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« Japan's Incredible Shrinking Markets and the Wal-Mart Mission for a Better World | Main | Strategies for Surviving and Thriving in Challenging Times »

February 13, 2008

Comments

Steve Kirk

I understand you to say people are looking for substance over style or steak rather than sizzle. You are absolutely correct. John McCain's seemingly miraculous come from behind almost victory is case in point. McCain is about substance, proven leadership whether you agree completely with his views or not. (I do not.) Obama is unproven as far as long term leadership is concerned, but appears to offer something of value. He is not the shop worn same old same old stuff Hillary Clinton promises. You know what is in the Clinton box and too many of us believe that it is all marketing of an inferior and somewhat shoddy product. Let's elect someone who can do something, anything. Steve Kirk blogs at www.theperfectsense.com.

David

Actually, Steve, I said that people are giving more attention to style than to substance. Obama has generally offered fewer details than Clinton has on her proposals. Moreover, despite her overwhelming superiority in tenure of public service, experience is counting for less in many people's minds than promises of change even though the details of change offered by Obama have generally been sketchy.

Christian Cantrell

David,

I think there's a lot of truth to what you write. Let me explain why I have gotten swept up in the zeitgeist, and how I think about experience.

First of all, as you know, experience isn't an absolute metric like a test score. Experience isn't necessarily even a reliable indication of of one's abilities, or a way to measure one's future success. Anyone who has spent any time in the corporate world understands that experience can sometimes be as detrimental as naiveté. In fact, some of the worst people I have ever worked for have had very solid experience and seemingly excellent credentials. Most of them have relied too heavily on their experience, and were unable to adapt to situations that refused to fit into the constrained models of the world they had built over the years.

The term experience generally has a positive connotation, but I would argue that one has to look more closely, and to consider its context, to understand its true meaning. In the context of elections, we have to consider the kinds of experience that candidates have. We have to consider whether that experience is even relevant to our vision of what a leader should be. And we have to weigh that experience against other qualities that are equally or even more important.

As far as I'm concerned, Obama's website has plenty of information on his policies, and on how he intends to implement them. When I watch a debate, I'm not overly interested in sound bites and fragments of facts that are just as easily found in a candidate's literature. Nor am I interested in accusations. I'm interested in seeing how effectively a candidate communicates, how he or she comports themselves, whether they can appreciate the intricacies of complex issues rather than holding imperturbable and overly simplistic positions. And I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm also looking for someone to inspire me. I believe that an inspired, focused, and committed population can accomplish far more than the most experienced politician on earth.

Only time will tell, but I happen to believe there is some real substance behind this zeitgeist. That said, I actually haven't entirely decided who I'm going to vote for in November. Right now, I'm just concerned about who I get to choose from.

David

Christian,

I should have pointed out that Obama puts a lot of detail on his web site for those who want to get beyond his charismatic style. BTW, keeping details light in public presentations can reduce gratuitous opinion-shaping commentary by reporters.

Another point -- Obama as president is likelier to draw more top-drawer talent than any president since JFK.

Thanks for your comment!

DBW

Eamon

From a UK and apolitical perspective Obama sees to be more in tune with the zeitgeist than the Clintons.

Atare E. Agbamu

That some of the most experienced hands in Washington brought us to our current sorry state should take care of the experience argument for most thoughtful people.

I want a leader who can inspire me to follow. As Napoleon said, "a leader is a dealer in hope."

If Obama's sustained grassroots campaign operation is any guide, we can expect real change. He can get the people to put pressure on Congress on behalf truly national (rather than special interest) initiatives.

For a fellow who has been cynical about the political process for awhile, I cannot but buy hope over fear and despair.

David, thanks for your always insightful take on issues that confound others.

The comments to this entry are closed.

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