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The McCain-Obama Buddy Flick

Guys jumping between the two are picking machismo over politics

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 26, 2008 12:50 PM CST
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(Newser) – For too many men, the 2008 election is a McCain-Obama buddy flick, writes Edward McClelland for Salon. The candidates may be ideological opponents, but the grizzled veteran and hip black guy share qualities men admire in other men, like independence, charisma, and toughness. Many guys are backing both, ideology be damned—and revealing a subconscious male preference.

McClelland understands the thinking of these hybrids—he used to be one. “I never said to myself, ‘I want a man for president,’” he writes. “I said to myself, ‘I want a leader.’” But he realizes that he, like many, views leadership as a masculine quality. In the end, he recommends Obama backers suck it up and vote for Hillary Clinton if she wins the nomination.

Signs for John McCain and Barack Obama are posted in the snow in Manchester, N.H. Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008. Recent polls suggest that some male voters are ready to cross the political divide if Sen. Hillary Clinton should get the Democratic nomination. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Signs for John McCain and Barack Obama are posted in the snow in Manchester, N.H. Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008. Recent polls suggest that some male voters are ready to cross the political divide if Sen. Hillary...   (Associated Press)
These recent file photos show Barack Obama and John McCain. (STF/AFP/Getty Images)
These recent file photos show Barack Obama and John McCain. (STF/AFP/Getty Images)   (Getty Images)
Members of the U.S. Republican Party in Puerto Rico show their support for Arizona Sen. John McCain during the so-called assembly of delegates in the municipality of Toa Baja, just outside San Juan, Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008. Pictured: Dudes.(AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
Members of the U.S. Republican Party in Puerto Rico show their support for Arizona Sen. John McCain during the so-called "assembly of delegates" in the municipality of Toa Baja, just outside San Juan,...   (Associated Press)
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., waves to the crowd during a rally Monday, Feb. 25, 2008, in Dayton, Ohio. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., waves to the crowd during a rally Monday, Feb. 25, 2008, in Dayton, Ohio. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)   (Associated Press)
Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., greets Republican presidential hopeful, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., during a break between the televised Republican presidential debate and the Democratic presidential debate at Saint Anselm College Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008 in Manchester, N.H. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., greets Republican presidential hopeful, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., during a break between the televised Republican presidential debate and the...   (Associated Press)
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