Funny, but I've had thousands of people tell me that Alan is the best speaker they've ever heard. But hey, no accounting for taste. I just think you're in a minority. Most, even his enemies, acknowledge his skills as an orator.
A real candidate must come across, at some level, as a regular guy. Which is why I believe Hillary is going to crash and burn as she gets more exposure. (shudder at mental image...)
Obama has "it". Neither Kerry, nor Gore nor Edwards has "it".