Maggie Shnayerson

"The debates unnerved both candidates. When he was preparing for them during the Democratic primaries, Obama was recorded saying, 'I don't consider this to be a good format for me, which makes me more cautious. I often find myself trapped by the questions and thinking to myself, 'You know, this is a stupid question, but let me … answer it.' So when Brian Williams is asking me about what's a personal thing that you've done [that's green], and I say, you know, 'Well, I planted a bunch of trees.' And he says, 'I'm talking about personal.' What I'm thinking in my head is, 'Well, the truth is, Brian, we can't solve global warming because I f---ing changed light bulbs in my house. It's because of something collective'.'" [Newsweek] (Itals all mine.)

"There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree."

These lines (plus the rest of Barack Obama's deeply presidential and ethos, pathos and rhythm-ridden victory speech) fairly well sum up why and where his campaign succeeded and John McCain's didn't.

Yeeaaahhh...I'm glad I'm not the only one wondering...