We were channel surfing on Saturday night because the Olympic coverage was of the women’s marathon, which I liken to watching paint dry, when we happened upon Rick Warren’s interviews of the respective candidates. The least I can say is that the contrasts were spectacular. John McCain was the all-around winner, (unless he was being judged by Olympic judges, in which case he would have placed second due to some unusual tie-breaking formula!).
Senator McCain opened up the proverbial can of Whompem on Senator Obama in these areas:
- Clarity–McCain’s remarks were straightforward, transparent and to the point. It’s why he also got to answer more questions. His answers were focused, and his intent was clear. Note to Obama–at no point in the next eight years do we, as a nation, want to have another debate over the definition of “is”.
- Decisiveness–Senator McCain knows where he stands on certain issues and there is no wiggle room. Never mind the fact that I agree with him on the “major” issues, the nation needs and wants a leader that can make a decision and articulate it to us. Note to President Bush–articulate and communicate in this sense mean the same thing. It’s the major weakness of your administration. Note to Obama–I still don’t know where you stand on anything, because I don’t believe you know where you stand. It’s one thing to talk about concepts like “hope” and “change”, but as President, we want to know you stand for something bigger than yourself and your ego. You need to prove it to us.
- Humor–Obama’s crack about Pastor Warren’s book sales was out of line. Barack, in your wildest dreams your book would sell 25 million copies. McCain was able to laugh at himself and people like that.
- Experience–Track record is becoming more and more important in this campaign. McCain’s is extensive. Obama, well, most of his national experience has been spent running for President. The geo-political situation is shifting. I want someone who’s been there, done that. The country can ill afford a President who requires on-the-job training.
- Taxes–Need I say more? The notion that Obama thinks $250,000 is a lot of money tells me that he is really out of touch with the majority of people in this country. A quarter of a million dollars ain’t what it used to be. It seems that Obama’s economic policy advisor is Karl Marx.
The list goes on and on. We could talk about their contrasting views of the Supreme Court, their anecdotes about their lives, etc. I still don’t know who Senator Obama is, and at this point in the campaign, the nation should have a pretty good idea. Senator McCain, you impressed me Saturday night, and the nation, I feel, as well.
