November 09, 2008
A man of honor?
John McCain, who would brook no criticism from the audience of Obama during the campaign; who reassured voters that Obama "was a good man," that they had nothing to fear from him; who refused to discuss Jeremiah Wright's "God-DAMN America!" sermons and Obama's two-decades spent in the pews, his dedication of a book to the hate-spewing preacher; had been obsessed with running a clean campaign, a genteel candidacy, a kid-glove run for the White House with nary a harsh word for his political opponent on a myriad of issues ruled off limits because ... well, because they might be too mean or make McCain out to be racist for having the nerve to notice the more unseemly aspects of Obama's background.
This was a trait in scarce measure during the primaries, when McCain was all-too happy to sling mud at Mitt Romney in the fight for the nomination, all-too willing to indulge in "misstatements," or what we in the sticks refer to as "lies."
Anyhow, this man of honor, who built a candidacy on his integrity and willingness to take on his own party and shush his own supporters when they dared to be too partisan, has been strangely silent when it came to the shameful whispering campaign against his running-mate, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, being conducted by McCain's own team.
It's of a piece with McCain's appalling appearance on Saturday Night Live, when he participated in a skit with Tina Fey (as Palin), the vice-presidential candidate the subject of the punch lines, some delivered by McCain himself.
It's one thing for a candidate to poke fun at herself -- Palin's appearance on SNL a good example of this -- but it's awfully revealing when the top dog goes on TV and joins in the ridicule of his subordinate.
I'm afraid that when it comes to McCain's character, this campaign -- and its aftermath -- have diminished the man.
Let me be clear, I'm speaking of the politician, not the POW. McCain's bravery forty years ago is indisputable.
But today's McCain is a far cry from the man he was then, and his treatment of Palin is contemptible.
Posted by Mike Lief at November 9, 2008 09:16 PM
| TrackBack
Comments
Tina Fey had many of Sarah Palin's mannerisms down but her admitted goal was to diminish and ultimately destroy her. Her intent was to make Palin look stupid and unqualified to hold any elected office. You can't bounce back from a hit like that. She wanted to make Palin into a joke like Dan Quayle. Anyone seen him lately?
McCain's appearance on SNL reminded me of the cowardly kid in grade school who joins in and taunts the victim of schoolyard bullying in attempt to be part of the "in" crowd. To this day, Palin is still singing McCain's praises. I don't know why.
Posted by: Bill at November 10, 2008 06:09 AM
C'mon, Bill . . . think of all the nice things you have said about the dead because it was the right thing to do. Or is it simply because Palin is loyal? Understands the national mood better than do the peurile wonks on the McCain campaign staff? Doesn't want to participate in a circular firing squad? Fears that she would actually have to work with those odious schlubs in the Senate if she is able to move Stevens onto the retired list?
Happy Birthday, Jarheads!!!!!!
Posted by: The Little Coach at November 10, 2008 08:43 AM