Posted on 08/16/2008 8:03:28 PM PDT by Presbyterian Reporter
McCain Shines While Obama’s Magic Appears to Have Been Left on Vacation
On Saturday night, Senator Barack Obama and his rival for the presidency, Senator John McCain, both appeared at Pastor Rick Warren's Saddleback Church to discuss the intersection of government and policy with faith and values. Before a nationally televised audience, Pastor Warren quizzed Obama and McCain (separately) about personal failings and the failings of America; abortion; the definition of marriage; social policy; and the relationship of faith-based charitable organizations vis-à-vis the government.
This was Obama's first high-profile public appearance after his weeklong Hawaiian vacation. He appeared first and though apparently in good spirits and rested, Obama was curiously listless, uninspiring, and in some cases simply boring with his legalistic, impersonal responses to deeply personal, profound – and fair – questions from Pastor Warren. McCain, in contrast, was crisp, funny, relaxed, focused, and seemingly genuine. At 71, McCain's energy onstage easily eclipsed the sleepy, professorial manner of Obama. McCain was specific and personal in discussing ideas and himself; Obama droned on in generalized, boilerplate banalities that shed no light on the nature of the man speaking. McCain could barely wait for Warren to finish his questions before pouncing and demonstrating an ease in wrapping his mind around any topic; Obama stuttered haltingly through his hour, his detachment making him appear more like a merely above-average law professor. A clear moral center and a clear set of governing principles seemed to emerge organically from McCain, whereas one got the sense that Obama is more comfortable with spirituality and morality as an abstract, intellectual zone where there is no wrong or right, merely a variety of interesting arguments.
Democrats should be concerned, and Republicans encouraged, as Senator Obama has looked smaller and distracted ever since his highly successful trip to the Middle East and Europe. Obama had little gravitas tonight when the moment required it. McCain looked not only like a president, but a man whom you can admire even if you don't agree with him on everything. It is increasingly difficult to tell what Obama's campaign is about, besides itself and oh, yeah, some basic boilerplate Democratic stuff.
The Obama who showed up tonight is going to lose to the McCain that showed up tonight if Obama doesn't shake off his ennui and wake back up. Summer vacation is over for Obama, and for most Americans soon as well. The American public generally starts to pay closer attention to presidential elections after Labor Day, which means Obama's campaign has some time to recalibrate. The Obama campaign should be glad most people were watching the Olympics on Saturday night. It was one of Obama's worst nights and John McCain's best of the campaign.
>>>Obama was curiously listless, uninspiring, and in some cases simply boring with his legalistic, impersonal responses to deeply personal, profound – and fair – questions from Pastor Warren.<<<
unbelievable!
if i were al obama, i’d be worried about her thighness.
I think the wheels are starting to come off the Obamawagon.
Reality and his sleazy past are starting to overshadow “Hope”, “Change”, and “Yes, we can.”
Hilary just might pull it off at the Convention. The buyers’ remorse is really starting to bite and the contest isn’t even in the home stretch.
McCain is whitebread. Obama is toast.
Obama had a Brokeback moment.
A lot of us work in jobs that require decision making, quick responses and lots of common sense. Obama could never make it in our jobs. What a poor candidate the Dems have chosen.
He actually kicked butt.
If this had be a ten rounder McCain would have won an overwhelming decision.
BO did well but lacked 2 things: character and experience.
I think Obama was taking the last of his ludes
Obama seem to be doing a lot of leaning away from Warren.
Subconscious body language?
if i were al obama, i’d be worried about all those who contributed $200mill and want their money back....reneging on $200mill is a biggie.
I have to agree, while watching this “debate” I was alternately hollaring at the TV durig the Obama segment and actually cheering McCain....for the first time.
John McCain blew the pup out of the water tonight. I’m telling you it was just refreshing to hear him give straight answers.
No equivocation, no over explaination about how he was not a mean ole conservative which for the longest time was President Bush’s biggest fault. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so proud to support McCain as I did tonight. I walked several miles for him today going door to door and listening to those who said they were going to grudgingly vote for him. It is nice to see McCain riding tall. Now let’s get out there and make this man President and give him a Senate against the media, against the liberals and against the bitter libertarians who seem only happy when impaled on their own swords.
He blinked and looked away a lot...
lol!
yeah, maybe people here on the forum are right that the election will be over in august.
obama’s trip to europe, hawaii, and his first excursion from the secular into the religious have not gone very well!
Is this a plan to pass the deal?
barbra ann
Scary, isn't it ?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.