One Year Ago: Obama and McCain

Barack Obama's political prowess launched him into the seat of Illinois State Senator in 1997. During that year, the average age for all the state senators was 53 (Minnesota Senate). Only 3-4% were in Obama's age range of the thirties, making him one of the youngest senators ever. Yet he must have done something right--because after less than 10 years, Obama made it to the democratic party's presidential race. His keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in support of Kerry and Edwards gave him a rare first chance to be in the national spotlight. USA Today remarked that, early in his career, "[Obama's] legislative record is comparatively modest, helping opponents label him as a lightweight gifted with oratory skills and little else." Although Obama has done well in his political career, advancing swiftly from the Senate to the race for the presidency, many people were not familiar with him in 2007, as the case remains today. A combination of inexperience and his inclusion in a minority have made for a politician many Americans are still wary of.

John McCain, on the other hand, has had a good deal of experience--although not in politics. He won a variety of special merits after returning from Vietnam, where he was held as a POW. He was an admiral in the Navy. His position as Director at the Navy Senate Liaison Office got him started in politics, and in 1986 he became a U.S. Senator from Arizona. His voting record has long been observed as one of the most fluid--McCain remarked himself in a nationally-televised debate that he votes according to the will of his constituents. Even a year ago, in 2007, John McCain was nationally respected for his firsthand experience in the Navy and in Vietnam, but many Americans resented his flippant tendencies. Instead of voting for his own beliefs, he votes according to the will of those he represents, which isn't necessarily a good thing.

"Obama Must Use Convention to Regain Momentum." USA Today 2008 24 Aug 2008 <http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-08-23-Democratic-convention_N.htm>.


"Senator Demographics." Minnesota Senate. 09/24/2008. 24 Aug 2008 <http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/members/member_demographics.php?ls=80>.