Observations: Obama and McCain as People

These are a few observations from the first presidential debate – but not on their policies.  I wanted to get a sense of these two candidates as people.  Their views are most important, of course, which I have a general sense of.  (Admittedly, I don’t know enough details.)  But what about them as men?

I missed about half an hour where I believe they talked about the economic situation.  It’s too bad too, I really wanted to hear that part of the debate.

My observations:

a) McCain is much more political and doesn’t give up on his point.  Even after a direct rebuttal from Obama, McCain’s next responses reinforce his original point.  I suppose this is what a savvy and experienced politician does believing it brings better results.  It left a bad taste in my mouth.  Even if McCain was right, I got the view of both sides and ended up thinking McCain was making a fool of himself.  This is politics and at stake is the presidency.  Part of me understands it’s no holds barred.  In the end, the other part of me gave points to Obama.

b) Obama seems to grasp subtle differences while McCain seems to continually push forward mischaracterizations.  The Straight Talk Express has fallen off the tracks and is relying on posturing.  Again, yes, this is politics and to be expected.  Obama has made incorrect statements as well but they appear to be less intentional.  Since my post is about the two as people, kudos to Obama for making his point and not falsifying facts to do so.  Kudos to him also for showing he can discern complexity.  I’m sure John does too, he’s been in politics for years and is probably an expert, but he didn’t come across it that way.

c) Did you see Obama giving credit to McCain in some of his policies?  To paraphrase him, Obama actually used the words, “I give Senator McCain credit on ….”.  I didn’t hear McCain say anything like that.  His campaigning was only negative.  To me, this is a sign of a person’s decency.  (It’s also a sign of his willingness to reach agreement with and credit someone even if they’re from the other party and an opponent in the race.  These are good qualities to have if a president is going to bring change and accomplish things in a bipartisan way.)

d) Did you notice that Barack went up to greet John after the debate was over?  It was clear who was walking up to whom.  I liked that.  These two had just fiercely debated each other, both believing in their positions strongly.  Yet, Barack did the classy thing after this head-to-head argument and came out ahead in my book.

e) Did you notice Barack say “good job” to both John and the moderator, Jim Lehrer, of PBS (who I also like by the way) at the conclusion of the debate?  John didn’t say anything at all.  Was he so dumbfounded from a beating in the debate that he was still clearing the cobwebs?  Or is a career politican unable to say something that credits an opponent?  Or, worse yet, is that just how John is?

f) Did you see Barack and Michelle Obama walk all the way across stage to shake hands with John and Cindy McCain?  This may have been political on Obama’s part but having seen and heard what they have said over the past few months I am giving them the benefit of the doubt.  That’s class!

g) It was also very interesting that McCain would not look at Obama during the course of the debate.  I’m sure people noticed that!  Non-verbal cues tell you there is animosity and possibly fear in McCain.  I have to admit, that is a bit surprising and a bit uncomforting.  Animosity?  I can understand if he has that.  Political campaigns tend to cause and leave angry feelings as a byproduct.  But what would the reason be for fear?  Whatever the reasons, it was clear McCain was withdrawing instead of extroverting.

h) Throughout the debate, Obama was calling his opponent by his first name.  There were many times when Barack addressed John directly.  This left a feeling of warmth.  There was intense competition and disagreement but it left me with a sense that Obama can agree to disagree without making it personal.  He can attack a person’s views without attacking the person.  News media have framed this as detachment with a negative implication against Obama.  Being Bill Clinton and having the ability to draw people in is awesome, of course, but the supposed detachment played out fine as far as I could see.  We didn’t hear McCain calling Obama by anything but his official title of senator.

i) Obama was addressing McCain throughout the debate.  John was addressing the moderator and the audience.  When he was rebutting Obama, it was still to a third party rather than to a debate opponent.  I’m not sure it tells me much of John but it is still something I noticed.

I am clear on who’s views are more in snyc with mine.  I’m a (centrist) Democrat.  There’s not much competition in that case, it’s a no brainer.  Before this debate, I was wondering who I liked more as a person?  The points I highlighted above are the soft stuff that answers that question.  In fact, as much as I disagree with President Bush’s views and policies, what I have seen of him as a person I like. 

A year or so ago, I liked John’s reputation of being a straight talker, although I think he can be more straight-forward than I’d prefer at times (when he puts his politician hat on).  I’m a straight talker too (although I’m no politician!).  I think Barack is also a straight talker and he’s got a good way of putting things.  Hmm, whom do I want to vote for?