Barack Obama has an alternative suggestion for those booing John McCain

It is inevitable -- especially in the final days of a presidential campaign that seemingly has lasted forever -- that one candidate's mention at a rally of the other party's candidate will spark a negative response from the crowd. After all, each side has spared no effort to paint its rival in the most unflattering terms.

The Ticket was struck, however, by Barack Obama's recommendation when, after he referred to John McCain by name while campaigning in Florida today, a scattering of boos were heard. The reaction came after Obama had scoffed -- as he so often likes to do -- at McCain's ill-advised comment a month ago that the fundamentals of the U.S. economy are strong.

As some of his listeners expressed their ill-will toward McCain, Obama paused and said: "We don't need that. We just need you to vote."

That, in turn, generated a loud cheer.

It helps one's equanimity, of course, to be leading in the polls.

-- Don Frederick

Comments

[Arye Michael Bender]

Barak Obama has shown consistent equanimity, and well before he began leading in the polls. It is one of his qualities I admire most. Quite presidential.

- Arye Michael Bender -

[Jack Waldron]

Or it could just be, that Barack Obama really disapproves of such behavior, and is a real leader. He is of course a politician now and I generally have very bad views of politicians. However, we don't need to be trying to diseect people for doing the right thing, which Don Frederick did at the very end of this article. Obama did the right thing, and he did it without people repeatedly doing this at his appearances. Score 2 for Obama, 1 for McCain and 0 for Sarah Palin. I also believe neither of the Republican candidates has stopped to say anything to those booing Obama or Joe Biden.

[Jim Crittenden]

Barack Obama has always been the class act in this election. I'm a Republican and Barack has my vote.

[Walrus]

Class, Pure Class

[Dean Fox]

...It helps one equanimity, of course, to be leading in the polls. -- Don Frederick.

I got news for you Don, our next President would have said the same thing even if loosing in the polls. A man of good character is refreshing isn't it?

McCain and his party are the only ones condoning and even encouraging anger and hate. But then, that's what the Republican Party is all about isn't it? Anger and hate.

[thorninurside]

Maybe some of the pundits are right. Maybe it IS a class war...one in which Obama has all the class, and McCain is all about the war. When I was a kid in our history lessons we learned about the Hundred Years War, but it never dawned on me that a candidate for the presidency of the United States would suggest one for us. The Arizona senator really ought to gather up what sympathy we still have for his suffering in Vietnam, and enjoy retirement in one of his homes. As a former admirer of McCain it's painful to watch his descent into the slime of gutter politics. Not too long ago one of the more popular entertainers sang about "You gotta'know when to hold'em, and when to fold'em". Are you listening John ?

[Membery]

I am okay with the boos. Boos aren't the same as death threats.

[Michichael]

Even if it's a PR stunt, it's a nice comparison between Democratic speeches and Republican - the Democrats are on topic, the Republicans are fear mongering. The Bush tactics don't work - they just make Obama stronger.

Now I'm not saying Obama is the best choice for our next president either, but he's a better pick than McCain. Presidents are for the most part figure heads and puppets of the party - such as Bush Jr. I'll be impressed when Obama actually tells the puppet masters to screw off and takes a real leadership role, but until then I'll maintain my pessimistic outlook on the direction this country is going, no matter who's elected.

[It is Time For Change]

And the McCain group is shouting "Kill Obama" as Sarah Palin smiles in appreciation.

[James]

Christ on rye, LA Times, you couldn't go one article without sending your readers to dictionary-dot-com. You had to, didn't you? Had to bust out the thesaurus, eight words from the end of the article, and look up synonyms for composure. Good lord, The Economist may be dull but at least they have a reasonable style guide.

[It's About the Message]

Look, Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! No, It's the gist of this blog soaring high over James' head.

[William Allgood]

It's easy to act with "Class" when you have never gotten your hands dirty and never had pain and suffering administered by adversaries. "Class" is simply an act, not a sign of leadership ability. Give me the tried, hardened and trusted person as a leader any time! Anyone can put on a "Classy" face and act with equanimity until really tested by life. Obama has had it easy from the beginning! A real "Silver Spoon Kid".

[Ann]

Hey, good answer!

[anna]

i believe you are mistaken, william. barack obama was raised in a lower-middle-class family, and if i'm not mistaken, mccain's family is at least a little better off than obama's. i could be wrong, but the fact remains that referring to obama as a "silver spoon kid" is inaccurate and unfair. i don't want to call you a troll prematurely, but you should exercise more discretion in commenting.