The headline sounds like the start of joke doesn’t it? Maybe the set up would be better if it read, “Barak Obama, Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez walk into a bar…”
In all seriousness, there is something to the analogy as indicated in a recent poll of likely voters in Ohio. The survey showed John McCain opening a “modest” lead over Barack Obama. This is up 6 points since two previous Ohio surveys. What gives? There are two promising trends for McCain in the poll. The first is a bit nebulous but it points to what you might call Obama “fatigue.” The national press is in some meaningful respects giddy for Obama. And the public is noticing. Nestled in the survey is this interesting question:
“Looking ahead to the campaign between Barack Obama and John McCain, will most reporters try to help Barack Obama, offer unbiased coverage, or try to help John McCain?”
51% Try to help Barack Obama
21% Offer unbiased coverage
13% Try to help John McCain
15% Not sure
Could it be Obama might end up suffering in November from the same overexposure that has afflicted Britney and J. Lo? Good looks and charisma can carry you a long way. And they have certainly helped more than their fair share of otherwise unqualified people get promotions. But handsome midlevel managers have rarely had their promotions in the hands of 150 million voters.
Given Obama’s obviously thin resume there is little for journalists to focus on beyond his personality so we’re likely due for more of the same fawning coverage. Frankly, over the course of several months no one, no matter how gifted, is that interesting without some substance to back up the hype. It seems probable that the national press’ love affair will wear thin with voters. Perhaps Ohio is a canary in the coal mine for Obama.
