Final answer:
Barack Obama and John McCain both campaigned on platforms of change and emphasized unification of the country, despite having different approaches to economic policy and regulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The beliefs and values of Barack Obama and John McCain overlapped in their respective platforms of "change." Despite having different approaches, both candidates signaled the need for evolution from the status quo. Obama's campaign resonated with the cry for hope against the frustrations encountered during the Bush administration, particularly focusing on the economic downturn and calling for more regulation. McCain, albeit being a Republican with a history of supporting deregulation, tried to distance himself from the Bush administration by highlighting his reputation as a maverick. Both campaigns ultimately called for a unification of the country, and emphasized the need to transcend the polarized political landscape. Moreover, each candidate recognized the economic challenges ahead, although they presented different methodologies to address them.