During the 2008 campaign for president, the appeal and charisma of Barack Obama transcended a cult of personality and achieved pop-celebrity status. For his supporters, Obamamania eclipsed the Beatles and Elvis. Every word was applauded. During one campaign speech, Obama received widespread applause for blowing his nose.
Our media-image driven society contrasted this hip, youthful candidate with a white-haired old man who expressed his coolness through an awkward “thumbs up.” One might parallel the Obama versus John McCain campaign to the televised John Kennedy and Richard Nixon debate, if only Nixon had not been so captivating and charming in comparison.
Obama was the quintessential MTV candidate. Now, eight months into his administration, the celebrity news of MTV and Obama have collided in a storm of civility stories.
Read more at the Madison County Journal
9/17/9
Magnolia Tribune
