Our regular columnist over at Out of Ur, Collin Hansen, has a really interesting examination of the presidential debate between McCain and Obama. Beyond the obvious difference between left and right, liberal and conservative, young and old–Hansen sees a distinct difference in worldview between Modernity (McCain) and Postmodernity (Obama). I definitely think he’s got a point, but I’m not convinced it’s simply a matter of Mo verses Pomo.

I still have yet to read a thoughtful article about how Obama’s diverse, multi-ethnic background has influenced his view of the world as well as his ability to engage people of differing views. For example, is his willingness to engage in diplomacy with America’s “enemies” a result of his liberal politics, his disdain for Bush’s foreign policy, or the outworking of a value formed during a childhood of fluid comfort in multiple cultures where clear boundaries and categories were elusive? Perhaps that is an impossible question to answer, but it’s still one that intrigues me.

Here’s a bit from Collin Hansen’s report:

The first debate between Senators John McCain and Barack Obama provided no such memorable moments. But it did highlight important distinctions between the Republican and Democratic candidates. Namely, McCain and Obama represent key differences between modern and postmodern cultures. Analyzing their debate through this lens reveals similarities to the church’s own debates about how to respond to shifting cultures.

Obama spoke with empathy about the personal effects of the current financial crisis on Main Street America. He advocated greater oversight for Wall Street. McCain, too, said he wants oversight, but he emphasized different reasons for the crisis. He spoke of individual greed and said the government needs to hold the failed executives accountable. As the debate progressed, McCain spoke passionately about members of Congress who perpetuate the “evils of this earmarking and pork-barrel spending.” McCain underscored personal morals where Obama accentuated communal values.

Obama consistently drew attention to points of agreement with McCain. He credited McCain for opposing President Bush on torture, for example. By contrast, McCain chided Obama for not understanding the issues and for displaying naïveté. He perpetuated the Right vs. Left dichotomy by describing Obama as the most liberal member of the Senate. While Obama sought to build consensus, McCain pointed out their differences.

Read the entire post at Out of Ur.