On Friday, when John McCain announced Sarah Palin as his running-mate at a political rally in Dayton, Ohio, he made a curious statement: "She's exactly who I need, she's exactly who this country needs to help me fight the same old Washington politics of me first and country second."
On the surface this looks like a well-written political statement, designed to convince Americans of why he chose her. But the fact that it was made by John McCain, and the way the statement was constructed makes it hugely hypocritical. Let’s break it down.
“This country needs to help me fight the same old Washington politics”
John McCain and his campaign continuously lambaste Barack Obama for his inexperience as a “Junior” Senator, and on the surface they are right. Obama is in his first term, and is not someone you could consider a Washington Insider, not yet. On the other hand, John McCain has been a U.S. Senator since 1982. I believe twenty-six years qualifies John McCain to be a big part of the “same old Washington politics”.
“…to help me fight the same old Washington politics of me first and country second."
This is John McCain’s second bid for President after having lost in the 2000 primaries to George W. Bush. Is he doing it because he really believes he is the most qualified man for the job, and will lead this country further into the new world of the twenty-first century, or is he merely another rich politician who wishes to protect his and his crony’s special interests, or even possibly a man whose ego demands that he go down in history as President? One can only hope it’s the former.
"She's exactly who I need, she's exactly who this country needs”
“…to help me fight the same old Washington politics of me first and country second."
First John tells us that Sarah Palin is exactly who he needs, to do what, win or lead the country? Then he says, she’s exactly who the country needs. John McCain first, country second, and then he tells us that’s a bad thing that Washington politics does. I guess after twenty-six years in the U.S. Senate, a little bit of that bad has rubbed off on him.
But I have to give John McCain credit, because while I may be nitpicking a little here, it is just another example of where John McCain’s mouth doesn’t quite say what his brain wants it to. Or maybe his brain just doesn’t know what it wants to say. At least though, his statement was not as hypocritical as the memo sent out in March by Rick Davis, his campaign manager, who called for the Republican Party to run a clean and respectful campaign focusing on the issues. Yeah, right.
William S. James, Nitpicker, looking for nits to pick.
The following Rick Davis memo is provided below for your amusement. I guess their servers must have been down when he sent it, because based on the campaign his team has run since it was sent out, it doesn’t look as though anybody got it. Or, like his boss, Rick Davis' hypocrisy knows no bounds.
To: Campaign Leadership
From: Rick Davis
Subject: McCain Message
Date: 3/11/2008
"John McCain is now the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party. It is critical, as we prepare to face off with whomever the Democrats select as their nominee, that we all follow John's lead and run a respectful campaign focused on the issues and values that are important to the American people.
Throughout the primary election we saw John McCain reject the type of politics that degrade our civics, and this will not change as he prepares to run head-to-head against the Democratic nominee.
John McCain will continue to run on his principles and will focus on the future of our country. The stakes could not be higher in this election, and John will contrast his vision for America with that of Senators Clinton and Obama. He will draw sharp contrasts: victory versus surrender to Islamic extremism; lower taxes and spending versus more big government; free-market solutions to health care versus costly mandates; and the appointment of strict constructionist judges versus those who legislate from the bench.
Overheated rhetoric and personal attacks on our opponents distract from the big differences between John McCain's vision for the future of our nation and the Democrats'. This campaign is about John McCain: his vision, leadership, experience, courage, service to his country and ability to lead as commander in chief from day one.
Throughout his life John McCain has held himself to the highest standards and he will continue to run a respectful campaign based on the issues. We expect that all supporters, surrogates and staff will hold themselves to similarly high standards when they are representing the campaign. To help guide you, please find talking points below.
This is an exciting time for our country and our Party. Thank you for your dedication and hard work. We face a great challenge this November: John is ready, and with your continued support I am confident we will succeed.
Thank you."
No, thank you Rick. Are you sure you’re not a headliner at the Improv? Oh well, at least you’ll have something to do after the election.
