Obama vs. McCain

This is going to be a very interesting election. In the left corner you have an unproven albeit eloquent middle aged man of partial African (Kenya) decent. In the right corner you have an aging, not so doctrinaire conservative war hero maverick with impressive foreign policy credentials.

Let's look at Obama. The fact is that although brief his legislative record is one of the most liberal in congress. He talks about reaching out and bridging differences but he has never once led or participated in any meaningful bi-partisan legislation or initiative. He gives a good speech and in this area he is often compared (even by himself) to Ronald Reagan. The key difference is that Reagan's rhetoric was based on a fundamental belief in the goodness of America, its people and its economic system. It was Reagan's positive and uplifting message that inspired and resonated with his listeners and won him the moniker the Great Communicator. When I listen to Obama, his lofty words seem to me to come from a darker place. One that is based on the notion that there are many things wrong in and about America that need to be "changed." This is troubling. I also find it somewhat amusing that now that he has the Democratic nomination in hand, he is running to the center as fast as he can. So much for principled politics - although that may be an oxymoron.

Now for McCain. McCain is a bit of an enigma. He is anything but a traditional conservative which is why many on the far right are suspicious of him. What I like about McCain are the same characteristics that made him the media darling a few years ago. He has some very specific ideas on what is right and what isn't and is not afraid to express them clearly and forcefully. The "Straight Talk Express" was just that. While Obama talks in grand themes and generalities, McCain cuts to the chase with specific proposals. My worry is that like Obama in trying to position himself for the general election he seems to have tempered and hedged his rhetoric and temper in recent months. I prefer the blunt, irascible version better but he is still my choice to lead the country.

I think this will be a very close election. In the end I think McCain will win based on the arithmetic of the electoral college, but Obama just may pull it out and even win the popular vote in a losing cause - ala Al Gore in 2000.

One thing I do know for certain is that no matter who wins the presidential election and no matter which party controls congress, the Republic will survive so I don't lose sleep worrying about it.