Flawed Messengers and Wooden Soldiers: Why Obama Beat Clinton -- and Why He'll Beat McCain, Too

After all the pontificating on TV, in the end it didn't come down to sideshow jive like the Reverend Wright Imbroglio or the Great Sniper Fire Lie. It didn't come down to micro-demographics, or gas prices, or the war in Iraq. Incredibly enough, it didn't even come down to the issues of race and gender. No -- in the end, I believe, it all came down to a hard-to-pinpoint, rarely discussed, but desperately important matter: the personal authenticity of two human beings.

Let me digress for a second, though it's not really digressing. The impetus for this piece actually came this morning, as I tried to keep my eyes open watching John McCain on TV. I do not recommend this as a morning regimen. Try it. You'll feel an overwhelming desire to crawl back under the covers. To the degree that you can force yourself to watch him sleepwalking around the dais and spouting empty syllables, you'll find yourself wondering about peripheral issues. Like: why does a man who seems to be simmering with rage use the phrase "my friends" so compulsively? What's the real skinny on that lacquered blond lobbyist? And how did they finesse the payoff he got from the Keating Five? Somehow, the man himself is just...not there.

He's a Wooden Soldier.

But that's the thing about McCain. It's not just that his so-called "straight talk" is obviously badly-bent nonsense. Stylistically as well as politically, he's everything wrong, everything wooden, everything false. Like Clinton, he seems to be missing a core, and that lack of authenticity makes every word he says immediately forgettable (unless it's so dumb as to lodge sideways in the mind, like the Hundred Years War threat or his Bomb Iran joke.)

Unfortunately for Clinton, she campaigned as a Wooden Soldier, too.

By the seventeenth time she claimed to have found, or re-found, or re-re-found her true "voice" -- first she was the Imperious and Inevitable One, then she was the nice-nice I'm-So-Honored One, followed (a day later!) by the Hateful Vicious Shame-On-You One, and still later the Weirdly Sarcastic The Skies-Will-Open One, and then the Shot-and-a-Beer Working-Class One, so gol-dang down-home that you expected the next photo-op to show her smoking crystal meth in a trailer park -- until finally, with the Gas-Tax-Holiday Fake Populist One, she exhausted all the possibilities -- and exhausted the patience of America, too.

Meanwhile, Obama remained Obama. Quiet when called for, inspiring when given the chance, and once in a while a little obnoxious (remember when he told Hillary "you're likable enough?" I mean, admittedly she kind of asked for it, but it was pretty gratuitous.) In short: a human being. For me, a pivotal moment--unremarked-on by the robo-pundits on TV -- came in Obama's second Reverend Wright speech. I'm paraphrasing here, but he said it was crucial to remember the core meaning of his campaign, "even if the messenger is flawed."

Even if the messenger is flawed.

Here's a game that's zany fun for the whole family: try to imagine Senator Clinton saying such a thing.

That's right: never happen -- unless...

Unless Mark Penn told her that polling showed there was some kind of Flawed-Messenger Demographic out there yet to be milked for votes.

And here's zany family game #2: try to imagine Obama getting in front of the TV cameras on a night that gutted his entire campaign, pasting a transparently phony smile on his face, and crowing "it's on to the White House!" as Michelle and the kids fought off tears on the podium behind him...

Never.

I think people relate deeply to the concept of The Flawed Messenger, because who among us is not one--in our family-life, our work, our spiritual pursuits? Being a Flawed Messenger is innately heroic (the Messenger part) but also deeply humbling (the Flawed part) -- all in all, a perfectly respectable thing to be. And I believe that on some psychic level, people torn between Clinton and Obama felt more comfortable voting for a man who confessed to being a Flawed Messenger -- not just in the speech, but in the way he carried himself.

Clinton's ultimate gift, among many, to Obama was obviously the Gas Tax Holiday. It nailed down her credentials as a Wooden Soldier -- the epitome of the old-fashioned, say-anything, 20th-century politician. She went once too often to the voters-are-dullards well, and it finally pissed them off.

It's a mistake McCain will make, too, because like Clinton he just can't help it. Part of it is generational. Clinton and McCain came of age in a Nixonian universe -- and there has never been a more Wooden Soldier than Nixon. (In my own personal dictionary, when you look up Wooden Soldier, there's a photo of Nixon doing his ghoulish two-handed V-For-Victory salute.) And part of it is a choice, based on an outmoded belief that voters want an Impregnable Persona instead of a genuine human being.

But, in the early part of the 21st Century, that choice is dead wrong. The Democratic runoff proved it -- and (you heard it here, folks!) it will be proved once again, thank God, in November, when Obama defeats John McCain and becomes our next president.

Comments

[freegrandma]

Another outstanding and refreshing mandate of Barack's is his early statement that if someone else is hurting than he's hurting, too. His real compassion is palpable. And folks see him working so hard for this bid, long days away from his children who he has been seen connecting with in an effortlessly, unfeigned way; we can understand his love for them as a basic drive of his candidacy.

[valhalladad]

IMO what all the pundits and so called experts are missing in the Obama mania is the deep seated desire for change among Americans. The last year or so has shown what people think of the Congress and the President's handling of the country and our direction in toto. Congress was ostensibly elected in 2006 to change the direction and they end up giving Bush everything he wants. No change there. Bush is at modern day record lows in his approval ratings but he is a lame duck so he doesn't really care. So along comes McCain with his 'experience'. Hillary with her, cough, cough, 'experience'. And a fresh face that promises a new beginning. Well, maybe Obama will be good for the country and maybe he won't but in this election one thing that will be clear to the politicians; is that we, the people, are sick and tired of the same old politicians making new promises. And we are tired of the same old brand of 'experience'. We've heard the promises over and over with nothing to show for it. It is time for a change and as it turns out, Obama is the only one holding out that hope.

[wewhodream]

Nice to know I'm not alone. You gave voice to everything I feel about Barack Obama, even using the phrase, "Beautiful family", as I have done. I feel he is a genuinely great man, and the flaws of great men and women can be, well, great. But he has his wife, (his rock) and his daughters, and he will have a great cabinet. And greatness tends to attract greatness. I just can't wait. The possibilities!

[northcan]

Great Article; I agree. Knowone was willing to say that, but Clinton and McCain, more alike than Obama and Clinton. I think she meant to degrade Obama so bad, pumping up McCain, she forgot what Party she was in. Winning is everything to both Clinton's and McCain.

All along though, Obama has been the toughest, almost at times so frustrated and tired, but tough and without damning his three opponants, Hillary Clinton, John McCain and Bill Clinton. Neither McCain or Clinton has had three full blown opponents. That shows strength. His temperament for a president is awsome. His judgement is balanced. His humbleness and his verbal 'correctness' is right on. the other two, have imploded and their still trying to figure him out. That is his success. We feel what he is about, but they're left wondering.

Obama will win. He does have positive feedback from so many countries, and yes, journalist covering Hammas said it would be a good thing. Joe Lieberman, distorted what he said, now claiming we should be weiry of him, another guilt by association. Lieberman should go back to Isreal, stay in his war mongering part of the world and leave us alone. He shouldn't be in the senate, he is radical.

[KarenKaren]

Great article!

[JamesAndre]

"It's a mistake McCain will make, too, because like Clinton he just can't help it."

Beyond that, superior tactics by the Obama campaign have his opponents right where he wants them:

http://mentalshift.newsvine.com/_news/2008/05/12/1483867-obamas-political-prowess-in-three-acts-act-ii-the-setup#comments

[txbyrd]

I hope you are right.

But let's not get smug and over-confident.

Like Dems were in the last election. Remember that one?

[whatsthatsound]

Great article, and prophetic, I hope. I think it will come down to an episode, perhaps in a debate, when McCain, for a moment, does or says something that weirds everybody out. "My friends, we have to protect our precious bodily fluids....", that kind of thing. He'll look old, weird, and definitely NOT someone you want with a finger on the trigger, even to those who are planning on voting for him whatever.

[exmun]

This was a great article and explains the reasons why I'm supporting Obama. It's not that I don't 'get' the fact that he and his team have learned to play some of the politicking game. For example, there's an article that describes the contributions by his PAC to the campaigns of other Democrats, some who are Super Delegates. All of the current candidates do this. There is some practical merit to it... a Democrat wants to see more Dems in office. Plausible 'game' playing.

The big ... and I mean BIG difference between him and Clinton or him and McCain for me has been the authenticity/genuiness thing. He is not perfect. America would be foolish to look for perfection in political candidates. But you get the sense that this guy is a genuine human being. And given our place in the world, we need a genuine person in the White House rather than someone who we sense is just telling us what we want to hear. My biggest gripe with Hillary Clinton has been her lack of authenticity. McCain seems to have lost his place a few months ago by doing the anti-McCain routine of taking positions that he would have never supported 8 or 4 years ago. His brand of flip flopping has totally wiped away in my mind any notion of his former authenticity.

And as complicated as the pundits make it ... it's as simple as that for me.

[Brebro]

I can't wait for the Obama - McCain debates! Obama is going to rock the house, Why? Because he has a core and he speaks from it, because it is based in TRUTH! Nothing to fear nothing to hide. I think it is wonderful that really all they have on Barack Obama is this "beaten to death" Rev. Wright non issue. You'd think Rev Wright was running for office by the way the media handles it! Bring It!

[Independent007]

I have to agree with you Brebo, Obama is so refreshing these days. He finally has broken through the noise of the political system here in this country and has challenged America to better politics, more accountability, and TRUTH.
I love it. He will win the Presidency by a LANDSLIDE. The Repubs will be relagated to the minority party they had in the 70's and 80's. And we will finally get stuff done in this country.

[user999]

i agree with the premise.

awareness of government shiftiness is ever-increasing. i dont think young people, especially educated ones are at all willing to buy the old-timey image of a sinless father figure president. a little honesty works better. the posturing is grating.

but we cant underestimate the still very large population that is looking for a big strong daddy as president.

McCain at his best can pull off that image, and thereby give obama trouble. but lately he doesnt even seem to succeed on that level. desperately cackling and smiling to not appear angry... its sad. he doesnt seem to know that anger would probably work better with the sort of people who would choose him over obama. (its okay if daddy flips out every now and then... he still loves and protects us.)

i do suspect that the kind of political character that succeeded 25 years ago (see Reagan) will die off due to natural selection.

but all of us here might be wrong. its happened before.

[kroses98]

Not only 25 years ago. What about only 4 years ago? Barack Obama is a decent and straightforward man who can connect with others. He speaks with authenticity, and looks the other straight in the eye. One can tell that he really cares. He is not the typical run-of-the mill politician. That is unusual! He doesn't tell you what you want to hear, but the truth!!! My, that is refreshing!!! He is down to earth and empathic, and I can't wait to see him win. I wil celebrate on that day, like I have never celebrated before, because on that day, I will finally feel safe! McBush doesn't have a chance, because with his tightly scripted speeches, and his continual mistakes, people will realize that his mind is going, and his lack of intelligence and integrity are only more of the same!!! It is time for a change. It is time for Barack Obama!!!

[MenopausalMick]

John,

Great article. Wooden soldier is spot on...especially the "he seems to be missing a core". That's it exactly. I've been trying to describe what I feel when I listen to him talk...you captured it perfectly. Guess that's why they pay you the big bucks.

I love it when McCain slips up and accidentally tells the truth like he did the other day when he admitted we were in Iraq for the oil...or when he said it would be fine if we were in Iraq for 100 years.

Can't you just hear the meeting that happened with staffers afterwards?

Menopausal Mick

[TrixtersMom]

I agree. Excellent article. So true. Obama WILL be the next president. For the first time in my life I am proud and excited about a politician! Obama is the real deal! YES WE CAN and YES WE WILL! :)

~ Bobbi ~

[cosmic]

One quibble mr. Eskow,

The "likable enough" was totally misunderstood by the media. Anyone who can't digest subtle irony will miss Barack at his funniest. Everyone seemed to think "you're likable enough (for a girl)" was the intended meaning, but Barack was making a joke:
"You're likable enough (and if you were any more likable we'd be losing big cause we're working superhuman hours to defeat you)". In other words, "we wish you weren't so likable." Watch it again on youtube and I think you'll get it. Obnoxious? no, sly and ironic.

[Yatata]

This is why Chuck Hagel needs to be Obama's VP. He's got everything you're talking about in terms of a grounded, humble, genuine person of substance. Plus it would be historic purple ticket symbolizing true unity and change. i encourage anyone to read about Hagels credentials here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Hagel
and watch a few videos of him here: http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=xaqec2tSd68&feature=related

Hagel would absolutely be Obama's best choice for VP. They would win in an unprecedented landslide.

[Independent007]

Hagel will be in an Obama Administration. I don't know if the rank and file Dems will want Hagel to just jump into the scene after being a Republican for so long. However, the man is not a typical Repub, and will switch parties if he wants to be VP.
What will he bring? More voters, and Independents for sure.
How will that translate in terms of states in the general election? I don't know, Nebraska is a red state, but may shift to Obama since both are from the Mid West.
He arguably may not give him the key states that Obama needs namely Ohio and/or Virginia.
That is why Obama picking the governor of Ohio as VP or Webb of Virginia makes just as much sense.

I certainly would like to hear more on this though. It seems to really go to Obama's core principle of uniting the country, it would be HUGE to have Hagel as a VP. HUGE. As an Independent, any of those three choices makes sense to me.

I love the thought of Hagel, the more I think about it the more it makes so much sense.

[S1m0n]

Good God, yes. McCain is so obviously going to go down to one of those historic electoral defeats that we'll all marvell later that there was any suspense, at all.

He's a flawed candidate, who is on the wrong side of history and the wrong side of every single policy issue that's important to the public this year. He's a generation too old when the nation wants change, running as a member of a tired and corrupt governing party, a party the public now knows is tired and corrupt. He's a phoney, a man who has cycled through so many personae over the years that it'll be no difficulty finding footage that nails the matter to the mast as firmly as Hillary's Bosnian Bullshit. He's running as a member of the governing party in a recession. In an unpopular war. As a member of the old guard when the nation wants change. And as a hypocrite, breaking HIS OWN LAW on campaign finance, and while alienated from his own party's base.

Got all that?

And because of it, despite his promises of a new civility, he has to run the same race-based personal attack campaign against Obama that Hillary Clinton just went down in flames trying. Hillary was, of the two, by far the more dangerous opponant. Every time McCain tries to attack Obama, guess who he's going to sound like? Yeah, Hillary. And we already know how well that went down.