You have been sucked into the symbolism over substance hole promulgated by the MSM. Perhaps you think McCain lost because he is 70+ years old. Obama is still promising the children in the fifth grade classroom more and more ice cream with a never ending list of new flavors.
Obama’s performance tonight was another campaign speech. The even had to change the name form The State of the Union to an Address to Congress or some such BS.
Obama never mentioned nuclear, oil or coal in his new energy plan. Without additional supplies of all three our ecomony will be strangled. Jindal mentioned nuclear and oil I know. Not sure about the coal, but we can’t survive without all three. Obama will destroy the fossil fuel industries with his carbon caps. Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virgina are in deep stuff. Also, anyone that obtains electric power from hugh coal burners such as the TVA are in deep stuff.
Did anyone else notice tonight that Jindal referred to Obama in his speech ‘completing a redemptive journey’: with Jindal kegitimizing Obama why does he need the MSM?
In addition it is also a prime example of ‘white guilt’ that the GOP must overcome if they are to win 2010 and 2012.
I'm not sucked into anything. But, I understand what drives people to buy things and politics is no different.
Have you ever watched a commercial and wondered to yourself "What moron would buy something based on this commercial?"
Well, that moron is the American consumer who makes up the American electorate.
Superficial aesthetic is important in a politician because it's deeply important to the American consumer. It's as simple as that.
Everything else you mention in your post is right on the money. But those are facts which require the application of reason and logic. Those aren't traits that are long in supply in the American voter.
Oh that I wish the electorate carefully studied candidates and their records and position papers, but they don't. All the MAJORITY of Americans care about is how someone looks, how they speak not what they say.
With Sanjia staying on American Idol for so long - you NEED the symbolism to get people to pay attention to the substance.
Sorry for ruining your day but that's my take on it.
People these days want to SEE before they listen.