When discussing politics do we ignore the role of perception at our peril?

I agree with that article, with exception to the last line about style over substance. I believe Obama has both.

For too long now this country has not been seen in the positive light that we shine on ourselves by others. We like to think this is the best place in the world, and while it may be true, arrogance has never been fondly viewed upon. We absolutely squandered the good will from 9/11 on controversial wars and demands on other countries.

When foreigners see who we have running for presidency they believe the caricatures given by the media: McCain = old/more of the same & Obama = youth/change from failed politics. I won't argue with the truth in these caricatures, because there are obvious exceptions in both. But the fact that this is how the world views the candidates speaks volumes.

We need other nations with us, not against us, if we are to survive. America is on a precipice that will change the future of this country. In my opinion, we need to show the world that we are willing to make those changes. What worked for our fathers and grandfathers will not always work for us and we must make a positive move toward a foreign policy that will work. Shooting first and asking questions later is a dead policy.

Naturally, this is all my opinion. Feel free to disagree - I won't call anybody unpatriotic for doing so.