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.
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I think this was very well stated. It's Senator McCain's demeanor and style that concern me more than his views on issues when I really consider the possibility as him as our next president.
I do believe McCain sees the world as black vs. white, good vs. bad, friend vs. enemy, and that he has no ability to see all the shades of gray that exist between the extreems. For me, that's a very disconcerning quality in a president. I also think that, perhaps due to his time in Vietnam, his is quite hostile and has a very problematic temper...a
Very well said...can
Ambassador Holbrook is exactly correct. When this crisis struck, Obama's first instinct was to be calm and move to protect the taxpayers, but not "tell them what they wanted to hear." In fact, Obama has said everyone will pay for this crisis one way or the other, now or later. He called leaders on both sides, including the President and Secretary Paulson. He did not try to insert himself into the proceedings, coming to Washington only on the President's invitation. He was reassuring, out front, asked questions of the appropriate officials, and offered his own ideas for consideration by Democrats in Congress. Conversely, McCain used the occasion to grandstand, suspending his own campaign, appeared nervous and unsure of himself, never asked questions while at the White House meeting, arm-twisted Republicans to support the Paulson Plan which only inflamed House members, and and never appeared calm and reassuring to a frightened nation.
If this doesn't prove that Obama is simply the best man for the job, I don't know what does.
When I was a college sophomore in the late '60's, I worked at a downtown prestigous department store in Chicago, when people of color were first being allowed to work in other than stock or janitorial jobs.
I was is sales, in Womens' Wear, along with another college student friend of mine.
One of the career ladies who had worked at the store since the 1940's, came to us one day and said "You know, you two are such nice girls---for "colored girls". My friend and I smiled at her and said "thank you". She went away feeling she had said "somethin' nice to the coloreds"
There was no point in getting angry. She would not have understood. She thought she was giving us a compliment.
Unfortunately, some attitudes have not changed.
McCain does not have to look at Obama, when he speaks to him in a debate; McCain does not have to recognize Obama as a formitable opponent; McCain feel justified at telling Obama "you don't understand (boy)", "you're not experienced enough (boy)", (but you speak English almost like an American).
It is so sad how these things can be perceived even in the 21st century. Even if McCain had not spoken in those words, his mere body language pointed out that he did not think much of Sen. Obama.
PamperedHo
I've got a new ad for the Obama team, how about John McCain calls himself a maverick, well since he votes with Bush 90% of the time that makes hims a 10% maverick..
I agree, I thought Obama was more insightful and just the kind of President our country needs at this critical time in our history. He is far better prepared to deal with the worlds' leaders when diplomacy is the way.
pLEASE DoN'T lET THE mEdIA BE THE cAUSE OF mCcAIN rECEIVInG HEaLTH PROBLEmS fROM THeSE fANTAStIC lIeS THAT tHEY ARE DISpLAYING BOOSTiNG hIS EGO. bE fAIR. oBaMa IS MOST DEfINITeLY THE mAN WItHOUT A SHaDOW OF dOUBT. tHE tRUTH ShALL SET yOU fREE AND A LIE WIll mAKE YOU LIE. tRUTH IS THAT OBAMA IS THE BEST ELECT AND THA'S NO LIE.
Please adjust your "CAPS LOCK"
That hurt my head!
lol...I know what you mean. I had to quit reading it, I couldn't stand it after the first few words..lol
Wonderful evaluation, I forwarded it to all my election email contacts, Republican and Democrat alike. I hope your analysis will reach a wide voting audience. Thank you.
Good analysis. It would be great if the red necks across America read it.
Didn't you hear of this site www.rednec
Although, they apparently need help getting their site in order, so if anyone knows any web designer, it would really help them out.
A President whose communication shows thought, confidence, strength, knowledge, and experience; while also showing measure, calm, focus, solution orientation and grace, provokes those same qualities in those they lead. Obama has all those qualities and we need him.
A lot of people are putting so much emphasis on being calm, cool, focused. Obama was a law professor. That was his profession, an orator. Why is that so impressive to you? Having all the qualities you have mentioned simply has shown that he is a smooth and ariticulate orator. I had plenty of professors like him, but I wouldnt vote them into office.Tha
So McCain having a limited education, a non orator, childish, old elitist, is impressive to you?
Gee, at very minimum Obama would know what the Constitution requires and prohibits. That's certainly better than what the Republican party has shown us as concerns Constitution and rule of law.
Torture? War crime. Cannot be made legal. Effort to make it legal is ALSO illegal.
'Nuff said.
Well, the short answer is that there is actually substance, breadth and depth to what Obama says. So not only is he able to communicate complex ideas clearly-- he has actually taken the time to inform himself and think carefully about issues of policy and governance. The result is that, as Holbrooke says, Obama addresses the full dimensions of international challenges and focuses on the significant range of options we have as a nation to address them. In both his habits of mind and his ability to communicate, therefore, Obama has the temperament, intellectual acuity, and policy perspective we need in our next leader.
Not every law professor is a great speaker. McCain has been in the congress for atleast more than half of Obama's age. My question to you is, why does he have no wisdom? He calls himself a maverick by voting 90% of the time with Bush. Don't you think he should be well versed in politics and give smart and effective answers? He is such an impulsive person with a temperament not suited for occupying the highest office in the country. Probable this is what we should look forward to and elect him. NO WAY !! NO HOW!! DEFINITELY NO McCAIN !!!! By the way NO McCAIN/NO PALIN !!!
While many of the comments note that Senator Obama's reaction of agreeing with John McCain is indicative of his style of bringing people together, and I agree with that notion to some extent, it also served a greater strategical goal. If foreign policy is supposed to be John McCain's strong suit and he was trying to win on this topic, Senator Obama is clearly undercutting his "ownership" of that issue. By noting where the candidates agreed on the issues, Obama is letting John McCain and America know that John McCain does not "own" this issue. If Obama can show that they agree on a lot of foreign policy and make them equal in that arena and he clearly wins the election on the economy and domestic issues.
Also, it undercut McCain's claim that Obama "clearly doesn't understand" the issue. If Obama does not "understand" then why does he agree with you?
It's VERY VERY VERY interesting:
"Senator Obama clearly doesn't understand
YET
Governor Sarah Palin does? (yeah, can see Russia, sure, I understand, I'd like to use my lifeline, I'd have to get back to you--surely she does have a clue, right?)
Hmmm....go figure
Mr. Hollbrook, thank you for validating my exact thoughts and feelings. Tellurider, I hope your story somehow reaches Mr. Obama - thank you for sharing it with all of us. There were other comments suggesting Mr. Obama lacks knowledge and experience. I must disagree - Doctor of Jurisprudence, magna-cum-laude, Harvard University; fifth from the bottom of a class of 968, Annapolis. Mr. McCain is a "street fighter' and although I will concede there are times when you want a "street fighter", it's not who I want in the White House. We need someone the rest of the world can respect. We need Mr. Obama.
Sarahdoodle, I couldn't agree more. Although, I believe that street fighters and Mavericks are NOT the same. A Maverick is someone who will go against the flow when committed and/or convinced of their position in a issue. They are usually stubborn, not given to angry outbursts. McCain is not a true Maverick. He has called himself that so much that people believe it was bestowed on him by some admirers. He is a legend in his own mind. A street fighter throws wild punchs that sometimes hurts defenseless victims and sometimes they end up swinging at the wind and can be very counter-productive. This is more the McCain we see. Now for the last 7 years we have had a tempermental loose cannon in the White House. We don't need a street fighter. Both are very dangerous if given to tempermental tantrums.
I personally want someone who exercises self-control and remains level-headed in the midst of crisis.
I totally agree.
When did we start rewarding mediocrity? Wasn't "No Child Left Behind" supposed to promote excellence?
It seems that all of a sudden, if you "excel" then you are an "elitist". Well, all you kids who get 17's, and 19's on your ACT's--- REJOICE!
You Too are White House Bound!!!
To all you eggheads who work for 27's and 31's-----SIT ON IT!
As job applications go, I guess Holbrooke's is okay. Since he backed the wrong horse a little too voicifereously, he's got some pennance to perform.
Who knew Mr. Holbrooke was such an accomplished armchair psychiatrist?
And where have all his anti-Obama pieces disappeared to?
All I know is that even if my TV sound was OFF
I would still be turned off by McCain - his lack of common courtesy and statesmanship especially.
The man has no leadership skills nor the character it takes to stay cool under pressure.
The following is not meant to be racist in any way - it is the biggest impression McCain made on me that night and it overshadowed anything he said and it is sad commentary: I saw a discussion between a very light skinned black man and a very white skinned white man who kept getting redder and redder as the issues went back and forth until there was almost no distinction between complexions anymore, and I thought is this guy going to just get redder in the face when Putin or another world leader says something he can't handle or does not want to hear? When he can't get any redder, will he shove?
Forget his POLICIES, this is simply unacceptable attitude for a world leader to display publicly under pressure! I pray he is kept far from our White House when November comes!
NO PALIN too!
McCain and Statesman do not belong in the same sentence. To do so would be an oxymoron.
Thank you for your post and for highlighting Obama's very special characteristics.
What is obvious to those of us who have followed him since 2004 is that his choice to take the high road is in keeping with his genuine and natural desire to interact people.
Prior to this campaign I held John McCain in high esteem, sadly I believe he has moved away from his former self. No longer can he really rightly call himself a 'Maverick', for he has closed ranks with the politics of Bush & Co and given up much of his integrity in the pursuit of high office.
For those who may have doubts Barack Obama's approach to debate comes natural to him.
He constantly looks for common ground, with even the most aggressive opponent. This virtue will make him a great President, will restore our nation and bring us all renewed pride. No candidate has ever competed with the level of expectation and the degree of pressure that Obama is enduring. He is unique and we are lucky to have him, especially at a great time of need. Look closer America and take heed of the reaction of our fellows across the globe. They know what we are on the verge of and they want us to suceed.
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