Q&A: McCain?

Craig Gelormini wrote in to ask:

I was just curious as I have been reading your books who you would like to see elected as president in 2008. McCain seems to me to be the closest inline with the vision of the future that you put forth in the books, but I also know you have a Democratic tendency. I apologize if you have already stated this on your website, I haven't had a chance to go through all of it yet. Thank you very much for your time and for your books. I always enjoy being shocked learning about something that I thought I previously had a pretty good grasp of.

Tom writes:

I worry about McCain's tendency toward temper and political vendettas and how that combativeness translates into a confrontational foreign policy. I fear he'd be hard-line on rising New Core powers (the BRIC) and dial the GWOT up instead of down. In short, I fear too much Clausewitz and too little Sun Tzu.

I see so many global forces right now pushing America to a number of realignment opportunities that allow us to marginalize transnational terrorism effectively and win under conditions we can be proud of--plus thrive economically within.

I haven't seen much in McCain's speeches that indicates he sees a similar world, so I doubt your hopeful analysis.

Whether it's McCain or Hillary or Rudy, I see this as the last Boomer/Vietnam era president, so patience, that most important strategic skill set, is in order.

Comments

[Tom M]

Any chance for Obama? He is not part of the Boomer/Vietnam era. Is he too inexperienced or naive when it comes to foreign policy and America's role in the world? Wouldn't it be great PR for Muslim youths and young kids in Africa to see a black President of the United States?

[Matt R.]

I never thought about the presidential candidates from the viewpoint of the era in which they were raised. Do we run into the same problems with presidents raised in a time of relative certainty and prosperity that now faces the military because the current crop of generals whom honed their skills in a time of relative certainty (USSR = enemy, the US economy will yield enough taxes to buy anything we want and the public is scared enough to vote to fund it)

So when do we get a president that wasn't raised with saturday morning cartoons and little league but with night time Xbox parties?

[antonymous]

First off, I'll admit to not commenting on the blog in awhile, but I think Obama is the best available strategist out there. I think his lack of experience is negated by his ability to see the big picture. Maybe it's just not his time yet though - every other candidate offers more of the same, the exceptions related to also-ran status (see: John Edwards and Ron Paul). I just can't see Hilary, Huckabee, Romney, or even McCain putting us on the right course - they're all too focused on their "target markets" (and previous experience) to put us on the right path.

The primaries come down to what ideas resonate with people. To me, experience is a two-way street - yes, you learn a the ins and outs of politics, but it's easy to fall into the "to a hammer, every problem is a nail" trap. It takes an open and willing mind to tackle big problems without reliance upon the status quo, and Obama is the only candidate I see with the cajones to do it.

That said (and not to induce a flamewar), I'd like to hear what other regulars at this blog think...

[antonymous]

Also, before my previous comment is approved, I'd like to hear any insights regarding monetary policy of candidates, which to me is the "soft side" of the GWOT, and less recognized/interpreted (at the moment) by the media. To me, this is a big issue that remains dormant outside of the subprime mess talk. Poor fiscal policy is as worrisome as any other issues out there, but is too complex to be relegated to populist soundbites.

[Anonymous]

yeah, Anton. where ya' been? :-)

[Jarrod Myrick]

I think Obama and his team get Dr. Barnett's ideas. As far as fiscal policy under Obama check out his guru, Goolsbee: http://faculty.chicagogsb.edu/austan.goolsbee/website/research/columns.htm