It’s a vacuous piece of writing, and just as silly as the ones that bang on about Obama’s teleprompter being the real talent. In looking at Obama’s presentation and communication style, Adams could have grappled with some interesting issues. As Adams notes, Obama presents himself in a consistent style, meaning that he comes across as authentic. An interesting contrast could be drawn with the recent examination of Kevin Rudd’s use of language, adapting himself to his audience. There are good arguments for Rudd’s approach ad he is far from the first politician (or human being) to do so, but the downside is that it can appear manipulative.

But Adams veers off into uncritical praise and empty comparisons with other Presidents, all building toward an implication that Obama’s poise means he can handle anything. The absurdity reaches its climax when Adams describes Obama’s fly-swatting performance during a TV interview last month, leading to this preposterous conclusion:

Any political enemy, domestic or international, would find it instructive to watch it on YouTube. Anyone who can swat a fly with poise seems poised for success. Had Khrushchev seen footage of Kennedy killing a fly with such consummate skill during the Cuban Missile Crisis he’d have pulled his warheads out immediately.

His flippancy might make for a funny joke, if the whole of his column hadn’t seemed to be just as credulous about the value of putting on a calm exterior.