I too enjoyed the forumits format and difference from the usual debates--. What was important to me wasnt the policy stances, I already knew those and would have heard rapid fire responses on those in a debate. I found value in this forum because through the series of questions I gained a much better sense of what motivates each of the candidates in their decision making process. In the thousands of decisions a president makes, I got a much better sense of what will be at the heart of these decisions. I also got a sense of when these candidates will stumble, as all people do, what will be the problems they bring on themselves, and thus our country.
To me, both candidates have the desire to improve our country.
I saw Obama inspired to help those less fortunate. That motivation fits him, not simply because of race, but as someone who came from humble beginnings and saw first hand the needs of those outside even the middle class.
In McCain, I saw a person motivated by a genuine sense of service to others. This too is something that fits him. While not everyone enjoyed hearing his references to his time as a POW, it was a defining period in his life. It showed his character and the importance of service to others in his life.
In looking at the other side of character, the parts of candidates that will hurt not only them, but our country, I also learned.
Obama spoke of selfishness that affected decisions in his youth. I didnt see enough to convince me that this is an issue he has overcome. In the primary he focused on winning the states that would give him the delegates needed to win and not putting many resources into other areas. It is great political strategyone that could very well succeed again. However, focusing only on what he needs instead of our entire country, gives me cause for concern that the selfishness he spoke of is an ongoing issue in his life. We have seen too much of this in the last eight years. A president who is so focused on achieving what he wants, that he simply ignores the broader ramifications of his actions.
In McCain, I saw that very personal failings most affect him. When he makes mistakes, whatever they may be, that damage his relationships with people, especially those he is close with, he carries these mistakes with him. While I heard him speak of his relationship with his ex wife, I didnt hear him specifically reference professional relationships, which is a bit of a double edged sword in my book. I want a president who values his professional relationships, Congress and world leaders for example, but one too, who is not afraid to break ties when necessary. This too has been a failing of George Bushalienating so many and keeping too few too close. Would McCain fall into this trap? I dont know, but I didn't hear enough from him to relieve my concerns.
At the end of it all, I ask myself this, Do I want a president who is motivated in his decisions by a desire to help the less fortunate, but could stumble through the trappings of selfishness or do I want a president who is motivated in his decisions by a desire to serve others, but could stumble in his concern not to damage relationships?-- It seems both of these men have double edged swords.
Where is the greater good and the lesser risk? For me, it is with John McCain.
