[smiffy]

PassedOut, on Oct 9 2008, 10:02 AM, said:

I noticed Obama's frequent use of the word "and" as a time-filler while he chose his next sentence.

It often seems to me that McCain struggles to keep his anger in check. Even so, I was a bit surprised to see this piece by Michael Kinsley today: At the Craps Tables With John McCain

Quote

“McCain immediately turned to the woman and said between clenched teeth: ‘DON’T TOUCH ME.’ The woman started to explain...McCain interrupted her: ‘DON’T TOUCH ME,’ he repeated viciously. The woman again tried to explain. ‘DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM? DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU’RE TALKING TO?’ McCain continued, his voice rising and his hands now raised in the ‘bring it on’ position. He was red-faced. By this time all the action at the table had stopped. I was completely shocked. McCain had totally lost it, and in the space of about ten seconds. ‘Sir, you must be courteous to the other players at the table,’ the pit boss said to McCain. “DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM? ASK ANYBODY AROUND HERE WHO I AM.”

Guess he's not "Mr. Congeniality" at the craps table either.

The woman McCain addressed has tried to put his hand above the table, however friendly, via force. It then might be possible that he just panicked. He has experienced torture and still suffers from pain today. Maybe, really just maybe, what he meant when he said "Do you know who i am?" is that he presumed his conditions to be known or made known to people he deals with. Then, in the casual environment of a dice game he might have let his guards down only to experience something that he sees as an assault on his privacy and well-being.
I am neither a friend nor enemy of McCain, it just struck me that it is possible for this whole situation to not be exactly as it seems. Maybe this could also be the reason why none of the journalists present made this incident known to the public.
However, as President of the USA, one might want to wish someone more emotionally stable.

[jdonn]

The Daily Show did a funny recap of the debate yesterday. Nice spoof on McCain's idea to solve Medicare by having the smartest people in America meet up and come up with ideas. ("My 4 year old son came up with the same plan! And I like his defense plan too, create a League of Strong People") Then he pictured the smartest people in America gathered around a table to solve Medicare. Bill Gates, Stephen Hawking, Lex Luthor, Dear Abby....

[kenberg]

If I were at the dice table and either Obama or McCain was within touching distance, I think I would move away to give him space. I sure as hell would not reach out and grab his hand. Quite possibly the woman did not know who he was. Even then it seems rather assuming.

Still, if the description of his behavior is accurate, it seems bizarre. The whole situation seems bizarre. Being president requires giving up a few pleasures, as Bill Clinton found out. A night out in the casino, mingling freely with the other high-rollers, may be something that will have to go on hold if he becomes president.

[luke warm]

Al_U_Card, on Oct 9 2008, 09:34 AM, said:

My least favorite is when McCain gets up and walks around with that right arm held out at a right angle. He looks like he is dancing the robot and he fell asleep in mid-step.

you do know why the arm is as it is, right?

[Al_U_Card]

Indeed, but Bob Dole held a pencil and FDR stayed behind the rostrum.

[hrothgar]

Al_U_Card, on Oct 10 2008, 02:20 AM, said:

Indeed, but Bob Dole held a pencil and FDR stayed behind the rostrum.

Seems like an argument in favor of McCain (or alternatively, that society has matured some)