Debate Round 1: Obama
From a comment I just posted on Taplin’s blog:
… body language, confidence, demeanor, stature… of course substance matters more than style, but the medium is at least part of the message here. The public is getting further hints of McCain’s angry, disrespectful, self-centered disposition, all of which are sharply contrasted with Obama’s coolness and grace under pressure, and consistent even-tempered restraint and politeness. McCain looked like the angry, spoiled, yes crotchety, sick old man he is, while Obama carried himself in a manner appropriate to the office.
Previous posts’ commentary about civility and diplomacy reinforce the point: temperament matters a great deal (never mind IQ or ethics, other areas where Obama crushes McCain), and tonight — even in McCain’s ostensible area of strength — Obama not only held his own on topic, he did it in a Presidential way. Yes, that matters.
