Barack Obama's largest problem may be overconfidence in coming weeks, even appearing unwittingly as if the election were a fait accompli. Tom Dewey had that problem in 1948 against Harry Truman, a plain spoken, unglamorous and unpopular underdog. Note to Obama: McCain may be reading up on that storied election.
Obama is in a bit of a corner on the confidence factor. Appearing too confident will cause him to look like he is treating the election as a mere formality that is delaying his inauguration. And above all else, American voters don't like to feel taken for granted. But for a man whose opponent has made his experience and qualifications a chief issue, Obama also needs to display competence and the ability to walk surefootedly through a world filled with political, security and economic threats.
Add these factors together in the overconfidence oven -- his largely successful European trip, his high-level statesman-like meetings with foreign heads of state, his Berlin speech to 200,000 and his recent talks with economic high-flyers. Plus the Obama-Rama Democratic convention where he will accept the nomination in an outdoor stadium amid a sea of adoring faithful. (One late night comic cracked recently that Obama has to do it in Denver because apparently Mount Sinai was booked that night.)
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
He may smoothly strike the balance between arrogance and timidity, but he'll have to persuade voters from now until Election Day that he is still trying to sell them -- that he needs them more than they need him.
For an excellent account of the confidence problem that plagued Tom Dewey and how it may relate to Obama in modern times, check out elections expert Rhodes Cook in the Wall Street Journal.
-
Nasdaq Rises 2.7% as Musk Tweets TSLA Higher: Stock Market TodayMarkets follow through on Friday's reversal rally with even bigger moves on Monday.
-
4 Black Friday Scams to Watch Out forThe deals are heating up, but so are the scams. Here's how to spot some of the most common Black Friday scams this holiday season.
-
Kiplinger's 2020 Election ForecastPolitics For nearly a century, The Kiplinger Letter has forecasted the outcome of presidential elections to keep readers informed of what's coming and what it means for them. Here's our call for 2020.
-
How the GOP Tax Bill May Affect BusinessesBusiness Costs & Regulation Corporations would enjoy a lower flat tax rate while individual owners of pass-throughs would also see a lower rate, but with more complex terms.
-
The Long Slog in Congress After Comey
Politics Trump's firing of the FBI director ruffled congressional feathers, but not enough to spur an independent investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election.
-
Trump’s Tax Reform Plan Faces Tough ChallengesPolitics A one-page outline isn't enough to satisfy a Congress interested in the details — and protecting constituents.
-
Trump's Agenda and ChallengesPolitics What lies ahead for the President-Elect.
-
Clinton on Track to Win 2016 Presidential Election
Politics Trump can win the White House, but faces an uphill climb.
-
New Overtime Rules Will Hit Businesses This YearBusiness Costs & Regulation A change in salary threshold will make more workers eligible for extra pay.
-
Bumpy Road Ahead in 2016 Presidential Race
Politics Trump will get a bounce after the Republican convention, but Clinton is poised to regain ground.
