The New York Times critic Alessandra Stanley, last mentioned in the Corner for her assertion that Rev. Jeremiah Wright “revealed himself to be the compelling but slightly wacky uncle who unsettles strangers but really just craves attention,” today tackles the Obama tour:
[I]t’s not pro-Obama bias in the news media that’s driving the effusion of coverage, it’s the news: Mr. Obama’s weeklong tour of war zones and foreign capitals is noteworthy because it is so unusual to see a presidential candidate act so presidential overseas. Mr. Obama looks supremely confident and at home talking to generals and heads of state…
When posing for an official photograph with a foreign leader, Mr. Obama often places his hand paternally on the other man’s arm, subliminally signaling that though a visitor, he is the real host of the meeting. Touring ruins of the Citadel in Amman, Mr. Obama strode confidently with his jacket crooked over his shoulder in classic Kennedy style…
McCain aides haven’t been nearly as creative on his behalf: their stagecraft has been notably unflattering to the candidate. While Mr. Obama was shown striding across military tarmacs and inspecting troops standing at attention, Mr. McCain on Monday was seen being driven around in a golf cart by former President George Bush in the resort town of Kennebunkport, Me….
Stanley frets that some viewers might find Obama’s style “presumptuous.” But what good suggestions for McCain. He might visit a foreign country — Has he ever done that? Have the staff check. — and stride across a military tarmac, sling his jacket over his shoulder (might be a little difficult, given the limited range of motion in McCain’s arms due to those old war injuries) and meet foreign leaders. Wall-to-wall coverage would follow.