[Sooth2222]

"Yet the come-out-swinging attitude many Democrats crave could be hindered by the debate's town hall format, which requires a likability factor not completely compatible with aggressive attacks."

Yes, that minor point could be a problem....

Also that Biden's performance reminded most divorced women of their ex-husbands, and most employed men of their obnoxious ex-boss.

It may play to Obama's core, but I hope that the Obamaphone lady, and women who need $3000 worth of condoms each year haven't yet become the majority.

[hinckley buzzard]

The way he will try to square the circle is this: Despite all the yammering, Obama does see most people as victims. The wretched refuse who will be asking him questions, clearly will identify themselves as victims.

Victims, by their nature, have an undercurrent of anger. Whatever the issue raised, Obama will confirm the presence of a group who has been unjustly victimized, and express their anger for them, in the process levelling blame against the rich, the republicans, Romney, the "millionaires and billionaires," whoever. The whiners will perceive this as empathy and "knowing how we feel."

Obama can appear to be "one of us" if he can direct the anger toward a useful target, like Romney. It is not different from what Hitler did in the thirties, scapegoating his opponents as the source of the injustices felt by Germans in the aftermath of WWI.

Forget "likeability." Vindication of feelings and grievances will trump that every time.