Bailout Shows Nominees' Divergent Styles

Last week's tumultuous negotiations over the federal bailout presented the two presidential candidates in their classic modes: John McCain the impulsive firebrand, Barack Obama the even-keel analyzer. Yet while Obama won praise from Democrats for his level-headed response, many Republicans worried about McCain's behavior, especially his insistence that SEC chairman Christopher Cox be fired, writes the New York Times.

It's unclear whether Obama's serene style will win over voters in a year when so many are convinced the economy is out of joint. But this week he convinced many doubters in his party, including former Hillary Clinton supporters, that he's up to the job. McCain's theatrics seemed at odds with his minor role in the bailout, leaving GOP strategists to put a brave face on a miscalculation.