addleback Church
Lake Forest, CA
Rick Warren, John McCain & Barrack Obama at Saddelback Civil Forum (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
Yes, my friends, LuxeMan was seated in the filled to the seams main sanctuary of the Saddleback church. Along with at least 2,000 others, I sat in anticipation for what Fox News reported as “the Showdown.” I had expected a Town Hall debate up until the night before the event when an email from Pastor Rick Warren warned that the sensationalism surrounding the event should be ignored. That this would be a dialogue about each man’s faith and worldview.
As a keen student of debate, I was somewhat disappointed by Pastor Rick’s email. I began to imagine each politician getting up blustering about a bit and then pandering to the assembled, mostly white Christians in attendance. Another concern was that Rick Warren, a very loving and decent man, would throw softball questions at the candidates.
I almost did not attend.
I have to tell you that I was not sorry I decided to take my place in that room.
The atmosphere was electric. Striding up the beautiful walkway in my Italian loafers, past the throng of Orange County Sheriffs in attendance to keep law and order, you could hear the chatter of excited attendees. A helicopter circled above ever watchful. At the top of the steps and positioned before the entrance of the man hall were the bright lights of media row where all the talking heads would soon take their place to deliver their spin. Security was not as visibly overbearing as I would have thought, but I was able to spot out several “hidden” security measures throughout he sprawling Orange County campus.
Once inside, the buzz intensified. Lots of milling around and lots of familiar political and media faces were recognized chatting it up. After 2 hours of waiting and chatting with new friends on either side of me while the band played renditions of the Ramsey Lewis Trio’s “The In Crowd,” and a heart stopping version of the Star Spangled banner, the stage manager gave the audience instructions; when to applaud, when not to, etc. It was an understandable housekeeping item, but wholly unnecessary. The crowd was eager to cheer.
The format was simple. Ask each candidate the same series of questions and let their answers speak for themselves. Because it was so plainly scripted by Pastor Warren, he took himself out of the equation and made each candidate the focal point. He was not here for his own aggrandizement or to score gotcha’s. He simply asked each question and got out of the way to let them answer and then only after they had answered did he interject when appropriate to either drill deeper or take a tangent for more insight. Pundits and talking heads take note: this is how interviewing should be done! The interviewee is the star not the other way around.
Obama and Warren, Photo Courtesy BBC, UK
Pastor Rick Warren took to the stage to a thundering standing applause. A few words were spoken and then Senator Obama was introduced. The reception was warm and loud as his strikingly thin frame gracefully mounted center stage in a smartly tailored, dark buttoned suit and open collared white shirt. He looked like a Hollywood star.
Sen. Obama’s answers and mannerisms were cool, thoughtful and measured. The overall image I got from his appearance, tone and answers were of sincerity and thoughtfulness. He was very professorial in his demeanor. I half expected to see him light up and sip an espresso during the interview! He was very well received and there is no doubt, he gained some admirers by his performance.
After carefully listening and watching I have concluded that he is sincere, believes in God and wants to serve his country. I also came away with the feeling that he could not give a straight succinct answer if you held a Glock 17 to his temples!
His answers were vague and universal. Most assuredly to appeal to the assembled masses. Therein lies his problem. He cannot appeal to the common man. This became apparent during the primaries and still holds true today.
He cuts a good figure, he’s bright and articulate and he’s sincere, but he’s also vague and a little light. He doesn’t exude the power, knowledge and specificity I believe the president must have.
Enter Senator McCain.
The stark contrast between the 2 candidates could not be clearer with the two paired up on stage. The suave and urbane Obama next to the stalky, snow capped senior.
McCain and Warren Courtesy BBC, UK
Once behind the desk with Warren, McCain was his usual fidgety,hyper-caffeinated uncomfortable persona. He just never looks comfortable in his skin or clothes to me. I cannot imagine him sitting next to a pool relaxing with a Mojito or a Dos XX. And that’s probably a good thing knowing his skin cancer woes in the past.
Where Obama was laid back and philosophical, McCain was quick and focused. He answered questions in rapid succession and then offered background anecdotes to prop up his various positions. His mastery of detail and command of knowledge was obvious. His no nonsense answers regarding national security, the Russian invasion of Georgia and the need for an energy plan resonated well with the audience causing large eruptions of applause.
Where Obama was eloquent, but vague, McCain was simple and laser specific. It was quite a contrast to behold.
By the reaction of the crowded sanctuary, McCain not only gained some admirers, he most certainly solidified his bona fides as the conservative candidate and garnered votes. Democrat pundits often used the term “gravitas” in the last election to try to prop up Sen. Kerry vs. Bush. It is clear from this event that the energetic gentleman from Arizona has the gravitas hands down.
A tip of my hat to Pastor Rick Warren for hosting this very illuminating event. I could not imagine anyone walking away not knowing where each of these candidates stands on the key issues facing our great nation. An apology also to Pastor Rick for doubting he had the gravitas to pull off a political interview. His questions were thought provoking and timely. At times they were tough. And the format chosen enabled the debate to be waged in a conversational style without actually debating. Congratulation to each candidate for handling the questions with grace and civility.
America now has a clear choice between tow sincere and thoughtful men. The answer as to how to vote for depends on what you are looking for.
McCain
Taxes:
Obama: Raise
McCain: Stay same or lower
War:
Obama Out sooner than later
McCainWin then leave triumphant
Abortion:
Obama For
McCain Against
Health care:
Obama Government involved
McCain Individual choice
Education:
Obama More Govt.
McCain More choices
Evil:
Obama Contain it
McCain Defeat it
Until the next time my friends.
LuxeMan
Enjoyed the first-hand account, thanks for writing it up. Thanks for stopping by my blog as well.
Hello.
Martha Louise, who is the only daughter of King Harald and Queen Sonja, gave up the title of ‘royal highness’ upon her 2002 marriage to writer Ari, and has a reputation for not standing on ceremony.
Bye.