Friday, September 26, 2008

Our Enemies or Ourselves - What will define the next four years?

I just finished watching the first presidential debate between Senators Obama and McCain and, in my opinion, it succeeded in sharply defining the choice we face as Americans about to elect a new president: do we want to the next four years to be about defeating our enemies, or about making people's lives better here in America?

John McCain is a soldier, and he sees the world almost exclusively through that lens.  To me this was demonstrated by the contrast in the tone of his responses on economic vs. military issues.  When McCain said "the veterans know I will take care of them" it was clear from the way he said it that he feels this in the marrow of his bones.  Conversely, when he said, several times, "we need to have oversight, we need to have transparency, and all that..." I couldn't help feeling that he was disengaged.  It left me with the impression that, for Senator McCain, it all comes down to "winning the war in Irag is all that matters.  Everything else will take care of itself."

On the other hand, Senator Obama provided less direct evidence of what defines his world view.  For me, it seems to be that government serves the people, in the sense that, as a leader, you frame the issue, gather the best minds you can find, and insist that they craft a solution.

I have a great deal more confidence that Barak Obama will bring together and focus our govenrment on resolving the issues that define our times -- security, energy, the economy, and -- perhaps most importantly -- restoring the United States standing as a citizen in the world, than would John McCain.  I believe that a John McCain administration would continue to focus on winning fights.

I honestly believe that both candidates demonstrated themselves to be serious men who have strong visions for America's future, but I also believe they demonstrated that they are qualified for different jobs: Barak Obama should ask John McCain to be his Secretary of Defense.