A Grin, A Smirk, A Moment
Three images from last night’s TV coverage will stay with me for years.
1. McCain’s repetitious, ill-timed, and creepier-than-usual grin … like the Cheshire cat on sedatives.
2. Clinton’s defiant smirk, as her NYC supporters shouted “Denver, Denver, Denver.”
3. Obama mouthing to Michelle after his speech, “How’d I do?” — and her apparent response, “Good. Real Good.”
Why those images? I don’t know. The brain’s camera is rarely a logical device. Regardless, in trying to make sense of these images this morning, I decided they probably stuck with me because — in my limited imagination — they neatly sum up the race that has been and the race still to be run. For me, these images codify, in order: an unnatural attempt to un-Republicanize an image; a display of true colors; and a genuine, very human, very real moment shared.
Granted, I’m biased. Increasingly so. But if my mind’s eye does not deceive me; if the snapshots are accurate; and if Americans truly do vote more on gut than on reason, then these images suggest (already) who will win in November … in a landslide.
11 Responses to “A Grin, A Smirk, A Moment”
[...] wisdom on the topic was thrown out the window when I heard the tone in Hillary’s voice. I basically heard what others saw. Lastly, can you imagine what a tried and true Republican was thinking…hearing the roar of [...]
Pete, aren't you being a bit hasty? Seeing a few mental images doesn't make a campaign and we still have five months before the election.
” … aren't you being a bit hasty?”
Dennis — yes, entirely
I know Obama supporters are feeling pretty good right now and it's deserved but let's be honest. He has had those great speeches and big crowds for months and it didn't change the fact that the last two months he limped his way into the nomination. Just squeezing enough delegates to win. He didn't exactly crush Clinton. McCain will be no different it's still about that state map and which reds might turn blue and visa-versa. Obama has some great chances in VA, MO, IA, CO, MT and NM. That would probably be enough right there but I still think McCain can win NH, PA and maybe MI.
A landslide no, a win? Quite a good chance.
Although my opinions are always subject to change without prior notification, the three speeches had a powerful effect on me.
This was Obama's night, and a historic night for America. The anniversary of MLK's 'I have a dream' speech'should have been an occasion for America to puff out its chest in patriotic pride: look, to where we have advanced in the dream.'
The intrusion into the moment by both McCain's and Clinton's “It's about me,me,me' ' speeches was a deafening sour note.
They ruined America's moment of patriotic pride in a way which no lapel pin can repair.
I cringe even as I ask this (is it inapropriate?) but what is wrong with McCain's smile? Does it have something to do with scarring from operations?
There is something unnatural about it, IMO, like a grin on a Halloween ghoul..
I didn't see the speech, runasim, so I can't comment, but McCain is often quite charming and funny on comedy shows such as Stewart and SNL. My guess would be he felt uncomfortable for some reason and it showed through.
Pacatrue,
As opposed to his customary charming half-smile , this was an open-mouthed 'leer' (I can't think of a better adjective).lasting for a long segment of time.
It was the newness of this version of a smile and it's frozen-in-place quality that drew my attention to it and made me wonder about physical causes.
What a juxtaposition, McCain's wooden and yes, creepy, performance before a crowd of what, 100? I've never seen anyone in his position do worse with a teleprompter and come off so passionless, so uninspiring. Looks like a losing audition. Then he marches out the tired anti-government bull that characterizes GOP these days. What exactly is the government doing that is “impeding Americans” from greatness? Regulations? Taxes? What tripe. What whiners Republicans have become.
And Obama, soaring oratory before a crowd of 30,000, touching on powerful themes that affect us all, and celebrating a historic moment in American history. Yes, of course I'm biased, but watch both speeches. Both are on YouTube. Oh, and watch Clinton's too. She's way better than McCain, but really blew an opportunity to join that historic moment by showing a little grace and humility.
runasim, I know what you mean about McCain's smile…. but what really got me on McCain was the sort of “under laugh” that was audible at times when McCain felt he made a “clever” remark. It didn't happen often, but it was still really unnerving.
pacatrue, I suppose McCain might have felt uncomfortable and that may have caused his unnatural smile. I wonder if his uncomfortableness might be caused by a slowing mind. I know we've talked about this on TMV before, but I don't think McCain has ever had this much thrown at him before in a presidential race (he never made it to the nomination in previous contests). So I wonder if he's feeling overwhelmed. Not a good sign…. if it's true, then we'll only see more of McCain's decline as time goes on. I'll have to keep an eye out for it…
Oh, and McCain kept having trouble pronouncing words.