President Barack 'Who's Sane' Obama

It's the Temperament, stupid.

Pundits used to argue over whether voters care more about Personality or Policy when it comes to their choice for President. But like so many other pieces of outdated conventional wisdom, the Personality vs. Policy theory is kaput.

Temperament, that aspect of personality that informs decision-making, is what's propelled Barack Obama over John McCain. For almost two years of campaigning -- and few of us knew who he was before he began campaigning for the big job -- he's been consistently smart, sensible and steady. In a word, Sane.

In his selection of a vice president. In his response to the financial meltdown. (Or at least his lack of a crazy response.) In his behavior at the debates. Consummately sane and deliberate. In other words, not the guy who relies on his "gut."

Obama wasn't elected for his platform. (I still can't make heads or tails of his tax plan.) Nor was he elected because he's the guy you want to have a beer with. (His Cool Kid credentials have been way hyped. He's more nerdy than cool.)

He just became America's next President because he seems like a guy who asks for directions if he's lost. If he's driving toward the edge of a canyon, he tries to figure out a way around it. He doesn't just close his eyes and floor it.