Predicting how the candidates themselves will fare is tougher. Conventional wisdom is that McCain has the advantage on substance, while Obama holds the edge in style.
This assessment makes some sense to me. After all, maverick though he may be, McCain has been a major political figure for many years, and he possesses vast national defense and foreign policy experience (the topic of Friday’s debate) to an extent which Obama cannot possibly hope to match. On the other hand, Obama’s considerable personal charisma and natural eloquence seem well beyond McCain’s more pedestrian communicative talents.
Conventionally thinking, therefore, McCain will give the better answers, but Obama will give the answers better. McCain will trump on substance, while Obama racks up style points.
Which is better, honestly? What do Americans really want in their president? What will voters be looking for anyway? Is this election more about issues, or about personalities? In the end, will substance or style propel the winner across the finish line?
Greg Snowden Blog
Clarion Ledger
9/24/8
Magnolia Tribune
