John McCain has become well known for his stream-of-consciousness campaign-bus gabfest, the "Straight Talk Express." His ability to engage – nay, enchant – the media in this oddly informal group format has been one of the strongest aspects of a generally weak campaign. Vanity Fair recently noted this phenomenon in an article by James Wolcott called "Mad About the Guy," describing the almost irrational attraction grown men (in particular) feel for McCain when they meet him in person – in contrast to the Beatles-like mass hysteria induced by Obama.
Although clearly, the bromance doesn't extend to the relationship between the two candidates themselves. Beyond the obligatory cordial mutual-respect thing, and the predictable sniping of "celebrity" versus "old guy," the Obama organization has created a unique criticism-debunking tool: The Low Road Express, a virtual Snopes.com of Obama rumor and innuendo. It's motto, "Seen a low blow? Let us know!," suggests a comrade-lite approach to keeping an eye on your neighbor's propaganda.
