Trailhead: A campaign blog.

PRINTDISCUSS

• « Prev | Main | Next »

  
  

  McCain Reads (?!) His Speech

  Watching McCain's speech, I find it striking how little emotion he's putting into it.  Considering he just went from political oblivion to first-primary champion over the course of six months, you would think he would be a bit more triumphant.

  It's probably because McCain is reading from notes. Mitt Romney, in contrast, pulled off a more emotional (for him) speech because he could pace around the podium flashing that Guy Smiley smile. He wasn't tethered to a podium, microphone, or legal pad.

  It isn't like McCain didn't know he was favored to win. You would think he could have prepared a speech ahead of time. But then again, he is superstitious. Regardless, McCain has a national audience right now, and a national audience likes emotion. It likes public speaking. It likes people to look at the camera when they talk.

  Published Tuesday, January 08, 2008 9:16 PM by Chadwick Matlin
  Email Chadwick.Matlin+TH@gmail.com

  Filed under: John McCain

About Chadwick Matlin

• Chadwick Matlin is the staff reporter for Slate's The Big Money, a new business site launching in the fall. He can be reached at Chadwick.Matlin+TH@gmail.com