A Test of Authenticity

A few weeks ago I was considering living in a cave until the morning of November 4, when I would emerge to vote and then re-enter society, thereby avoiding what seemed destined to be a painfully lackluster campaign season.

Then McCain nominated Palin in a move that would fit under my definition of strategically outrageous.  There’s still plenty of time for it to backfire, but even if it does, it was a sound strategic move, much like Chamberlain’s ammunition-less charge at Gettysburg.

I’ve written here often about the shifting culture and the emergence of a new more civic generation to supplant the idealistic cycle that ended in 2003.  One of the bywords of the civic generation is “authentic”.  Being authentic, not just appearing to be authentic, is a key to winning hearts and votes in this rapidly morphing culture.

Back in primary season, I thought Obama had the authenticity to overcome the old school tactics of Hillary.  But suddenly and stunningly, I believe the key perception regarding authenticity has tipped to McCain’s favor.  And here’s why.

Obama is a great orator and an excellent performer on stage.  Those are generally wonderful qualities for a candidate.  They were enough to dislodge a powerful Clinton.  But perhaps Barack came across with a little too much spit and polish?  His speech at the DNC was a brilliant performance.  Was it too brilliant?

Then there’s his selection of Joe Biden.  For me this is a real yawner.  If there’s a bastion of old school politics, and someone who comes across as a plastic and even pompous communicator, it’s Joe.

McCain on the other hand was a rather mediocre performer in oration.  But, his lack of polish and the imperfections along with his conversational style in talking about his country, his service, and his motivation… I think he actually came across as more authentic than Obama.

And Palin is at this point a rather refreshing portrait of authenticity, in the totally surprising package of conservative womanhood.  She’s hot in a very cool way. We’ll see how it turns out, but Grandpa John may actually turn back the popular and youthful Senator.  In the 60’s when Kennedy won, the country was in the early stage of the emerging idealistic generation.  People wanted Camelot, and the Kennedy’s delivered.

But now, it’s about being real, somewhat flawed, and having cogent and realistic plans about how to solve real problems.

I’m putting the cave plans on hold… for now.

Comments

[Matt Moore]

Bingo! Even though I find all politics disgusting and corrupt, you hit it on the head. Maybe that’s ONE of the many reasons why my generation is so desperately seeking that authenticity, we are so tired of the show. We don't want fluff, we want connection, we want to be able to relate. I could go on forever in details but I will spare it. Bottom line is your right! Lets have a realistic plan for real problems.

Also, I think the reason why people are following Sarah Is because she is the closest thing in this race to sincerity. To put it in the words of an avid Star Wars fan, " Sarah Palin your my only hope!" ha!

I want to be proud of my country... and the last thing I want to abuse is the right to vote because some would LITERALLY Die to have that luxury...God help us!

"SINCERELY" Matt Moore

PS: (I would love to see this race address the protection of the constitution as well.)

[Mike]

I agree Chris. There's a pic in the current issue of TIME (the one with Palin on the cover) that shows a scene from the campaign bus. John McCain is sitting at the table with his wife and campaign manager. Across the table is Palin, sitting there in a hockey jersey next to a baby car seat. She's holding her baby and there's baby stuff on the table. It's so bizarre. Talk about authentic. If you didn't know any of the players and were asked "Who's the presidential and vice presidential candidates in this photo." You'd no doubt pick McCain as the prez nominee and probably pick his wife as the V.P. nominee. Then you'd ask..."So who's the nanny?"
You're right Chris. Brilliant pick. We'll see how it goes. It'll be veeerrryy interesting. Especially in the VP debates!
M.