Seat at the Table

I just finished watching Colin Powell’s endorsement of Obama and what struck me, and possibly many others, was not the endorsement itself, but that he came across as an adult interested not in party, politics or even a specific candidate, but in country and in making a practical decision, not a biased one.  Perhaps, even in the final few weeks, the candidates can take a few lessons.

1. Directly addresses key areas using common sense language. Case in point: Stating that taxes are , in fact, a redistribution of wealth but a necessary one making the point that who else will pay for our roads, military and other necessary public investments (yes, there are a million programs we can argue over but that’s separate from the core principle.
2. Did a better job of highlighting McCain’s negative campaign than Obama did by simply reminding everyone that McCain’s campaign announced they were going negative during the economic crisis. 
3. He sounds like an adult and make others sound childish.  Making accusations always brings the maturity level down a notch. 
4. Like the good man he is, he reminds everyone that this is about country first.  Being a Republican (until yesterday), a well regarded military man and a diplomatic that correctly forecasted Iraq, he has respect that most can’t ignore.  Unlike the candidates, it’s easier to believe as he does not back up this position with accusation or party platform policy positions.

Quite a few months ago I wrote that McCain’s hiring of Steve Schmidt would lead to a negative campaign that would turn off voters.  I took a lot of flack for that (especially as I usually hold the position that negative campaigning works).  But in these tough times, people, seem to be trying harder to focus on the issues and ignore the accusations.   By avoiding missteps that create a negative, immature energy and focusing on practical decision making, someone like Powell just reinforces what is really important, and what is campaign noise that should be ignored.