The world is not a simple, static place. We don’t need a simple, static president. Saturday evening, Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain at down at church with Pastor Rick Warren, to answer questions about who they are as men, and what that means to the job they both want. The differences in their answers, both what they said and how they said it, spoke not only volumes about their lives to this point, but how they will perform should they attain the presidency. It also said a little bit about Pastor Warren, and the role of “faith and politics.”
The questions for Senator Obama were framed with biblical references, giving the candidate clear Judeo-Christian parameters within which to operate. One wonders whether Pastor Warren, a self-proclaimed “friend of both these men,” purposefully used his Civil Forum to combat the persistent, unfounded rumors that Senator Obama is a “secret” Muslim. The answers Senator Obama gave, while peppered with references to “god’s work”, appeared to be honest reflections on the questions asked. Like most honest reflections, there was some searching for words, looking for phrases, pauses for thought, and reframing of ideas until he answered the questions in a manner he was comfortable with. As such, he took longer, and didn’t give any sound-bite worthy answers until asked to sum up his presidential ambitions in one minute. Overall, he appeared well received by the audience, but unlike his campaign stops, not particularly overwhelming.
Senator McCain, on the other hand, appeared to be at a campaign stop. The questions, though allegedly identical, differed in slight ways that allowed the candidate to give great sound bites. Pastor Warren, though apparently sincere in his efforts to ask the same questions, failed to preface even one question to Senator McCain in biblical terms. Senator McCain answered each question almost before it was completed, giving the appearance of having been prepped (different from prepared, by the way) to answer the specific questions asked. While he appeared to be answering extemporaneously, his interview session had the feel of a rally, with two word answers accompanied by a hand-slap on the desk, followed by a quick sip of water while the crowd applauded his decisiveness.
In short, Senator Obama’s answers were complex and complete. They addressed the issues presented, not the issues that he wished he was asked about. He ably participated in a discussion, even if he did appear a bit professorial and aloof.
Senator McCain’s answers were simple and static, almost appearing scripted. And he appeared unable to deviate from his prepared remarks and stories, even when pressed. He looked like a wind-up toy, answering the questions before they were asked, going for applause instead of answering honestly, and smiling woodenly while waiting.
The world is not a simple, static place. We don’t need a simple, static president. I’m glad we got to see both men on the same stage. I can’t wait to see them up there together, without the Pastor and the sound-bite setups
It is funny in a way how we view what was said different. I thought Obama did a good job. When I watched McCain I felt that I was seeing the real person, that he was not saying what he thought people wanted to hear.
I think they both gave a bit of their stump speech. McCain even asked if he could. The Pastor told Obama once I believe that he didn’t want to hear his stump speech for the answer,(something like that)
The Obama campaign is accusing McCain of cheating because he did so well.
No, I don’t think McCain cheated but Obama’s camp has been putting it out there since yesterday. More of the same from Obama, he whines and complains when he does not win at something, at least he didn’t play the race card.(yet)
And I would like to put to rest the rumor that McCain was NOT in a cone of silence. Because now we have a photo to verify he was:
http://thebruceblog.wordpress.com/2008/08/19/campaign-manager-releases-photo-to-prove-mccain-was-in-a-cone-of-silence/
I saw the whole show and was struck by the differences in the responses. I admire Obama for his thoughtful responses and having lived in that part of town I know the political power the Saddleback Church has in that area. I do feel, however, that he was straightforward and answered questions that were very difficult for him because they would be in opposition of the positions held by the members of that church. He did not , however, pander to the audience like McCain did. McCain reminded me of my first graders wanting to answer the questions when they knew the answer! He knew what the audience would like and went for the applause–as if this were a true test of his ability to carry the evangelical vote. His smugness and the way he answered the questions do lead you to think that he knew the questions beforehand–canned stories and all.