roger...note what I said about "average american".... initally I had written in my post "which isn't saying much" but opted to take it out because I thought it would be taken the wrong way. I know the Obama lawyer types that are good at identifying issues and giving talking points....most law school exams are issue spotting...and I have always said he is quite good at stating what the problems are - definitely his strongest suit. The average american isn't going to see this as much. In terms of saying what most people want to hear, Obama is exceptionally good. But I know he cannot possibly achieve what he says as the reality would never allow it and I ahve no doubt he simply does not have the goods to back it up. While I know he is doing good in the polls, and I think it likely he will win (something my repub friends do get upset about), it s ientirely possible what many pretty average people remind me: in the end, many voters won't feel comfortable because he simply lacks the experience and at the last mintue will go with experience. While I hope they are right, I won't hold my breath.
That is what my less than average knowledge-wise mother was saying..."double talk" and "what people want to hear". She said she could believe McCain, but cannot believe Obama. In my humble opinion, Obama is simply pretty packaging for me. Election after election, I hear of many promises, few of which ever come to bear fruit. If you strip that away, McCain comes out ht eclear winner, but of course, most people are blind to this reality.