![](\"http:\/\/cyber.law.harvard.edu\/blogs\/static\/dowbrigade\/\nkerrypub.jpg\")
The
\n difficult task facing John Kerry is the result of genius image-makers
\n on the other side pulling off the greatest role
\n reversal since Usama Bin Laden went from being a friendly freedom fighter
\n against the Soviets in Afghanistan to the international incarnation of
\n evil. Somehow, George Bush, scion of an ultra elite family and standard
\n bearer of the
\n fat cat business party has become the "aw-shucks" man of the people,
\n and John Kerry, candidate of the working class\/immigrant\/downtrodden
\n party has become the effete ivy-encrusted Eastern elitist, married
\n to an heiress, and out of touch with the pulse of the common people.<\/p>\n
In ad after ad, public appearance after public appearance,
\n from ground zero to to bowling alleys to NASCAR races, Bush is seen
\n slapping backs and kicking back, while John Kerry seems completely incapable
\n of communicating with the common citizens in their unconscious language
\n of gestures and postures, verbal tics and folksy turns of phrase.
\n In this, George W is a natural who can literally walk the walk and talk
\n the talk, much more than his old man ever could.<\/p>\n
Kerry, on the other hand, seems stiff and aloof even
\n around his own family. Watching Kerry trying to be just plain folks is
\n as painful as watching a three-legged dog trying to climb a ladder. Despite
\n repeated reports that up close and in person he is a charismatic and
\n caring presence, completely comfortable with cops and firemen and teachers
\n and taxi drivers, it doesn’t play on TV.<\/p>\n
At this point Kerry’s best bet may be to convince voters
\n that as swell a guy as Dubya is, you don’t necessarily want Bubba next
\n door to be President of the United States at a crucial time of war and
\n crisis.<\/p>\n
Of course, history indicates this may be a lost cause.
\n The two most successful Democratic Presidents of our lifetime were personally
\n magnetic populists, and (most) everybody wanted to be their friend. Bill
\n Clinton WAS Bubba next door, and he pulled the role off to perfection.
\n JFK, Kerry’s namesake and model, was personally loved to a level approaching
\n worship. Everybody wanted to be his pal, despite his patrician
\n background and bearing. Hell, the guy was married to Jackie and
\n screwing Marilyn. What more can one say.<\/p>\n
The ultimate irony is that in "real life" George spends
\n his free time with mysterious millionaires and members of the power elite,
\n while John has reportedly spent hundreds of heartfelt hours at
\n the bedsides of injured firefighters, visiting indigent constituents,
\n and
\n hanging
\n at block parties
\n and charity events with people who never were and never will be rich
\n or famous. Behind the PR facades and beyond the reach of the image spinners,
\n Bush is sparkling
\n at a champaign
\n reception
\n up
\n in
\n the
\n Penthouse, while Kerry is down at the bar on the corner, nursing a beer
\n and bemoaning
\n his fate with his plebian barroom buddies.<\/p>\n
Get your chin out of your beer, John. Mop yourself up
\n off the floor, and at least go down swinging. You’re reputedly a fantastic
\n closer. Well, it’s closing time. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The difficult task facing John Kerry is the result of genius image-makers on the other side pulling off the greatest role reversal since Usama Bin Laden went from being a friendly freedom fighter against the Soviets in Afghanistan to the … Continue reading