I had to ask the professor about the jokes being made of Senator John McCain’s age.
“Lissen” he said, perhaps a bit annoyed at the evident attack against old age, even though he is still more than a decade younger than the Senator. “The problem is not old age; it is the way you have to flash it before the American public. You know that our people will swallow anything you want them to swallow if it is properly dulcified and comes wrapped in the flag, a religious aside and a promise of untold future infallibility and prosperity.”
“So, what should he or his advisers do?”
“Simple. Sell whatever is associated with old age: wisdom is one. Durability is another. Have been there, done that. Old age intuition is unique and can not be learned overnight. Have seen how governments and politicians deviate from the right course. Old Age means the accumulation of experiences that help form the right judgments. Stress the importance of the material comforts of old age that often create strong yearnings on younger people. Harp on the respectability of old age and the value it represents when meeting world leaders, most of whom come from cultures where older men are respected and venerated. Gee, there are a million things he can use without mentioning Obama. References that could not avoid instantaneous comparisons with younger Obama. Contrast can be a deadly weapon!”
I was perplexed. The extent of the professor’s political skills was unknown to me. I could not help saying:
“A great exposition Professor. Why don’t you become Senator McClean’s advisor?”
“Sorry,but I already advice Obama!”
The professor himself is emerging as a most attractive candidate. Who he?
Posted by: john bake | June 28, 2008 at 06:29 PM