Humor Deflates Ego

Senator McCain's sense of humor has been both an asset and a liability over the years. It is certainly part of his basic appeal, and it is one of the reasons he relates so well at town hall meetings as his humor creates an immediate connection with the audience. His detractors will note that some of his jokes have been inapprporiate, and in some cases that's true, hence his humor as liability. It can also cause problems because in print, jokes often don't come across the way they do in person. For instance, during the primaries Senator McCain jokingly called a student who asked him a somewhat inappropriate question 'a little jerk' (clip below). There was quite a buzz in the papers until people actually saw the clip, and it was quite evident that he was joking.

So now comes the humorous and sarcastic McCain ad The One. In this case humor turns out to be the perfect remedy for an over-inflated ego. It's hard not see lines like, "We are the ones we've been waiting for" or "a light will shine down from somewhere" as flat out funny. To add to this Obama's reaction is priceless. His stern condemnation of the ads 'juvenile' just shows his inability to laugh at himself. You know that if you make a joke at Senator McCain's expense he'll likely be the first one to laugh (as he has done numerous times when teased about his age). On the other hand, Senator Obama blew it by taking this joke and himself so seriously.

The One


WMUR - Little Jerk


Humor as a Remedy for Hubris

When Obama Said He Wanted Change I Has No Idea...

Now that would be a ticket!

From CNN

Huckabee Help

Governor Huckabee wrote an article and made several appearances talking about how McCain supporters/Republicans should challenge Senator Obama on issues and public statements and not delve into dirty campaigning or Internet rumors. This is excellent advice. Senator Obama's numerous contradictory statements provide plenty of material to challenge him on, there is no need for gossip.

Governor Huckabee not only provides excellent advise, but he arises again as a truly unique and interesting political figure. Senator McCain is routinely criticized for not embracing evangelical Republicans, but Governor Huckabee is obvious exception. Even when the primaries were at their most contentious it was obvious that Huckabee and McCain simply liked each other. Governor Huckabee has an interesting appeal. His tact has been very respectful and filled with good humor. It appears his appeal even reaches people with different political beliefs. While this isn't intended as a VP prediction, it does seem that Governor Huckabee could play an important role in the election of Senator McCain. I hope Governor Huckabee will continue with his good advice and good humor, and become an important partner in the McCain campaign.