Why does McCain allegedly do well in a Town Hall format, for example...

[rucky]

But not as well on the stump? Why does Obama show so much passion on the stump, but seems more low-key in a debate or town-hall?

What are the character traits that determine how a candidate does in a specific venue? How much of it is deliberate?

To do well in Town Hall, you need to think on your feet, be a good listener, show compassion and connect personally with the audience. I don't see any personality traits in McCain that would suggest he does best at this. I would like to see Obama take some of that magic he has on the stump and use it in a townhall.

For a debate, it's the command of the issues and ability to throw punches and counterpunches. McCain did better than I expected, but Obama simply outshined him.

Stump speeches are all about getting a crowd fired-up. No contest, there.