I have let the debate settle and the more it does the more I see the debate as a manifestation of a debate that America has been avoiding for decades, but needs to be had. McCain represents American exceptionalism and Obama represents a new America that integrates itself into the World Community. McCain represents a brazenness and Obama represents a humility. McCain represents the use of force and Obama represents the use of ideals. McCain is erratic and Obama is steady. It was clear last night which view will lead America into the future.
McCain's performance and his behavior together create an enormous set of confused contradictions. How can McCain be the change candidate and cite to 30 years of Washington experience? How can McCain be about change if he still harbors grudges about losing in Vietnam? How can McCain be the change candidate when he adheres to old rules of foreign policy like refusing to meet with foreign leaders who do not do America's bidding? How can his argument that experience matters be squared with his choice of Palin as a a running mate? How can Iraq be the central front in the War on Terror and then McCain admit that Al Quaida is in Pakistan? None of it makes sense and it is evident in McCain's demeanor and behavior. It is erratic, inconsistent and unsteady.
Obama was the complete opposite. He carries no grudges into the debate. He is open to new rules of foreign policy where appropriate. His behaviour and actions are consistent with the steadiness of his views. He had the perfect answer to each of McCains traditonalist appeals to emotion and patriotism.
The choice could not have been clearer last night. McCain is unpredictable, erratic and a risk taker. Obama is steady, thoughtful and precise. If we look at the precarious position America finds itself in, Obama will prevail. The risky approach, exemplified by going into Iraq, has not worked and the country knows it. It is time to take the thoughtful approach and Obama made that case last night.
McCain's performance and his behavior together create an enormous set of confused contradictions. How can McCain be the change candidate and cite to 30 years of Washington experience? How can McCain be about change if he still harbors grudges about losing in Vietnam? How can McCain be the change candidate when he adheres to old rules of foreign policy like refusing to meet with foreign leaders who do not do America's bidding? How can his argument that experience matters be squared with his choice of Palin as a a running mate? How can Iraq be the central front in the War on Terror and then McCain admit that Al Quaida is in Pakistan? None of it makes sense and it is evident in McCain's demeanor and behavior. It is erratic, inconsistent and unsteady.
Obama was the complete opposite. He carries no grudges into the debate. He is open to new rules of foreign policy where appropriate. His behaviour and actions are consistent with the steadiness of his views. He had the perfect answer to each of McCains traditonalist appeals to emotion and patriotism.
The choice could not have been clearer last night. McCain is unpredictable, erratic and a risk taker. Obama is steady, thoughtful and precise. If we look at the precarious position America finds itself in, Obama will prevail. The risky approach, exemplified by going into Iraq, has not worked and the country knows it. It is time to take the thoughtful approach and Obama made that case last night.
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1 comments:
Your first paragraph sums up exactly why I am energized by this election and why I got off the couch to volunteer for the Obama campaign. Very well written, thank you!
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