Let's follow the lead of the candidate we support and let the whole "who is Joe the plumber, really?" inquiry drop before self-appointed countertop inspectors start cruising through Toledo. Follow me over the jump, if you please, to hear my reasoning. Well, you won't really hear it unless you read out loud. Not that there's anything wrong with that, just keep it down if you're at work.
Barack already won the interaction with Joe the Plumber (hereafter JTP), by patiently explaining his tax policy to a guy who clearly disagreed with him, with little expectation that he would change his mind-he looked like someone who respected opposing opinions, and would treat everyone with respect. That's part of what's got him in the lead at this point-respecting others. All the mentions of JTP by McCain probably left most people scratching their heads-95% of the audience likely had never heard of the guy.
This election is not going to turn on any diaries on Daily Kos, but I ask this question-do we want to emulate some of the fringiest stuff we see from the right, where people like the Frost family get subjected to the 3rd degree just for expressing an opinion on a political issue? Remember all the justly deserved mocking Malkin, et al., received for the countertop expose? Why is what some here are doing any better? Because the guy's a Republican? Because he supports policies that most here disagree with? Is every member of the opposition just someone to be crushed if they stick their heads up?
None of the attacks on Obama from McCain stick-because Barack consistently comes off as level-headed and respectful of people who disagree with him-he's the type of person we like to be around, rather than the office blowhard who even wears out his welcome with people who agree with him. His approach draws people into the process-as many here have said, his is not a "50% +1" approach. Now, JTP is probably never going to agree with Obama, but how many independents and R's who saw their interaction came away with an enhanced appreciation of Barack's character because of how respectful he was?
Think of how Barack handles the debates compared to McCain. McCain attacks on every issue, big or small-if there had been more time last night, he eventually would have gotten around to attacking Barack's choice of tie. To his base, this makes him look tough, to everyone else, it makes him look like a reflexive hack, and dilutes his ability of criticize Obama even on real issues.
In contrast, Barack sits back and picks his spots-when he does hit back, it's on an important issue, and fact-based. Its like the old EF Hutton commercials-"when he talks, people listen." Does he pass up some easy shot (like on Palin or McCain and ACORN last night)? Yeah-but is taking those shots bringing people in, or pushing them away? Why muddy one of the principle distinctions between Barack and McCain-that one candidate relentlessly focuses on the issues, while the other peddles in trivia?
Assume the 'worst' about this JTP-that he was a plant by the McCain campaign to try and put Obama on the spot. Even if true-so what? He asked about a legit issue and Obama answered it. End of story-or it should be. Barack is showing us a better way to do politics-are we listening?