Politics is a lot about symbolism. One thing people expect from the leader of the pack is vitality, health and potency. That is why kids and wives are always dragged onto the political stage to prove that these politicians are strong males and provide well for their offspring.

Many pundits and voters perceived McCain (now 71) before the vote as too old. He was considered ’seasoned’ when he ran for the big office back in 2000 against President Shrub.

But in contrast to Obama (aged 46) he is an old fart - and his disability from being tortured in Vietnam doesn’t help either. No matter how often McCain drags his stone old mother onto the political stage - he doesn’t stand a chance against the fresh looking Obama and his jumpy two kids.