Barackstar's Al Gore Problem

It seems impossible, but Barack Obama has gotten boring.

Really, it's our fault, as a populace, for not valuing substance over lipstick-wearing-pit bulls on the cover of Us Weekly. Still, butthe fact remains: The Republican Party has a fancy-pants new storyline, and in his effort to play down McCain's celebrity label with his unassuming, thoughtful intellectual public servant vibe, Obama is starting to channel Al Gore. Pre-beard. Pre-Oscar. Pre-Nobel Prize.

Even Al Gore would probably acknowledge that this is a problem. He's had so much more success (with liberals and conservatives!) being himself, showing his passion and personality.

Watching Obama on The O'Reilly Factor and Olbermann this week, I felt like a hung-over University of Chicago sophomore in his Constitutional law class. Although he electrified me just a week ago in Denver at his historic convention speech, seeing him talk more wonky policy issues on television was a bit of a fumble. At times he's charming and jocular, but his answers are too long, complicated and sometimes stammering for the sound bite setup. I'm concerned that this won't go over well with the elusive "average American voter."

On O'Reilly:

On Olbermann:

As we know from primary season, HRC was always the better debater. Not that he won't look like Adonis rising standing next to McCain's decrepit frame, talking sense as opposed to tired and failed Republican ideology. It's just important now, in the wake of the Palin Express, to re-establish who the real energizing, fresh face of politics is in this country.

Bring back my Barackstar!

Comments

[lwaxanatroi]

Gotta admit. Barack can give a speech, but sitting down one on one with Olbermann--a soft interview--he came across as a guy who had to think too damn hard about every question, who seemed to reach for words he should have had at the ready, and who looked, well, like a guy not quite ready for prime time. Boy, do I ever hate to admit it, but trying to look through the eyes of an undecided voter--because for me, he might as well be a yellow dog--I was less than impressed. A "conversation" on television with a camera in your face isn't a real conversation, Barack. It's a chance to deliver a few well honed sound bites that fit your campaign narrative no matter what the question really was. Yeah, you will feel cheap in the morning, but it's politics. An interview, a town hall meeting, a casual encounter with a single reporter--they are all scripted, scripted, scripted--this is no time to work on your improv skills. What strikes the thoughtful voter as a reasonable man engaging his actual brain to answer the actual question comes across like self-doubt and weakness. It's like fruit that comes off your backyard tree instead of the fruit they sell in supermarkets, all waxed and dyed to look pretty but it has no taste. Be the Delicious apple, Barack. Sorry, but we don't want authentic. We want the appearance of authentic.

[cjik]

Debating is not his strong suit at all, granted. I have heard this complaint about Obama elsewhere though, and it really disturbs me that the American people do show a strong preference for leaders who sound, well if not dumb, than simple. Sarah Palin got high marks for her speech because she used short sentences and few big words, Obama's acceptance was criticized by some as too lofty, too many big words.

First in 2000 with Al Gore, than in 04 with Kerry, now I am wondering if his intellect (and not his race or inexperience) is going to lose the race for Obama. And while Bill Clinton is very smart, he has a down home, guy next door way of speaking that probably worked for him.

I would truly love to see someone who is not afaid to show their intelligence elected for once instead of the guy (or girl) you'd rather have a beer with in office.

[Ludovico]

Hillary was always the better debater? Please explain.

[martinchill]

"Although he electrified me just a week ago in Denver at his historic convention speech, seeing him talk more wonky policy issues on television was a bit of a fumble. At times he's charming and jocular, but his answers are too long, complicated and sometimes stammering for the sound bite setup. I'm concerned that this won't go over well with the elusive "average American voter."

~~

tsk.

what this post is saying to me is "more pep rallies - less facts."