The Debate

It was a strong debate. At least relative to the mindless election we have been subjected to this season.

The irony, for me, is, contrary to the babbling of pundits, the Democrat is the stronger foreign policy choice, this season - save for his talk about withdrawal from Iraq - and the Republican is the, by far, better economic candidate, this election.

McCain had a much stronger handle on economic issues than I expected and understands the fundamentals of the economy better than Obama, who is, otherwise, I believe, the smarter candidate. Obama's understanding of foreign policy issues - including his much stronger understanding of the situation between Russia and Georgia - and the value of diplomacy, generally, as a sign of strength rather than weakness - were highlighted tonight.

I think the foreign policy challenges we face are a higher priority than our economic challenges, where, as McCain rightly argued, our fundamentals are, indeed, strong. Consequently, I, very marginally, give Obama an edge for my vote, at this point. Though his promises to withdraw troops seriously concern me and could lose him my vote if I continue to hear such threats and I have reason to think he will carry them out, neither of which I take seriously today.

But this debate did exacly what it needed to do, tonight. It highlighted strengths. It challenged candidates to defend positions. And, most importantly, for me, given the arrogance and lack of substance of this election, this debate highlighted weaknesses for each candidate to face both during the election and while in whichever office each candidate wins (one of these men will, presumably, still be a Senator after they have lost the Presidential race, unless I am completely out of the electoral loop, which is very likely).

These candidates need to face a much more fundamental fact of this election: they do not know enough about the world to lead it, yet. And the only way that they will know more is if they must engage in substantive debate and discussion that is not distracted by the mindless drivel that passes for Presidential campaigns in America.

We can correct for that. We can expect more.

And, tonight, these two candidates did a better job of delivering more substance. They should be acknowledged for that. And they have a long way to go before they are ready to lead America. And Americans should make that clear by talking about the substance of this campaign, and by ignoring and being openly critical of the senseless and generally baseless personal attacks.

America and the world should expect an American leader who does not insult our intelligence, who expects as much out of us as we expect out of him or her, and who is willing and able to debate and discuss honestly and substantively with those who can identify his weaknesses as well as support his strengths.

Candidates who expect anything else are not worthy of the office. And we should no longer accept anything less than leaders who expect the best from themselves and from the American people.

"Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."

It is a spirit that America has lost in the early 21st century in our contemporary politics. And the loss of that spirit is reflected in the bulk of our most serious challenges.

And it will take leadership that asks Americans to expect more of themselves and their leaders that will get us back on track.

May the best man win.