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

[Miravanguild]

If Obama had been a white man then there would be even a less of a question than now of who is fit to lead the nation.. If any of you are a student of baseball history, you will remember that Jackie Robinson had to be ten times better not just in his ability to play baseball but his character as well than white players to even get a chance, and finally to gain some acceptence.. That lead the way for other players, the great, the good and the not so great, but now the baseball player is assessed on his ability to play baseball and not his color and to a lessor extent when he does off the field.. In a way because Hillary was also head and shoulders above the rest of her sex, Palin is now being assessed not for her sex but for her ability, and she has come up short..

[addie24]

I say to calm, methodical Obama geton TV and talk to the people now about this bailout crisis. Senator Obama we know that prior to the elction you wanted to havea joint press conference with McCain regarding this issue but McCain blind sided you and took your idea, changed it and ran with it. I am sure he can kick himself. Now you must talk to the people on your own. Please get on TV and talk to the middle class as only you can do. Do it now.

[ordgirl]

And the 'pig' 'lipstick' thing. He never engaged in the fight. He didn't apologize. He briefly explained himself on Letterman, calmly, with amusement and patience. It died down because there was no more fuel from his side.

Then there was McCain blustering and chasing his tail, suspending and then not, his campaign, the debate. This didn't change anything Obama was planning to do. Upon examination, I think Obama's 'secret' is that he never allows others to determine the ground he fights on. That is the strategy of a winner.

After 8 years of the First Cowboy America is not used to this style of leadership. Well, with the bail outs and stock markets we are getting more used to it.

[BCubedReg]

Ordgirl Said:

"I think Obama's 'secret' is that he never allows others to determine the ground he fights on. That is the strategy of a winner."

VERY GOOD!

[troika]

After eight years of First Cowboy America, we don't need another four years of MAVERICK America. Enough is enough !!!!

[FirstShirt]

This past week President Clinton praised McCain. In the past such democratic luminaries as Biden, Hillary and Dashle have praised McCain.

These people know him much better than any media talking head.

And, Hillary and Biden both said he was qualified to be President.

[gladys46]

And what do you see & hear McSame doing !!?? Praise is one thing ... Obama gives Mc any respect due him ... praise & due respect is not synonymous with REAL TIME PERFORMANCE!!

Palin/Mc both are off balance ... off the wall!! Either you want a country going forward or one backwards and remaining stuck in stupid ... period !!

[FirstShirt]

Yeah, Obama agreed with McCain at least 5 times during the debate.

President Clinton, Biden and Hillary and Daschle all agree he can govern.

[MadOzbo]

Unfortunately, QUALIFIED does NOT necessarily equate to CAPABLE.

John McCain has proven over the past several months that regardless his QUALIFICATIONS, he is NOT CAPABLE of being the President.

His QUALIFICATIONS do not address his surliness, his rudeness, his evasiveness, his faulty memory, his LACK OF PREPAREDNESS (he didn't EVEN LOOK at the Bailout proposal!), NOR his MEDICAL FITNESS for the position.

Qualifications are NOT the only consideration here. If it were, do you HONESTLY think Sarah Palin would be ANYWHERE near this election???

[markusmarkus]

If being tortured by the North Vietnamese for 5+ years qualifies McCain to be our president, then there are more than 250 current and former Gitmo detainees from Afganistan who are qualified to be the next Afgan president.

When the only tool in your toolbox is a hammer, ever problem looks like a nail.

[FirstShirt]

When you have no executive, business, governmental, industrial or any other experience than being a community organizer you are also not qualified.

Your Point?

[ebanks84]

The point here is "in the past" as you said. Evidently McCain is not the same person he was "in the past" as most people have indicated recently.

[FirstShirt]

Last week for Clinton.

Primaries for Biden and Hillary.

[jhallbo]

Doubtful you will hear the Republican candidate show half as much class and respect as the Democrats have shown him.

[seachild]

i find this fascinating: Chuck Norris (strong supporter for McCain), who was a student of karate legend Bruce Lee...the former, combative/­aggressive­/impulsive­...the ladder, peaceful/t­hinker/elo­quent...BO­TH FIGHTERS (of course ONE was the master)...but completely different individuals...go figure!...I'm CERTAIN Mr. Lee would have been an Obama supporter...if only!

[starkweather444]

John McCain's favorite movie is Missing In Action 2: The Beginning. I agree that is a pretty cool movie cause Col. Braddock kicks major ass.

[jhallbo]

I thought it was Die-Hard 2.

Yippee Ki-Yay Mutha-Trucka

[write2bheard]

This piece offered such original and piercing insights. It looks like one great thinker can recognize another. Thanks for this.

[gladys46]

Ditto! It seems America fears "thinking" ... as if that's too much work!!? In spite of the fact that Obama, the only candidate having campaigned all over this nation & at the debate speaking about "Main Street" issues .. MSM, says what ... they say that "no" candidate has given clear messages on the meat of even bailout matters!! Bul^sh^t ... Obama is the only candidate for POTUS who is spot on on all issues ... period!

This is what a writer (& "expert" occasionally of MSM) at the WPost said: "Obama used the occasion to tout his middle-class tax cut that a 'large share' of the electorate doesn't even know he's proposing!" Knowing this, one would think that that writer/expert would've made certain that his knowledge of that fact was made loudly and plainly during any of his "expert" deliveries on MSM before the debate!! Why would that writer withhold Obama's middle-class tax cut plan from tv audiences!??? Why ... clearly to suppress the messages of the best candidate for America!! Why do they hate America so!?

[HalR]

Thanks for a very excellent, well written observation of the debate, the best I have read anywhere. I can totally agree with your assessment. It is obvious this country need Obama/Biden as our leaders more than ever not only for our country, for the sake of the world community.

[terkid]

A fair assessment and accurate of the debate as well as all it's underlying subtexts.
Bravo, Mr. Holbrooke.

"Brawling" is a perfect descriptor for what seems a far too dominant factor in
Mr. McCain's DNA. Indeed, McCain did seem "angry" and annoyed. But at what?
The fact that he had to suspend his bogus campaign-s­uspension? Or the fact
that he had to share the stage with, to him, so obvious an inferior being?

What Mr. McCain "fails to understand" is that the same old poliTRICKS of
arrogance and disregard have no place on the New World's stage, let alone
the debating stage. Unfortunately, he knows no other way to behave
but to face any situation with a "come out fighting" attitude.

There's a might wind blowing that will blast such blow-hards away -
and not a moment too soon.

[FirstShirt]

It was gracious of Obama to keep saying he agreed with McCain. Not very original, but gracious.

[gladys46]

Obama was not only "gracious" ... he was demonstratively the person able and willing to reach out, give whatever preceived credit due !! Obama is not angry .. he is quite happy and he is also comfortable with his intellect ! It is you who may need to progress !

[gladys46]

"perceived ... "

[FirstShirt]

Obama has never been tested. If elected, the Presidency will be his first test. That's scary.

Nothing is wrong with progress. On the job training at the Presidency level is ludicrous.

[factum]

To be able to solve problems and forge alliances, the american leader must be able to establish some form of rapport with foreign leaders. Belligrency and obvious hostility will in many cultures be regarded as weakness or at the least extremely impolite. The Bush doctrine of "your either with or against us" has by all standards led to the downfall of american influence across the world unless backed by cannons.
We all recognice bilateralism as the key to solve economic, security and climatic challenges facing us.
John "the surge" McCain has not convinced me that he know how to do this.

[maureenforchange]

Over the years, I have always respected Amb. Holbrooke and his insightful views on current world affairs. I thoroughly enjoyed the article and was inspired to reflect on the following:

McCain's shameful and embarrassing behavior and overall belligerant attitude toward Sen. Obama reminds me of how good ol' boys (mainly old, isolationistic, conservative white men) become when they are aging in a negative way: resentful of losing their youth, looks, health--and oh, yes, POWER--to others who are of a younger, more progressive generation who are steadily replacing them. They are especially hateful and bitter (and too often, racist) toward African Americans, Asians, Latinos, Middle Easterners, and other ethnic/racial groups who are now gaining power--politically, economically and socially. They are perceived to be encroaching on the old boys' turf. They are so much more sophisticated and tech savvy. They don't have the same social hang-ups (re: race, gender, for example) that many members of McCain's generation has.

McCain's refusal to make eye contact with and accept Obama as the rightful and powerful Democratic nominee demonstrated his transparent disdain and condescension toward this highly intelligent, thoughtful, organized, disciplined, and forward-thinking man who has everything he doesn't have; never had, never will. His obvious, angry resentment reminds me of how ugly bigotry appears on far too many faces. When Amb. Holbrooke wrote about McCain's emphasis on "threats"--he wasn't kidding. Jealousy and insecurity have no place in this world in this time.

[PostRacialBlackGirl]

I agree 100%; couldn't have said it better myself. I believe that the debate happened on a metaphysical level in the way it had to. That generation needs to see that old, ugly reflection of themselves in order to make the proper choice - move on past the hatred. Without the reflection, they can't begin to see themselves for what they are and for what they have been for so long. It's time to understand that McCain is very important to the future of America. He is helping so many to see that those ways simply will no longer cut it. He is doing his job perfectly! I love Quantum Alignment and Obama is showing us all what we can become to one another - sane again. Check out more Quantum Information on the Deep meaning of this campaign here http://hakashamut.wordpress.com

Obama 08

[blaqntelligence]

Excellent perspective. Dovetails perfectly with Ambassador Holbrook's insight.

[Debstex]

Thank you Amb Holbrooke sir. I live my life with humility and sencerity. I am disabled now, however I have taught my children virtues in life that anger does not always get you in the right direction. I am a process thinker as Senator Obama, certified as a team facilitator in health care. I was a "rebel with a warm heart cause" so to speak. I do know "turning the other cheek" way of thinking is very hard to do sometimes and also very lonely. I do not think like others and it leaves me baffled. What happen to being humble and believing that grace in life is a better way? It makes me sad that society has come to this point. I hope Senator Obama will show becoming above the "fray" will surcome the negativity of human kind. He gives me hope I thought it would never happen.

[FirstShirt]

What a warm and insightful comment. You seem to be a special person.

I too, wish for more grace in the world.

However, someone once said [don't know who] that we should trust in God but keep our powder dry. Turning the other cheek is an enlightened way to live. But, so much of the world does not live that way or believe that. A person can afford to take that risk. A President cannot.

[chaos4700]

A President must also not start wars based on lies and pretense.

I'm just saying. ;)

[Debstex]

Thank you. I agree that a President has to look at it all and understands all sides. Senator Obama is not so naive as I. He gets the angles and can "brush it aside" and solve the issues. I have to admit, I have a hard time with my naivity/denial, however except dealing with mentoring teenagers. I am smarter than they think! I play "gotcha" and am usually right. It baffles them.

[VA Lady2008]

Eight years ago, my Republican husband characterized John McCain as a loose cannon ball, rolling around on the deck, and entirely capable of putting a hole big enough into the side of the boat the sink the ship.

Every single thing he does derives from this character failure. His basic "flyboy" mentality has now combined with old age, crankiness, and unlimited assurance the EVERYBOYD is wrong, except him, to produce a man who wants, more than anything, including the safety of his country, to become president.

To this end, he will do anything. One of those things has been to try to veneer over his basic bad temper with a kind of paternalistic kindness. The problem with veneer is that it has a tendency to peel away when under the figurative "moisture" caused by pressure, questions, and actual attention from the voters.

[FirstShirt]

If true, then why does he have a reputation, supported by democratic colleagues and President Clinton, as a person willing to compromise?

[chaos4700]

Spin control?

[blaqntelligence]

That was the reputation left over from mccain 2000.
The final trace of that was erased when he hired his former tormentors to run this campaign.

[LoveComesInSpurts]

One of the most well-reasoned assessments of the debate that I have read. Nicely done.

[seachild]

i agree...

best analysis on this site thus far

[waitforme]

PAGE 2 OF 3

He walked across the stage to shake hands with Obama and LOOKED PAST HIM, giving a small smile, seemingly saying 'You. I don't even consider you worth acknowledging.' (See MSNBC.com for an article saying that when someone gives you the cold shoulder, you physicallyget cold.) Then he didn't look at him once during the debate. BUT, worse, he kept up an intrusive facial patter (shown in split screen) in which he smiled/nodded in a way to patronize and throw doubt into everything Obama was saying. His constant eye-blinking along with the doubt-producing smiles may have been due to lying (see books on lying and eye-blinking) and/or to shame (even he may be capable of shame) for his disgraceful smearing and lying in ads in the weeks before and for the jerking-around he did that very week.

This public DISMISSAL of Obama as someone who HAD A RIGHT TO BE THERE seemed to me to be, in the context of a debate with the first black man to be a top candidate for U.S. President AT the historic university famous for its horribly cold, racist treatment of James Meredith over 40 years ago, (and with previously­-announced KKK in the audience disguised as normal people) -- this added up to McCain reassuring 'his people', 'Don't worry -- you won't get a black president if I have anything to do with it.'

SEE PAGE 3 of 3 (or 4)

[waitforme]

(Reply to my own post:)

I've been thinking, since I posted these three-part comments about John McCain's rude, calculating behavior at the debate, that John McCain may feel, as a rule, shame, off balance, small, finding it hard to focus (possibly symptoms, by the way, of PTSD and I've written that PTSD benefits from trauma therapy, even years later; he may have 'tried' therapy but found it 'didn't work'; he may not know that in the last 20 years trauma therapy has developed into a relatively quick and effective approach to resolving sequelae to trauma). Axiom: people who deny feelings they wish they didn't have go around making others feel the feelings they deny they have. (From me, a 25 years long trauma and family systems psychotherapist.)

McCain, indeed, must be furious with Obama, just for being that much BETTER at all this than he is, BETTER AT BEING A PERSON. But why he resorts to less-than-human (i.e. racist and psy ops) tactics is a question I leave up to John McCain, who may not know the answer either. He may be as bewildered as anyone as to why he behaves so badly.