Qui es muy Americano?

I'd apologize for the poor Spanish, but what do I care? I'm an American!

Unfortunately, I'm not as American as some people. What I mean by that is that my legal name is Saquib Suhrab Asghar. That's not Jim Smith. That wouldn't work well in a political campaign.

In that sense, Barry Obama hurt himself when he embraced his heritage by becoming Barack some years ago. Of course, even if he were still Barry, he'd still lose votes for having a name that rhymes with Osama. And he's a dove, not a hawk, even though he tries to talk tough on occasion. The New Yorker cartoon saga reminds us what people in the heartland (or the more politically rabid parts of Irvine) are thinking.

Social scientists and natural scientists both puzzle over what makes us tick. There's evidence that humans and animals alike prefer being led by tall alpha males (even though this suggestion disturbs idealists, feminists and short people). Some have argued that, in the TV era, the taller candidate will usually win.

Seems that Bush has been beating guys taller than him though. My sense is that we as Americans don't always vote for the taller candidate, but we do generally prefer the "more American" candidate. Bush Jr. seemed "more American" than Kerry or Gore, which is why Americans decided that they would prefer to have a beer with him. Clinton seemed more American than Bush Sr, who at least seemed more American than Dukakis, and Reagan seemed more American than God.

In that sense, I would never wager against war hero John McCain in a contest with Obama, all policies and abilities aside. Obama has a huge challenge ahead of him in redefining what it means to "seem" American, in a manner that can serve his campaign imperatives.