John McCain is hoping that after two decades of elections dominated by aristocrats -- the first election in 28 years without a Bush or a Clinton on either ticket -- America is ready for a shake-up, but the establishment doesn't think an outsider could ever handle it -- and shouldn't be given the chance to try.

CNN: Commentary: Palin is a VP for the rest of us

It wasn't a bad journalistic idea: the outsider taking on the professional, and showing that being a pro takes more skill than is often realised.

ECONOMIST: George Plimpton

But for years Mr. Starck couldn't shake off the feeling of being an outsider.

WSJ: At Philippe Starck's Table | Ma Cocotte