I was watching John Stewart last night. ( My favorite time of day, M-Th.) He was doing a segment on the body language and the speaking tone of the meeting between PE Obama and Senator John McCain. He pointed out PE Obama's relaxed, confident, cool body language and contrasted it with Senator John McCain's tight, uncomfortable, dare I say tortured, body language. The same being true with John McCain's manner of speaking. Tight, clench teethed. Please come below for my very amature analysis of what I think this was about.
I think our PE is the smartest PE ever. He has such strong interpersonal skills and understanding of human nature, he is able to exact his revenge from the high ground. Of course, my POV may be the cynical one. But, a girl can dare to dream.
The move to meet with Senator John McCain has been heralded as a generous gesture, that shows PE Obama is walking the talk (It may be. But, with bonuses). Pundits have noted how soon the PE has extended the olive branch and how gracious that is.
But, think about it. In the video (I do not know how to link to it so if you are more savvy, please feel free) John McCain looked completely demoralized and humiliated. ( As well, he should be.) He had to sit with the man who kicked his ass, in a very public meeting. He had to come congratulate the guy who mopped the floor with him, while the nation looked on. He had to sit there in a very large chair that seemed to absorb him as a loser. In contrast, to the very cool, confident winner who seemed to fit appropriately in his large chair.
Senator John McCain's weakness as a politician is his non-existent poker face and his pride. He is incapable of hiding his discomfort with his own wounded pride. My suspicion is our very smart PE knows this and just used it to remain on the high ground while punishing the Senator for his disgraceful campaign. John McCain just had to relive his loss, publicly. Brilliant.
I think this jijitsu can be extended to Lieberman and possibly Senator Clinton. But, I do not want to explore Clinton too much. I am a fan of Senator Clinton's. I will point out, Preisdent Clinton's dealings are probably being looked at and made a little more public than he ever wanted. Just saying.
Back to Lieberman. It is very difficult to humiliate a man with no pride. So, I think the best you can do is point out what a weak character someone has by having that person display publicly how easily he will throw himself on the altar of power and beg for mercy. Resulting in, most of the public realizing nothing this man says or does can be trusted. These are just my thoughts.
UPDATED: I was relieved to know I was not the only one thinking along these lines. Bob Cesca of the Huffington Post had similar thoughts. But, he has expressed himself far better than I.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/...