Pundits had hedged their bets on the outcome of the races in Indiana and North Carolina. If Senator Clinton won both, she’d come out swinging. If Senator Obama won both, he would wear the mantle of victory and need to be humble and concillatory. In the end, he almost got what he needed, and she didn’t come close. Niether got what was required to (pardon what has become so cliche) “close the deal”. So the time had come for both to walk the tight-rope of tone.

I was struck by how similar the tones were. Because he didn’t say he won, and she didn’t say she lost, they landed in the middle and – for the first time in months – they sounded like they were on the same team. As a communications coach, I am always listening for the hidden incendiary words; the veiled threats. I heard none. It’s been a long time since both sounded respectful of the other. Both attempted to inspire, while not over-promise. In both speeches, the tone was appropriate. Both candidates used the powerful tool of tone to convey that the party really does have a chance to heal.

Did you hear it too?

You can look as hard as you want for positive McCain things, but for every positive there is an equally positive negative to exploit, that’s part of the problem with being a fence straddling, life-time government employee, BS artist. If things stay as they are, McCain is going to be taken apart in the next 6 months – and then beaten within an inch of his political life in November. Remember these words – “Democratic Super Majority”. It’s inevitable.