Original Article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122694399164234073.html
Even though it was just two weeks ago that Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain were outstanding rivals, the tables have most certainly turned. Now the President-elect Obama and Sen. McCain are working together to help bring about the "changes" to better the country.
They agreed on working together on three main isses: immigration reform, changes in the detention facility in Guantanamo Bay and climate change. For two people who were such strong rivals not too long ago, it will definitely be an interesting transition to see how they come to work together when both Obama and McCain have clashing views in many fields.
Working together will actually benefit both of them. For Obama, working with McCain will help him gain "support from the former Republican presidential candidate and help fulfill his pledge to reach for bipartisan solutions." Whereas for Sen. McCain, establishing a foundation with Obama and the White House could "allow him to wield influence in a Democratic-controlled Congress"(WSJ.com).
When asked whether he will support Obama with his administration, McCain replied "obviously." The two plan on working together to bring in an "era of reform to Washington." The 45-minute meeting in Chicago was cordial and in good terms as the "two men sat side-by-side in armchairs, with an American flag behind them and each flanked by an adviser; Sen. Lindsey Graham (R.,S.C.), and Obama's future White House Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel."
The purpose of the meeting, answers Obama, was to have a "good conversation about how they can do some work together to fix up the country, and also to offer thanks to Sen. McCain for the outstanding service that he's already rendered."
Amongst discussing other topics such as Iraq, the main issues discussed were the three topics they both agree upon. For the issue regarding climate change, they both support "a cap-and-trade system for controlling carbon dioxide and other industry emissions that many scientists belive contribute to global warming.
On the issue of immigration, they both have support for overhauling a system that includes a "path to citizenship for illegal immigrants." Both Obama and McCain support "closing the military detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba." Even though Obama can manage to close the facility on his own, he believes that Sen. McCain's support, who is a Vietnam veteran, would be "helpful poilitically."
Discussion Questions:
1.) Is it really wise for Obama and McCain, two very recent rivals, to be working so closely on important issues?
2.)Do you think there is potential danger in the two men working together on issues such as immigration policies and climate change policies, issues where they argued with such clashing views?
3.) Do you think Obama supporters would feel any more differently if McCain was replaced with Hillary Clinton? Why or why not?
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2 comments:
Although Obama and McCain belong to different parties, they have the same goal is to reform America.
There are several reasons why I like the fact that Obama picked McCain rather than Hillary Clinton.
First, Obama stands for "change". he picks Mccain , who is republican will be a big change. I like the fact that Democratic and Republican can bond together to solve the country's problems. Also, I think it's better to have a friend than an enemy.
Second, McCain and Obama are different at views. Therefore, if they work together, with different views from McCain will be a good point for Obama to avoid mistakes or to be ready to deal with unexpected consequences that may happen.
I think most American people vote for what they want the country to be rather than voting for a specific party. As we trust Obama as a good leader, we should support him with all our heart. We should believe in him and his decision.
I do believe that it is wise for Obama to work with McCain on issues during the next four years. McCain is a well respected senator who a lot of people like. I think it's a good idea to fill to have advisors who may not always share the same view point as you.
I don't think there is any real danger. The worst I could see happening is McCain's input not being taken into real consideration. In turn McCain would then probably not offer his input to Obama anymore.
I don't think they would feel worse. They might be more at ease. I think that most supporters of Obama support Clinton more than McCain.
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