29 October, 2008

The Portal of the (Candidate's) Soul

There's an old anecdote:
It is said that Abraham Lincoln, when he was President of the U.S., was advised to include a certain man in his cabinet.
When he refused, Lincoln was asked why he would not accept the man. "I don't like his face," the President replied.
"But the poor man isn't responsible for his face," responded his advocate.
"Every man over forty is responsible for his face," said Lincoln.

As I look at this election, I care that Obama looks like a bit more of a socialist than McCain. But, I still remember the days when Republicans everywhere rejected McCain as a liberal socialist, too. And I care that McCain has some gravel in his gut that Obama won't have for a few more years. But, I know the job just might forge Obama into something great, too.

I know everyone's up in arms about having two such terrible candidates, but I really think these are two of the best candidates we've had in a while. I think there's a real chance either of these candidates could really make a positive difference in their areas of concern. I do like McCain's areas of concern better than Obama's. And I have a definite leaning to the right, anyway.

Still, I had my doubts.

Watching these videos was an, "Every man over forty is responsible for his face," moment for me, though. These videos moved me past my doubts. Obama ain't funny. Oh, his jokes are cute, and he has a presence, but given the opportunity to have some fun he takes no risks. Given the opportunity to join in play with his audience, he plays along instead. McCain jumps in the mud and starts slinging it. As I watched these videos, I really, really liked McCain's face. I'd love to see that man leading this country.

Watch these videos and tell me whether you see him differently. Or whether you just think it's silly to make big decisions over little things.

Obama Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EF_QNJAYxg

Obama Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SkFjTCscM4

McCain Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdWeqiyn3zQ

McCain Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1Ishs8QSUM

Oh, and I'm really sorry I'm not really blogging any more. Some months life just gets a bit busier than others.

3 comments:

kc bob said...

Maybe I would have said similar things about Bush CP.. I think that the country needs a change from Bush.. need a consensus builder not a maverick (alias for unpredictable leadership) who seems to lead by whim and by the seat of his pants :(

Hope that you are right though.. especially if McCain wins it :)

Milly said...

Not that I want to talk politics these days I will say this. This year has been a fun one to watch as far as politics. It seems that people are working on being informed this time around. It has sparked our young people to want to know more.

On the other hand it has led to heated discussions like the one at work today by two customers. As I told them I will not talk about politics.

You're right KB we need change.

Play nice folks.

karen said...

I love these videos; it shows another side of these guys.

I also love that McCain can see many sides to a situation; that's not unpredictable, it IS being a maverick. His background and character are sound.
Thanks for putting it out there, CP.