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It's Obama's World, But McCain Has a Foothold

Saddleback showdown leaves divergent impressions

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 18, 2008 2:15 PM CDT

(Newser) – John McCain seemed personal, clear, and passionate. Barack Obama seemed nuanced, composed, and competent. So who won? Dueling Washington Post op-eds come down on either side. Consummate Washington insider Sally Quinn argues that Rick Warren's serial interviews weren't a debate, meaning there can't be a winner. But the candidates presented dueling visions of the world.

She’d rather live in McCain’s world, a place of moral certainty and easy solutions. Unfortunately “I believe we live in Obama’s world,” she writes. Obama took a professorial tone, adopting a style that "smacks of chalkboards and campus ivy," writes Michael Gerson. McCain carried the night, he argues, giving hope to supporters not convinced of his strength: "Of such small hopes are large upsets made."

[Images (2)]

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John McCain and Barack Obama with Rick Warren, during the Compassion Forum at the Saddleback Church, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008 in Lake Forest, Calif. (AP Photo)

John McCain shakes hands with Pastor Rick Warren after participating in the Compassion Forum at the Saddleback Church, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008 in Lake Forest, Calif. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

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It is now clear why Barack Obama has refused John McCain's offer of joint town hall appearances during the fall campaign. McCain is obviously better at them.
- Michael Gerson, Washington Post

[Obama's] approach has a genuine appeal to some voters who believe there is a nuance shortage in American life. - Michael Gerson, Washington Post

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It's Obama's World, But McCain Has a Foothold