Swing Voters Don't Like 'Hothead' McCain

Doubts over John McCain's disposition are pushing undecided voters Barack Obama's way, according to the Los Angeles Times. Swing voters interviewed by the newspaper say McCain's negative body language over the last few weeks and his "hothead" outbursts have given them strong misgivings—as did his snap decision to suspend his campaign— while Obama' s "cool" demeanor has impressed them, especially at a time of crisis.

Obama still seems arrogant, one independent voter said, but his "level-headed, calm and collected" quality is what a country facing economic calamity needs. Others suggested that McCain had "gone overboard" with his attacks on Obama, raising questions about his own believability. The economic crisis has particularly hurt McCain among independents, who are normally open to backing a Republican. (More Election 2008 stories.)