More From the Heart

Most media commentators just do not get it. They are assessing the speeches by Sarah Palin and John McCain on technical and policy grounds. What I saw in both speeches was a lot of heart.

I have a couple of great computers with large memories and fast connections. However, having the right hard ware is not enough. I also need good software. For a long time pundits and politicians have over emphasized the hard ware of laws and government policies. But without love, caring and human relationships we are not exceptional as a people or as a nation. It is the social capital that makes us unique and strong.

Palin's speech was wise, funny and insightful. But her obvious love and warmth for her parents, husband and kids was the software that made the difference.

McCain's speech also touched a deep chord within us. It was not a powerful or funny but it was from the heart. I wept during his story of being broken by the North Vietnamese torture. His vulnerability was amazing. How many times have you heard a politician admit he had failed so grandly?
But, it was not the failing that touched me as much as the support, encouragement and forgiveness from his cell mates. That, my friends, is not policy or technical but friends. I know he is not a Marine but I could think of only one phrase to describe what he was saying: Semper Fi!

Americans are increasingly lonely, isolated and desperate for friendships that will last and be emotionally supportive. McCain described his conversion from individualism and selfishness to community and relationships. It was powerful and the media, for the most part, missed it.

One pundit who got it was Joe Scarborough. Click this link to see an astounding video. You may still dislike McCain's policies and decide to vote for Obama. That is the system we have in America and I am happy about it. We can affirm men and women with whom we disagree and pray for them despite their bad ideas. However, let us not miss it when they share something deep and transforming or we shall lose our souls.