One of the biggest difference are the poses that candidates strike. Not just any pose though. Sure, the local Tokyo election poster pictured has a bold, simple layout with clean type; the gesture saying more than words ever could. And while my Japanese is rusty, the image is clear:“I. Will. Fight. For. You!” +
Won’t fly here though. Oh sure, Biden may say it in the context of a 60 minutes interview, but looking right at the camera and gesturing like local car dealers, Mega Millions winners or furniture store owners? Hardly presidential. That’s the kind of stuff that kills campaigns boys and girls.
I mean really, could you picture Barack pointing behind himself like Bob there while still looking at you like that?
“We need to leave the old way of doing things behind us—over there, and look to the future, over here. COME ON DOWN with me!”Or even McCain: “Look, behind the sectionals:
No, tacky gestures and slogans just won’t do friends. What we need is the contemplative pose with jacket off or even the classic folded-arms shot, (a low-angle in both cases since we’re in the presence of greatness), and the candidate’s 1,000 yard stare looking past you ... towards the great challenges of the future headed our way. No “Come on down!” shouting here, just a welcoming nod that quietly says “Yes—we McCan.”
There are of course variations, like the classic head only, low-angle shot. Still staring, but now, a quiet confidence that says those great challenges coming will not defeat you, er, us. (Another option available on the 2008 models: The rolled-up sleeves for Ohio stumping to again show that they are, in fact, one of them, er, us.)
That’s what will save this country.Our image in the world may be tarnished as of late, but there’s one thing Americans can always count on: When it comes to leaders who at least look like they could lead while leading, we still lead.
Tags: McCain, Obama
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