Clinton and Obama Respond to Deepak Chopra's Open Letter

Deepak Chopra sent an "Open Letter" to the Democratic candidates with a few basic questions. Both Clinton and Obama have returned their replies. Interesting reading -- perhaps a little clarification on where they stand on the issues.

Here were the questions:

1. How do you view the importance of being open to welcome and to encourage a more inclusive political dialogue with those who may be at the margins of the political establishment or with those who may be at the distant edges of the perceived rigidity of the mainstream political parties?

2. How do you view the importance of diversity in our representative, constitutional democracy?

3. How will you use the office of President of the United States to work with the United Nations and other bodies to respond to the issue of global warming and to protect, nurture and respect the environment?

4. Specifically, what is your plan of action to eliminate poverty in America?

5. What do you intend to do to end the war in Iraq?

6. As President of the United States, how will you exemplify leadership domestically and internationally toward the fulfillment of “the beloved community”?

Barack Obama responds here.
Hillary Clinton responds here.

Without giving away too much, Obama comes across as more of a visionary for a better world, while Clinton comes across as a pragmatist and policy wonk. No surprises there.

It must be noted, however, that Obama and Chopra tend to see the world through the same lens, while Clinton has a distinctly different lens through which she views the world -- this probably skewed the experiment in favor of Obama.

Tags: Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Deepak Chopra, Open Letter, politics, policy positions, Iraq War, poverty, diversity, environment, inclusiveness