CHAPTER 6

The Great Debates

McCain bridled at reducing his opinions to sound bites. Obama prepped as if he were taking the bar exam—nothing was left to chance.

NEWSWEEK
From the magazine issue dated Nov 17, 2008

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  • Posted By: Jean-Pierre Van der Planken @ 11/10/2008 6:08:50 AM

    President of Spain?
    Spain has no president, it has a king and it has a prime minister.

    • Posted By: houran @ 11/11/2008 2:49:13 PM

      As a matter of fact the Prime Minister of Spain is known as the "President" since he is constitutionally referred to as the "President of the Government". So Spaniards, as well as Spanish media, do actually refer to him as their President.
      Better luck next time :)

      • Posted By: Gazilion @ 12/02/2008 7:04:49 AM

        The Spaniards refer to their Prime Minister as "Presidente" (President) in short form, but if they use the complete form (as they often do in the media), they say "Presidente del Gobierno" (President of the Government), not "Presidente de España" (President of Spain). *You* need better luck (or further knowledge) next time.

    • Posted By: houran @ 11/11/2008 2:51:48 PM

      As a matter of fact, the Prime Minister of Spain is referred to as the "President" since he is constitutionally the "President of the government. Hence, he is called the President by Spaniards and the Spanish media. Better luck next time :)

  • Posted By: Gazilion @ 12/02/2008 6:48:25 AM

    Zapatero is not the "president of Spain", as Spain is a monarchy. Zapatero is the President of the Government of Spain, that is, the Prime-Minister.

  • Posted By: amusedeuropean @ 11/20/2008 10:29:03 AM

    Houran, a magazine that mentions the president of Spain needs an education. But obviously not in the USA.

  • Posted By: Solange82200 @ 11/11/2008 9:21:58 PM

    I am an Obama supporter, but even I can say McCain was failed by his campaign and his party. They took a good, decent man and made him into what they wanted him to be: a biggot. I dont believe that is really McCain, anyone can see he was not happy with what was going on around him. Palin failed him as well. John McCain, you are too good for the Republican party. You can do so much better on your own. It's not over for you, you have always been a fighter, and the American people are forgiving.

    • Posted By: Zig Zag @ 11/14/2008 5:50:11 PM

      I agree with almost everything you said - with one exception. McCain allowed his honor and dignity to be tarnished. If he was as strong as he said he was then he would have said no. But he didn't - he sold out to the republican leadership for his one chance at the White House.

      I agree that he is still a good man - I just think is character may not be as strong as people think. Which means it is good that he didn't win.

  • Posted By: JonMeacham @ 11/08/2008 1:39:05 PM

    So far I've learned that Republican voters tend to be less informed and more racist. This is super reporting! When do we get to the part where Obama walks on Lake Michigan?

    • Posted By: benbuhl @ 11/10/2008 6:51:21 PM

      Relax, Jon. Someone will be along to change your diapers soon.

  • Posted By: benbuhl @ 11/10/2008 6:47:40 PM

    Dear John Meacham (post below): Don't worry buddy. Someone will be along to change your diapers soon.

  • Posted By: politicod @ 11/08/2008 10:18:09 PM

    The John McCain who emerges here is so superior to his hangers on, with the possible exception of Lindsey Grahan, that I feel we have the stuff of Shakespeare: a great man, floundering amidst weak associates, back stabbers, and huge socio-economic forces while the ever calm, always prepared Obama awaits history's call. John McCain deserved better.

  • Posted By: panderwatch @ 11/07/2008 3:41:08 PM

    What happened during that phone between McCain and Lindsey Graham the day of the last debate? Check out this just released transcript: did McCain know it was over in October? (Caution: some strong language - these are Republicans talking):

    http://panderwatch.wordpress.com/2008/11/05/post-election-exclusive-mccain-and-lindsey-graham-late-night-phone-call/

  • Posted By: gaia227 @ 11/07/2008 12:40:06 PM

    Newsweek has made McCain a sympathetic figure and actually I appreciate that. My feelings towards McCain had plunged drastically within the last few months because of the tone and negativity his campaign had taken. I never saw on the news the footage of him telling his supporters he wanted people to be respectful, calling Obama a decent man, etc. It always seemed obvious to me that McCain was not entirely comfortable with the negative tone his campaign had taken and the negative things he had to say sometimes. I was not a McCain supporter. I am a life-long demorcrat who spent months volunteering for the Obama campaign but it is refreshing to hear some of these things about McCain. I am relieved to hear he balked at many of the negative ads that came out. I felt sorry for him in part five when it was talked about how he returned to Washington with this romantic idea that he was going to swoop in and help save the day but when he got there it was obvious no one wanted him there.
    I agree that the shining moment of McCain's campaign was his graceful concession speech. That was the McCain I thought I knew not this person we had been seeing over the last few months. If he would have maintained that eloquence and respect throughout his campaign it may have been a closer race (although I think Obama still would have won).
    Obama listened to his instincts and trusted them. McCain didn't and instead chose to trust his advisors instead of what his own gut was telling him.

  • Posted By: Ilja @ 11/07/2008 10:29:21 AM

    WHERE IS CHAPTER 7....release it!!!

  • Posted By: mbakmhak @ 11/07/2008 5:57:31 AM

    a fine glimpse behind the scenes; in hindsight, Senator McCain's concession speech was his finest moment during the whole campaign

  • Posted By: buttermilkwaffle @ 11/07/2008 5:41:35 AM

    This "insider's peek" into the campaigns is truly fascinating. I fully support Obama, but this report has renewed my respect for Senator McCain. I was deeply troubled - even angry - with the uncharacteristic negativity of his campaign's last months, but these articles give me hope that the "old McCain" is not gone - he was just buried under the failed strategies of his advisers and Palin's vicious and misguided attacks.

  • Posted By: chocolate13 @ 11/07/2008 5:20:02 AM

    greay readyng!! Whn is chapter7?

  • Posted By: chocolate13 @ 11/07/2008 5:19:05 AM

    Greaqtreaqding When ys chapter7???

  • Posted By: readingon @ 11/07/2008 3:14:53 AM

    call me crazy, but i'm not particularly impressed by these chapters (although they are riveting to read). Much of the detail sounds like public knowledge to anyone who may have followed the news closely throughout the campaign. So where are the secrets?

  • Posted By: SGMD1 @ 11/07/2008 1:01:22 AM

    BRILLIANT article. When is Chapter 7 going to be up?

  • Posted By: baldrick @ 11/07/2008 12:35:15 AM

    Great story. As a long-time Obama supporter this really helps to put John McCain into perspective - as a great and honorable man whose message was thwarted by the confusion in his staff and party. McCain should have been the GOP candidate in 2000.

  • Posted By: proudamerican_1994 @ 11/07/2008 12:10:53 AM

    Absolutely facinating! I couldn't stop reading it- I can't wait until chapter 7!

  • Posted By: proudamerican_1994 @ 11/07/2008 12:09:49 AM

    Absolutely fascinating! I will be waiting anxiously for the final chapter.

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