The Answering of Rick Warren’s Questions: Ethics and the Presidency

There already has been much discussion about tonight’s separate TV interviews of the presidential candidates by the Reverend Rick Warren. (Read this link to the New York Times Politics Blog) There seems to be some consensus that, in response to the same questions posed, McCain spoke briefly but more directly and forcefully than Obama whose answers were longer, more analytical and more nuanced but less forceful and seemingly less emphatic. Some feel that, beyond the answers themselves, the way the candidates answered the questions reflects on how they may handle other questions and issues when they become President. Is this a realistic conclusion? If so, what approach, makes a better President (better, for example for this blog, in terms of identifying and mitigating ethical issues), one who acts more directly and forcefully on problems that arise or one who is more analytical and nuanced and less direct and less emphatic? To what extent do ethics play a role in the performance of the President or issues in governing? On the other hand, do you think this distinction is unnecessary since all Presidents don’t apply just one approach but actually handle problems with a mixture of both approaches depending on the situation? ..Maurice.