John McCain and Barack Obama seem to occupy different universes

[underpants]

Kathleen Parker | Washington Post Writer's Group
July 30, 2008


In McCain's universe, the planets rotate around the sun in a predictable pattern. In Obama's universe, he is the sun -- and we are but minor planets revolving around his brilliant countenance.


Yet, despite Obama's amazing miracle tour last week through the Middle East and Europe -- and despite McCain's recent missteps -- the veteran is still not losing to the novice. Why not? He isn't???


Given Obama's star power and incredible political machinery, he should be doing even better than he is. Though he gained a few points in the polls following his Berlin speech -- and thanks in part to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's seeming endorsement of Obama's withdrawal plan -- a new Gallup/USA Today poll shows McCain leading by four points among likely voters. ONE Gallup poll??



Like an "American Idol" winner, Obama seemed to spring from the wings a fully formed celebrity. He knows all the right moves but, like the young superstar, there's something missing. It's that intangible but palpable something that comes from paying dues.

American Idol winners are full of raw talent, but they're different than veteran performers who put in years showing up for auditions, suffering rejection and absorbing the humility that comes with it. When they finally land the lead role, they're prepared for it, but know better than to feel smug. They've earned it. Oooh ooh ooh some Dole-esque "it's my turn!!" stuff



It was all a little too wonderful, a little too scripted, too managed and smacking of stagecraft. Everywhere he went, Obama was received as though he were the president, not the presumptive Democratic nominee. Oh Kathleen what happened to "perception is reality" was there no rubble? no aircraft carrier? no flightsuit?


That's the question with no clear answer. Obama's campaign plane features "CHANGE" in large black lettering, but change to what? A better world as one people? A world where the rise of oceans slows and the planet heals? A moment when we give hope to the world, jobs to the jobless, health to the sick, sight to the blind, mobility to the lame and life everlasting? and the problem would be.....uh..?


Amen to that, but how? And at what cost? Oh COST yeah of course we don't want to spend to much on worldwide brotherhood or anything.... but FREEDOM yeah we can make $23 Billion disappear for THAT


Obama may be easy on the eye and sonorous to the ear, but those qualities ultimately could hurt him among the less easily seduced. Come November, the more reassuring image in voters' minds may not be the charismatic figure preaching global unity to a mesmerized Berlin throng, but an old warrior hashing out less cosmic concerns among regular Americans in a German cafe in Columbus. What is a "regular American"? and do they know how to just go ahead and use the word "uppity"?


http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/columnists/orl-parker3008jul30,0,5029327.column

[ixion]

1. yeah, have another prosac Kathy...

geez, you know, the GOP never scripts anything. :eyes:

This woman is about as stupid as they come, IMO.

[underpants]

3. So came ever so close to actually making her point here

since my local rag prints her article (she must have some great dirt on someone) I have read her for the last few years. She never actually says what she wants to say, this is the closest she has ever gotten.

People hate it when you beat them at their own game. Especially when it is the only game they have.

[fencesitter]

12. Old Warrior talking with "regular " Americans

AKA Older comfortable white republican senator talking to regular comfortable white middle class Americans. This will be the dominant McCain campaign theme from here on in, don't trust the new (hint, hint, black) guy.

[LaurenG]

2. This has nothing to do with seduction it has to do with the ability to

reason. I'm weary of those who can't reason and those who are deliberately trying to harm our future through selfish decisions.

Nothing lasts forever, thank goodness.

[madaboutharry]

4. Ms. Parker and others like her can not

come to terms with who they really are: closet racist. I know that sounds harsh, but I am convinced it is true. They are dancing around it as delicately as they can but the I believe the truth is that they are very afraid of the change that Obama will bring to this country not only in terms of the war and the economy, but of the social fabric of our nation as well. They do not want a nation where the playing field is equal or where there is social justice. Many like Ms. Parker like it the way it is with a system in place so that an elite group can rule from on high on the backs of a cowed working class and a struggling middle class. And most of all, I think they fear the black man. All the euphemisms in the world can't hide the truth of how they really feel.

[underpants]

7. This is what I think is the explanation of the supposed media love for Obama

not racism (yes this article and others illustrate that that is present) but that the lily lily white press, especially at the top, simply doesn't know how to talk about "the black guy in the room". That's my opinion

[C_U_L8R]

5. Do flaks like Kathy realize everyone is laughing AT her?

The old rightwing smear machine has become a cliche and is itself the punchline.

I love all this over-reaching nonsense. They just can't help themselves. Not one bit.

[jimshoes]

6. Pure Rove right there

this is where they take Obama's strong suit, (He has more charisma in his little finger than Mclame has in his entire body)and try to convince people that this is somehow a bad thing. This comes from the same people who keep telling us our shit sandwiches are very tasty indeed and quite nutritious as well.

[MasonJar]

8. I never read her articles; they are too slanted and too obviously so.

In addition, she thinks that she is so clever, but she is just a second-rate Dowd.

[underpants]

10. Exactly

That is the best synopsis of her

:thumbsup:

[bemildred]

9. Ms Parker can't think her way out of wet paper bag, and has demonstrated that often.

But I expect she is well paid for writing this tripe.

[underpants]

11. Yyyep

they pay their propaganda catapulters well