I agree that McCain defied my expectations, and not because the speech was masterfully delivered or particularly energizing. Like Michele, I was having a hard time focusing on McCain’s speech during the first half. But when he started talking about the “me-first” type of person he was when we was shot down over Hanoi, and how he was “blessed by misfortune,” I sat up straight and started listening. With the exception of a sex scandal press conference, I don’t believe I’ve ever heard a politician admit defeat, weakness, and selfishness. I’ve never heard a politician admit the limits of their own strength, or the extent of their ego. McCain admitted that the Vietnamese “broke” him, and yet by leaning on the shoulders of his fellow officers, he got back up and fought. That authenticity stunned me. In fact, by the end of the speech, my wife (no fan of McCain) was on the verge of tears.
I wasn’t moved by McCain’s delivery last night, but rather by his honor, character, and—above all—humility. Despite all the hoopla over Palin, her selection as VP and her scathing speech did nothing to win to my vote. Rather, it was McCain talking humbly and quietly about who he was and who he is that won my vote. Character counts more than anything else, and modesty and determination are two of its most important attributes.
Obama is eloquent and intelligent, but he does not seem rooted in anything. For two years I’ve looked for signs of integrity and character, but he always seems blown by the wind. I don’t think that even Barack Obama knows who Barack Obama is.
McCain knows who he is, and he got through to me last night. I don’t know about you, but I’m going with the old warrior in November.
