Rhubarbs. "That one" is going to remind a lot of people of Buber's distinction between "I-thou" and "I-it" relationships, as well as King's reference to the distinction in his letter from a Birmingham jail.

- ralphnelle

October 7, 2008 at 10:03pm

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Oh, and what is that swelling on the left side of McCain's face? It looks vaguely like mumps, which aren't really plausible. Any endocrinologists on TNR?

- WillPastor

October 7, 2008 at 10:22pm

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I thought McCain had a little bit of the R2-D2 about him.

- ndmackenzie

October 8, 2008 at 1:31am

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