PR Straight Talk

He was clear.  He was concise.  He was unambiguous.  He was certain about the response to evil (Islamic fascism) in the world - “defeat it.”  He was relaxed.  He could be light and funny.  He was a superb storyteller.  He spoke unpretentiously about the courage required as a prisoner-of-war in Vietnam and the painful but necessary moral choice to refuse release while those like his friend, detained two years longer than he, remained imprisoned.

This was John McCain at his best:  passionate, defender of the Constitution, patriot, hero, a man whose story revealed a dedication to higher causes beyond self-interest, a man clearly committed to the safety and advancement of the United States and the principles it rests on.

Most of all, this was a man who wreaked honesty and integrity.  His response and stand on virtually every question and issue raised by Rick Warren of the Saddleback Church was unambiguous - and seemed to rest on deep conviction and solid values.

This came through particularly in his response to the question about abortion - he’s pro-Life; and his understanding of the complexity of the issue and his ability to nuance it based on compassion for those suffering with life-wrenching illnesses such as Lou Gehrig’s disease and Alzheimers, revealed itself in his advocacy of stem cell research (while pointing to skin cells as an imminent alternative solution).

The brilliance of the “performance” cannot be understated.  For in a one hour interview, the character and intelligence of John McCain came through…compellingly, convincingly.   It was clear that this is a man who as President would, to the best of his ability, both defend our democratic - small “d” rights (as a prisoner-of-war, he pointed out, he experienced their absence), while balancing that with the staunch defense of America from terrorism and the radical Islamic threat.  My belief that McCain would do his best to protect civil rights through this delicate maneuvering is that he so forcefully criticized the use of torture as a means to extract confessions from possible terrorists.  He was a victim of torture in Vietnam.

He was equally compelling - whether one agreed with him or not - on his stand on energy solutions - offshore drilling and the development of the fullest range of energy alternatives.  He was also brief but persuasive in his exhortation to relieve all Americans of higher taxes.

What was exceptionally significant about the forum - a one hour conversation with each candidate - Obama and McCain - with the same questions put to each individual on the same stage and in exactly the same structured setting - is that the electorate had an  opportunity to compare each  man and each man’s character and mindset - with unprecedented clarity. 

Obama was typically eloquent and cerebral - but my own impression of the man was that he was more tenuous, and less compelling as a leader.  I sometimes had to ask myself, what did he really say?  There was more ambiguity in his responses.

While I do not agree with Senator McCain on all the issues, I was left feeling that I would trust America and her safety more to this man, than his opponent - and in spite of his opponent’s often idealistic rhetoric.

What was especially gratifying was to give each candidate one hour, in a conversational format.  That really allowed the viewer to experience the fuller depth and range of each person in terms of character, style, depth of conviction and values, centeredness and qualities of leadership.

Prior to this event, McCain had been a disappointment - but clearly this forum was ideal for him - and a gift to the American public - enabling them to see what in my opinion was the better candidate.  He may not read a teleprompter well - but he can articulate his views and articulate them well in a more impromptu, less contrived setting.  The man reveals himself.

McCain won from the standpoint of more effective communications style, depth of values, character and certainty as a potential leader.

For the first time, I thought, “McCain can win!”