On one hand this analysis of the “macho” quotient in the GOP race seems silly. On the other hand McCain’s POW film campaign ads, the “Ask the lawyers” tussle and polls like this (question #21) which ask who do you want in an “extremely serious” crisis( my assumption is that most people consider this a military/terrorist crisis as opposed to the bond market heading south) suggest that this factor — who is the toughest guy in a fight — may play a significant factor for a lot of voters. Part of it is the post-9-11 world in which a hypothetical crisis doesn’t seem so hypothetical. Perhaps part is the Republicans’ sense that the Democrats have the upper hand and now is not the time for the faint of heart.
