In the first installment of a series on how the presidential candidates would lead if elected, Judy Woodruff finds out how he makes decision from people who have worked with Republican Senator John McCain's for many years. The first five minutes of this video gives a good summary of McCain's instinctive decision making, as related by fellow senators and his chief of staff. Continue watching to the seven-minute mark to hear from one of McCain's old friends, former Democratic Senator Gary Hart, who is concerned McCain's impulsive style of leadership would be a bad fit for the presidency. Quotes "He's not one to sit around, and ponder, and wring his hands, and try to figure out what the right thing is. He's got an idea right off, and then he'll take advice from his advisers, his staff, and others around him, but he makes a judgment relatively quickly, sticks with it, doesn't look back." -Senator Jon Kyl, R- Arizona "He believes in his party, but he's more than happy to cross the aisle. And he does it all the time to the anguish of those who demand party unity."- Mark Buse, Chief of Staff for McCain "I'd prefer somebody who's a little more thoughtful, a little less impulsive, and a little more analytical." -Former Senator Gary Hart, D-Colorado Warm Up Questions 1. How do you make decisions? Do you ask other people’s advice? How do you balance opposing views? Do you think about things over night or do you make a decision quickly? Do you ever change your mind? 2. How do you think a president should make decisions? How would you modify your decision making process if you were president? Discussion Questions 1. From the descriptions of McCain in the video, how would you feel having him as president? Why? 2. What are some situations where a president making decisions based on instinct would be a positive? What are some situations where you would see it as a negative? 3. Think about the last big decision you had to make. What steps did you go through before making the decision? How would you categorize your decision-making style compared to John McCain’s? Additional Resources Transcript of this report Online NewsHour: Vote 2008