Calm, Methodical Obama vs. Angry, Ungracious McCain

Friday's unique free-form debate format offered the best insights so far into the vast differences, values and style of Barack Obama and John McCain, and how they would approach the challenges that only a president can decide. It was the stunning contrast in personal behavior, not their answers, that was most revealing.

Given the time spent on the economic crisis, Jim Lehrer had time for only five "lead" questions on national security--on Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and homeland security. Other major issues will have to await later debates. But there was enough time for many intense and revealing exchanges. With a command of both the facts and the underlying issues, and a reassuring manner, Obama convincingly passed the key test of the debate--is he qualified to be Commander-in-Chief? But the real insights came in the revelations about the way each man thinks under pressure, and the way they interacted.

First, note a recurring pattern: With the exception of Iraq, where the disagreement began with Obama's opening sentence, Obama usually began by laying out broad themes, often mentioning instances of agreement with McCain--frequently using phrases like "John is absolutely right"--before going on to stress their differences. This is unusual, and part of what makes Obama a unique leader; I do not recall any previous major party candidate in a debate volunteering so many instances of common ground with his opponent. McCain's response struck me as odd and even ungracious; he has often proclaimed he would work across the partisan divide, but he undermined his own claim by completely ignoring Obama and his comments. Instead, he attacked Obama repeatedly, using phrases such as "Senator Obama just doesn't understand. . ." at least ten times.

The manner in which each man approached problems was strikingly different. McCain understandably emphasized his own personal experiences, but almost never made clear what he thought was the larger purpose of policy. Each problem was treated on its own, and McCain's proposed policies were invariably confrontational. John McCain's world focuses almost entirely on threats. Obama usually agreed with McCain on the nature of these threats, but his proposals for action were more insightful, sophisticated, and comprehensive, and, unlike McCain's, included the use of diplomatic and economic and moral power.

These striking differences were not simply debate tactics; they highlighted differences between the two men that are in their DNA. One is the product of the brawling traditions of the United States Navy, and survival under unimaginable conditions in a Hanoi prison. John McCain has prevailed in life not by seeking common ground (ironically, the most notable exception was his historic voyages of forgiveness to Vietnam). What has kept him energized (and alive) is his enormously combative style, which he proudly calls "maverick," and his quick, sometimes pre-emptive attacks on opponents. It is not a criticism to say that he is a gambler; he said so himself in his memoirs and in the debate.

Although Barack Obama articulates his positions in a calm, methodical, and understated way, he is clearly just as tough as McCain, or he would never have come this far in life, against unbelievable odds. But he thinks about how to solve problems in a manner much more conducive to successful governance than McCain. While he made clear he is ready to use military force if necessary, his life and career embodies the search for common ground between peoples of different backgrounds, different races, different points of view. During the debate he often emphasized the non-military aspects of American power--including diplomacy backed by American muscle, the restoration of respect for the nation, and the direct link between America's economic strength and its national security.

Astonishingly, McCain had virtually nothing to say on any of these issues--yet these are the tools that must be precisely balanced and deployed with skill if the nation is to regain its leadership position in the world.

This difference was reinforced by the much-noted failure of McCain to look in Obama's direction or address him directly during the debate, and by the grim looks that left many viewers with the impression McCain was just plain angry.

The overall effect was exactly the opposite of what McCain hoped to achieve: Obama showed that he could handle the frontal assaults of an aggressive and seasoned senator-war hero in the very area McCain was perceived to be strongest. Obama offered the larger vision for the nation--and a reassuring sense he would approach issues with the seriousness they required. The gambling, brawling style of John McCain has its attractive side to Americans, but it is not what we need in the White House in these troubled times.

Comments

[MT3]

The trouble with YES YOU CAN is NO YOU CAN'T. America is broke. America has lost the war in Iraq and if you switch it to Afghanistan as O insists he will, you'll get beat worse. Iran? It's 10 times the size of Iraq. What nobody is willing to face up to is this: nobody cares what America says or does any more. In seven and half years Bush has abdicated the American age. What you need is leadership that can manage decline before it turns into fall. Not promises to come back from the dead that you cannot deliver. What O needs is a foreign policy that does not depend on Tony Lake and Albright and co who got it wrong in office.

[rkx13]

If a leader is ever so dispassionate about a war that he ever says
" he has to check with the leaders on the ground" as both McCain and G.W. Bush have over and over ,
they should not be at war in the first place. A casual war is a oxymoron.

[pithy]

People of every background hate "smug."

McCain combined smug with angry and came out the loser.

Thank God Americans are paying attention this time - now if Diebold, or "caging" or some other voter fraud doesn't steal it away for the THIRD time, we may be able to get this great country back on track!

I'm old, white and a woman - every other old, white person I know is for Obama. Don't let the stoopid polls discourage you - they're utterly wrong when they suggest it's even close!

[Hallucinocynic]

One of the hallmarks for an effective combat leader is empathy. Within military leadership schools this trait is fostered among its cadre and students for the simple fact that being able to understand what motivates your adversary makes it much easier to deal with them. This old man has never exhibited any capability to measure his opponents, relying, instead, on bombast and personal attack in a weak attempt to diffuse his own obvious shortcomings. He might know the difference between 'tactics' and 'strategy' but his quiver of intellectual weaponry is woefully empty.

He is another perfect tool for his corporatist masters.

[cbmtrx]

Yes: "Ungracious". That's the best word I've yet come across that accurately sums up John McCain.

His mannerisms, grimaces, body language and rough-edged verbal attacks remind me of what it's like to have a conversation with an adolescent. They are generally too preoccupied with their own plans to observe the necessary social graces and extend the proper courtesy to those around them.

I think it's why you so often see him catch himself, mid-sentence, and visibly attempt to bottle up his temper, fearful that we might catch a glimpse into his true self.

[OpinionsRMine]

I could not have said it better myself. Thanks!

[mpope]

Whew! Finally found someone who saw it the way I did. Thought I was going crazy...

[troika]

I would vouch for that.

[pineapplegal]

Me too. I just couldn't believe that McCain couldn't even LOOK in Obama's general direction. Completely disrespectful...condesending. Obama is Presidential at its very best - EVERYTHING McCain is not.

[candlepower]

yeah I agree 100% with your analysis.

i was staggered at McCain's cuss about sitting down with Ahmedinajad and him saying 'i'm going to anhilate Israel and what are you gonna say? No!?"
It was the best McCain could do. May have got him some votes from anyone who wasn't listening too close but it showed he's not really serious about government. You don't go into any meeting with your tanks on the table, talk softly and get your aides to carry your big sticks!

[Vermontah]

Neocons lie in order to achieve power. Read the writings of Leo Strauss and his disciples like Paul Wolfowitz. Stauss advocates using "democracy" as simply a tool to attain power, not a philosophy of representation. It is Fascism, delivered with the sweet aroma of democracy but corrupt and evil below the surface.

This insidious and treasonous philosophy must be stopped lest we lose the very identity of our country.

[RGray]

BINGO!

[hucklecat]

John McCain is experiencing cognitive difficulties and perhaps is showing the beginnings of dementia. I think Sam Donaldson said that as politely as he could when he said "The age issue is on the table again."

Let's look at events since late August. First, he is angry, irritable during a friendly Time magazine interview, http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1836909,00.html refusing to answer the most benign questions. Then he delivers a speech at the RNC that is stiff, robotic and he smiles at inopportune times, the content of the speech and his grin are at odds. He travels with Palin and puts her front and center as he melds into the background. Cindy is always present at his events, just like Nancy Reagan was when Ronnie started to falter. A recent Newsweek article points http://www.newsweek.com/id/159146 out that he has little spontaneous interaction with voters. Then he makes the gaffe confusing Spain"s Zapatero with a Latin American dictator. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-goldstein/john-mccains-seor-moment_b_127601.html And last week's respond to the financial crisis was all over the map. As George Will said, it was vehemence over coherence. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/21/abc-panel-tears-into-mcca_n_128055.html

His age and history (heavy drinking, boxing, thus blows to the head) make this possibility of dementia quite plausible...and dangerous.
http://firedoglake.com/2008/09/09/brainwatch-mccains-brain-falters-againand-againand/

[Outofnowhere]

McCain didn't even deny that he wouldn't talk w/Spain! How vengeful can you be? He's a timebomb, pure and simple. Thanks McCain, but we've got enough drama these days.

[marymansour]

Thank you, Ambassador, for so clearly stating the case. Obama is one of the most graceful, elegant, intellectually brilliant human beings that has come on the public stage during my time on earth. I am 69 years old and have never seen his like. I just wish, even for those who are not voting for him, that all would read his autobiography, Dreams From My Father. It is a very special book by a very special man. I just hope that this country, in the worst state almost in its history, will have the good sense to vote that exceptional man into office in November. It would be nice to have a legendary leader again - one who is not infamous as is our current president - but known for the good he will do America. .

[4cats4]

I'm with you on this, though I haven't yet read the book. It feels as if the Universe has brought him to us in our time of greatest need.

[Spesabsquemetu]

It simply seems inconceivable how a man who can't bring himself to look his opponent - a fellow American, in the face, could possibly be charged with negotiating agreements between opposing groups, when McCain can't seem to manage to look a fellow American from the opposing party - in the face.

How can McCain bring anyone together, how can McCain be the bi-partisan leader, when he himself can't model what he espouses his administration will be all about? McCain couldn't manage a bi-partisan call for support of his own party's president, and he wants to now cast himself as the leader of non-partisan governance? He acts with indignation, seizing moments to honor himself with acclamations of credit for events as they unfold, while remaining SILENT at meetings.

You have to be able to MODEL what you claim to espouse in your beliefs, otherwise, you end up looking like a phony, who uses words to buy support without any regard for the impact your words have on people's trust.

Thanks for this Great article!

[BigBendMan]

McCain needs to get his rocking chair, throw his blanket over his legs and spend his remaining days on the front porch. If you can't run with the big dogs, don't get off the porch and McCain has proven that his days of running with the big dogs are over.

[CalifroniaMark]

John McCain is way too extreme in my opinion. There is no such thing as middle ground with Him. He treated Obama as if Obama was about to attack Him as if a war was about to break out. I think McCain takes everything way too personal and that is not good. Obama was willing to talk and agree with McCain as much as possible to find common ground but McCain saw that as weakness and I saw it as a good thing on Obama's part. Obama became strong when it was necessary but diplomatic whenever possible and that is a sign of a great leader. There seems to be no negotiating with McCain and that means instead of working with other Countries He would rather fight it out and we have had enough of that...just look at the past 8 years of Bush.

[rfmezzy]

It occurs to me that McCain has a pathological, neurotic need to fix the loss of the Viet Nam war by continuing to search for another war, so that maybe this time he can be on the winning team. Known as "repetition compulsion," it's a classic reaction to past trauma.
After seeing the disastrous results of W's Oedipus complex-driven need to invade Iraq with no justifiable reason, simply to show that HE could capture Saddam Hussein when his father failed to do so, I think we would be wise to steer clear of diagnosable DSM-IV poster boys when choosing our next President.
We must try to forgive those who criticize Obama for not going for the jugular, for not being nasty, vituperative and dishonest. They have probably never seen anyone campaign that way -- with principles and morality, expecting the issues to carry the day rather than innuendos and lies.
Obama's style is in harmony with my recollection of Robert Kennedy, although that is probably colored by my idealistic then-16-year-old point of view. Nevertheless, that call to higher purposes than self-interest lifted me up in 1968, and does so again today. It feels really good to want to vote for a candidate because of what that person stands for, rather than voting for a candidate only because he's convinced me his opponent is not worthy.

[Outofnowhere]

I agree with your assessment of McCain. His constantly mentioning POW and patriotism is now to me cheapening the experience and pimping off the flag for political reasons only. It's disgusting and disrespectful to the many veterans who served admirably and only want what's rightly due to them.

[troika]

Couldn't agree with you more.