McCain--Leader or Fighter?

As I have written about here previously, this political race is so stark in its contrasts on so many levels. White vs. Black, Young vs. Old, Liberal vs. Conservative, Urban vs. Rural--in so many ways, we, as a people, are a nation of stark contrasts, bound together by our faith in the Constitution, and respect for the laws and history of this land.

But the most stark contrast between the candidates in many ways is not explicitly examined enough, and in the end, may be the best indication of how we, as a people truly want to be governed.

McCain vs. Obama--The Fighter vs. the Leader

Watching John McCain campaign is a little like watching a military General plan out and execute a battle. If you notice, his speeches implore people to "Stand up and FIGHT! Fight for what's right! Fight for a better tomorrow! We don't hide from history, We MAKE HISTORY!" It's very compelling.

And he has tried hard to frame each issue by identifying the "bad guys", and making them the target to attack, and overcome (Earmarks--"I will veto their bills, I will make them famous, you will know their names". Energy--"Sending $700B to countries that don't like us very much" Taxes "stop the Redistributor. Support Joe the Plumber!" an "Us against them" strategy, Economics--"it's all Freddie and Fannie, and Barney Frank's fault!"). Each time, making sure to frame the argument that the only thing standing in the way of prosperity is this identified enemy, and if we simply remove that enemy (earmark requestors, Iran, Barack Obama, etc) that our problems will be solved.

For Senator McCain, every issue is a fight--good guys vs. bad guys. Pick a side, and we will battle you until your nose is bloodied, and we win.

I am fascinated to see if McCain can win with this strategy. Because we aren't winning many battles as Americans these days.

What I think is so interesting is that this strategy or rationale for campaigning works MUCH better if your opponent ACTUALLY ENGAGES you in these debates. The fact that Obama has been so able to avoid getting into skirmishes with McCain on these issues, and let himself be defined as the "anti-McCain" on these issues, is pretty remarkable. McCain's frustration with this just poured out during the debates, when he was just begging for a fight, and Obama wouldn't oblige.

I have heard many people claim McCain is a Pragmatist, but I disagree. His positions, his rigidity in these past months on issues, and his selection of Sarah Palin have all shown a sharp veer to the Right of the landscape. This is NOT pragmatism, it is dogmatism. It is not studying the choices, and making a rational decision based on the facts in front of you. It is a kow-tow to a belief structure that one thinks is infallible, despite evidence to the contrary.

Obama, on the other hand is the ultimate Pragmatist. Taking advice from leaders, not just in his party, but experts on the subject matter--Automotive industry (talking to Rick Wagonner-GM), Economic (talking to Volker, Rubin, Buffet), Defense/Foreign Policy (Powell, Allbright, travelling with Chuck Hagel to the middle east, etc). His policy positions have not been radical, despite efforts to make him out to be a socialist.

His changes on positions reflect a listening that he is willing to do, to change a position that is clearly out of step with the people and experts (changing his position on drilling, for example).

Also, he has shown an ability to mend fences, and has very few people saying they would NOT work with him.

For me personally, I worry about a McCain presidency, not because I don't think he will do what he thinks is right. I worry because if I disagree with him, he will scapegoat my position, make people afraid of it, and want to fight it. This is McCain--the fighter. Unfortunately, I don't see any sign of McCain--the leader of ALL Americans. If he wins, he will be McCain--the leader of America...as long as you agree with him...