The "Fathers" Ad Lib

In one of the few unscripted moments of the debate, President Bush was gracious to Senator Kerry when asked to pass judgment on Kerry's character. Kerry seemed surprised and was gracious in turn. But the fascinating tidbit centers on their role as a father and how this ties into George Lakoff's theories of differences between conservatives and liberals:

KERRY: Well, first of all, I appreciate enormously the personal comments the president just made. And I share them with him. I think only if you're doing this -- and he's done it more than I have in terms of the presidency -- can you begin to get a sense of what it means to your families. And it's tough. And so I acknowledge that his daughters -- I've watched them. I've chuckled a few times at some of their comments.

(LAUGHTER) And...

BUSH: I'm trying to put a leash on them.

(LAUGHTER) KERRY: Well, I know. I've learned not to do that.

This simple interchange speaks volumes about the character of the two men and has been discussed at length on a Seattle-area mailing list. This entry was prompted in part by that discussion.

Lakoff talks about the "strict father" versus the "nurturing parent" as not only models of childrearing but as reflections of worldview that can be extrapolated to political mindset.

Is America looking for President as father-figure (Father Knows Best)? Or is American seeking a President who treats voters like fellow adults? I guess we'll find out on 2 November.