Rants Log-in | Search Rants | Account Info

McCAIN: CHARADE and SHENANIGANS

Yesterday, John McCain woke up to the news that he had become an almost 10-point underdog in the presidential sweepstakes. “What to do, what to do?” Then, he received a message from Obama suggesting that they come up with a joint statement regarding the bailout negotiations taking place in Washington. McCain had his answer.

Senator McCain has not had an original idea since the beginning of the campaign. His hackneyed, throw-out lines about country, leadership, patriotism and maverickness are devoid of originality. Feeling as helpless as Senator Clinton with regard to Senator Obama’s big-crowd magnetism and excitement, he at first came up with the notion of attracting large numbers of people by inviting Obama to do a series of town meetings together. When that ruse failed, he decided to co-opt Obama’s message of “change”—sans apology or attribution. Overwhelmed by the Colorado stadium Obamarama, McCain decided he had to capitulate to his extreme right wing. By choosing Governor Palen, he negated one of his most effective criticisms of Obama—that of inexperience. Palen created about five minutes of excitement, then her unvetted résumé began to reveal itself: Apart from her pregnant, unmarried teenage daughter; Troopergate; the bridge and road to nowhere; her antipathy to rape victims; and her intolerant, speaking-in-tongues religion, there is now film of her being blessed by a witch-hunting, African preacher!

“What to do, what to do? I know! I’ll go along with Barack, but I’ll do him one better.” He calls Obama and agrees to the joint statement, and also suggests they might consider suspending their campaigns, as well as postponing Friday’s scheduled debate. With no further communication with Obama, McCain goes on TV and announces to the world that, considering the gravity of the situation in Washington, he would suspend his campaign and retire from Friday’s debate. Without making mention that all of this was a result of Obama’s idea, imperiously he suggests that Senator Obama follow his lead. A more bemused than shocked Obama called an impromptu press conference to announce that he had been constantly in contact with Washington and was prepared to assist in any way; however, he indicated that his campaign would go on and that he would be present at the debate.

In the meantime, McCain cancelled his appearance on the Dave Letterman Show. Dave and substitute hose Keith Oberman raked McCain over the coals for his timidity and obvious panicked reaction to his low ratings. To top it all off, Dave announced that, instead of dashing to the airport, after canceling with him, McCain was currently sitting in on an interview with Katie Couric—and he proceeded to air that televised interview concurrent with his own program.

Here is how Barack should have responded to Bush’s invitation to a meeting with him, McCain and the congressional leadership:

“Please thank the president for his courteous invitation, but my personal protocol will not allow me to accept. I would find it untoward to insinuate myself into a meeting with the two leaders of the Republican Party and the leaders of the congress. Please be reminded that I am but a junior senator and, as such, must take my cues from the leaders of the senate, and I am completely at their disposal. Apart from that, I have a campaign to run, a debate to attend, and election to win—if I am to be prepared to meet all of the exigencies of the presidency in January of next year.”

Our Constitution has no provision for the suspension of the electoral process during national emergencies.

• In the midst of the greatest national tragedy known to this country, Abraham Lincoln delivered his second inaugural (Malice to non/Charity to all) address after a bitter campaign--which he expected to lose to his fired, do-nothing, martinet General McClellan.
• FDR campaigned for and was elected to a fourth term while we were engaged in the greatest war known to this aplanet.