David Brooks: Thinking about Obama - International Herald Tribune
David Brooks' column on the unexpected (in terms of what a psychologist might predict given his childhood) and somewhat un-nerving coolness and unflappability of Obama makes some good points. (Although it is always dangerous to make too much out of just the public persona.)
Of course, Brooks fails to mention the obvious explanations: it could be he's either a robot (has he ever lived near the place where Disney builds their animatronics?) or the Terminal Man (with a mood controlling chip in his brain). Investigative journalists should be looking for unexplained hospital admissions. (Good thing I read Michael Crichton and can see what is going on.)
Well, some politicians are like that. It's often a pre-requisite for politicians who aspire to high positions - hence Australians rejected Mark 'Anger Management' Latham, but accepted Howard, and Kevin 'No personality' Rudd. All politicians are human, but some can hide it pretty well.
ReplyDeleteObama does show signs of pettiness from time to time - when John McCain released that series of 'Obama is The One' ads mocking the messianic fervour of Obama's supporters, for instance, the press release from the Obama camp did sound tetchy. But in general he covers it up well.