Posted by
RightTeacher on Saturday, February 02, 2008 11:33:27 AM
The contrast between Romney and McCain may not always lie in their position on the issues. It may, instead be more accurately discerned from the way they deal with issues.
McCain comes up with his positions. The source may be his gut, his moral compass, wherever. Once he comes to a decision, he sticks to it. It is his decision, right or wrong--and, admittedly, mostly right. But when he is wrong, as he has been on a number of big issues, he will stick to his guns. This is what earned him his Maverick name.
Romney gathers data, analyzes it, then formulates a decision. If that decision means that a previous position was wrong, he changes it. And he has flipped a couple of times--though I have seen no one show that he has ever "flopped" back to his previous position. If his flips are based on his due diligence, if he has determined the correct path, there would be no need to change back.
So when McCain makes a decision he sticks to it right or wrong--even in the face of contradicting data and opposing opinion. Perhaps even because of it. When Romney's due diligence indicates a different position is not the correct path, he is willing to change.
The positions a person takes are important. They will influence many of the actions he will take as president. But a president has limited ability to enact his policies. Perhaps more important than his positions is his character and temperament. That he is able and willing to analyze an issue thoroughly and, if needed, change course, rather than blindly follow a stated position out of pride or stubbornness.