-- Outkast
Wednesday night's third and final presidential debate between Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama at Hofstra University revealed a contrast not just in policies but in something even more fundamental -- demeanor.
From the outset, McCain came out as the aggressor and pressing Obama for answers about ties with former '60s radical William Ayers. Obama remained steady and calm, almost boring; McCain also had calm moments, but was visibly more emotional during the debate.
Many an analyst can tell you which candidate won the debate, though I came across an CNN analysis from the San Diego Tribune's Ruben Navarette as quite insightful from a style standpoint.
The following day, McCain and Obama attended the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner in New York. Both candidates showed their lighter sides here, and I must say that McCain had the better comedic material. While there's little room for levity during the heat of a presidential campaign, it is refreshing to see how the candidates conduct themselves in different environments, from debating one day to self-deprecating the next.
These are Style Points where I give both candidates credit.
