Daniel,
I hope you glance at this.
I read the article you refer to in the LA Times,
concerning Obama and McCain out West.
I failed to find one iota of poignancy in it.
My understanding of the word is, 'evoking a keen sense of
sadness of regret'. Late Middle English from the French poindre, from Latin, pungere, 'to prick'.
Whilst I am it, I am also nonplussed as to why Americans have decided to use the term [nonplussed] to describe a state of being unimpressed, unsurprised or unfazed when it in fact the English created the word from the Latin non plus 'not more' to describe exactly the opposite sentiment. that was about 400 years ago so your forefathers would have used it in its original meaning.
I know I sound like a 'prickly old English teacher'
But I am.
Otherwise I like your style
And brevity