Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Debate on Dehook
My strongest impression of this evening's debate between McCain and Obama was that I was watching Nixon vs Kennedy all over again. (Yes, I did watch the first time, I'm old, get used to it.) What I mean is that the issues and all may have been a tie. Actually, both candidates just kept on saying what they've been saying, which seems odd in McCain's case, except that maybe he really is sincere. The issues may have been a tie, but the debate went to Obama. Why? Because McCain looked like hell, is why.
I've always sort of liked John McCain, so frankly I feel sorry for the man. He looked stiff, unable to sit, almost frozen in his posture, and he didn't walk around very well either. It reminds me of the way TV commercials sometimes project a completely different message when you watch them with the sound off.
But, as an educator, I know something that many do not. We remember a whole lot more of what we see than what we hear. A whole lot, like 50 percent to 14 percent, something like that. (I haven't looked that up in a while, but the ratio is in that neighborhood.) So, since the speech was pretty much forgettable, heck I could have written it for them, the visuals are bound to be what sways people. And visually, Obama looked relaxed, at ease with himself, in control, and McCain looked stiff, pained, and a bit inept. Too bad, but it does make my initial prognostication look better than ever. Thanks, guys!
Steve
I've always sort of liked John McCain, so frankly I feel sorry for the man. He looked stiff, unable to sit, almost frozen in his posture, and he didn't walk around very well either. It reminds me of the way TV commercials sometimes project a completely different message when you watch them with the sound off.
But, as an educator, I know something that many do not. We remember a whole lot more of what we see than what we hear. A whole lot, like 50 percent to 14 percent, something like that. (I haven't looked that up in a while, but the ratio is in that neighborhood.) So, since the speech was pretty much forgettable, heck I could have written it for them, the visuals are bound to be what sways people. And visually, Obama looked relaxed, at ease with himself, in control, and McCain looked stiff, pained, and a bit inept. Too bad, but it does make my initial prognostication look better than ever. Thanks, guys!
Steve
Labels: Politics
