But I also think that he comes from that “Memories of Camelot” place in the Democratic Party. I believe that he is disposed to a coolness that is not passivity so much as it is detachment. That proved, ultimately, fatal to John Kerry's candidacy in 2004. It won't be to Obama's in 2008, in my judgment, primarily because the electoral universe, for obvious reasons, is tilted to the Democratic nominee. But dispassionate detachment can, as Kennedy's real record prior to November 22, 1963, demonstrates, be harmful to a President's agenda.

pwt: As to your statement “let's drop the racism crap.” Real numbers: At least 6% of the voting public says that they will not vote for Obama under any circumstances because he is black. My experience in life leads me to believe that there may be more voters who have the same sentiment, but won't admit it to a pollster. If as few as 6% vote for McCain because Obama is black, it can have a decisive effect on the election. Racism IS crap, but it is real and it will, to some extent, be a factor in this election…and I think that must be acknowledged whatever one's partisan affiliation.

Mark

LOL! And your right.

PWT also said: “In fact, considering you post, it would seem to make Mr. Obama too passive to possibly be President in these 'unstable times' – I think that if we are experienceing stable times, we are dead.”

I don't think brushing things off and being coolly detached means that you are too passive. It could very well mean you don't let too much emotional reaction affect you so you can better assess situations.

How are we supposed to discern what the 'real self' of Mr. Obama is? If he has not yet displayed his 'real self', what has he been displaying?

And, let's drop the 'racism' crap. Mr. Obama is about as threatening as Pee Wee Herman. A dorky, skinny man who has never really displayed any anger or any backbone is not threatening to anybody. It is an excuse, not a cause.

T-Steel: hopefullly he will be able to confront problems if he is elected President, rather than just brushing them off. In fact, considering you post, it would seem to make Mr. Obama to passive to possibly be President in these 'unstable time' – I think that if we are experienceing stable times, we are dead.

He takes their (McCain campaign) best shots and just brushes them off.

They adore the “brush off” and the cool detachment. They feel it's that ability to brush it off and be coolly detached is why he would be a great president: he will give things careful consideration and we won't be brash. Personally I feel that those are good qualities in these unstable times. But I don't begrudge Senator McCain. His more “go get 'em” approach resonates with me as well. And I see that appeal as well.