My Thoughts

In case any of you missed it, Senators John McCain and Barack Obama sqaured off Saturday night. But they didn't square off against each other, they squared off with Pastor Rick Warren, author of "The Purpose Driven Life." The discussion was held at Pastor Warren's Saddleback Church in California. Pastor Warren asked both candidates the exact same questions. The candidates were separated and were unable to hear one another's answers.

While I didn't watch both interviews in their entirety, I'd like to share some of my thoughts based on what I did see.

First of all, Barack Obama struck me as just plain flat-footed. He failed to make eye contact with Pastor Warren. Answering unscripted questions seemed to throw Obama off guard. He lacked engagement with the audience. His answers were unbelievably vague and philosophical in tone, lacking specificity. Obama was painfully boring to listen to and his answers fell far short of providing any real answers for positive "CHANGE." Obama seemed distant and disconnected; perhaps because, for once in his life, he wasn't surrounded by thousands of his screaming, fainting fanatics. I must admit though, I did find myself chuckling when Pastor Warren asked Obama what he thought his greatest moral failure was up to this point in his life. Obama talked about his past drug use and how he USED TO think only about himself. About how he USED TO be self-centered and arrogant. I guess some things just never change.

On the other hand, Senator John McCain appeared confident and comfortable. He made respectful eye contact with Pastor Warren. McCain engaged the audience and directed his answers at them as well as Warren. McCain smiled, joked and poked a little fun at himself. His answers were specific, direct and to the point and came quickly. The audience responded well to Senator McCain and his ability to connect with them. In my humble opinion, McCain came across like I knew he would... the most experienced candidate for the Presidency of the United States.

Saturday night's forum at the Saddleback Church revealed a lot about our two candidates for President. With the comfort zone of the political stump removed, we got to see the two men for who they really are. Barack Obama revealed himself once again as a vague, inexperienced new kid on the block, while Senator McCain proved himself to be the right man for the job, showing strength, poise, wisdom and experience.

Being the die-hard conservative I am, I've certainly had my issues with Senator McCain over the years. It's not hard to say that I disagree with him on more than a few political issues. Having said that, John McCain has earned my respect since becoming the Republican Presidential nominee. His positions on taxes, wasteful government spending, off-shore oil drilling, expanding nuclear power and the 2nd Amendment are just a few of the reasons I am now happy to support him for President. I hope more Americans were able to see through Obama's smokescreen for the fake he really is. And I hope more Americans were able to see why John McCain should be America's next President.


-- Skyboss