POLITICAL: My thoughts on Sen. McCain's speech (FWIW)

[KillerTomato]

Well, it was nice to hear him admit that there was an economic downturn, even though I was less than thrilled with his initial foray into what he would do to solve it (as I was with Sen. Obama last week). And I still didn't hear the words "middle class".

I am impressed with his life story, and always have been. No one should have to endure what he had to. But that said, I'm not sure I understand why that would make him a good President.

I'd have been a lot more swayed by his "I'm a maverick, I'll change Washington, I'm not in it for the party, I'm in it for you" argument had he not caved in to the Republican base and chosen a social ultraconservative to serve as his running mate.

I was pleased he didn't stoop to the same smarmy sarcasm that typified Mr. Giuliani's and Gov. Palin's speeches last night. I would have liked him to go on record that he and Gov. Palin wouldn't stoop to personal attacks in their campaign. Sen. Biden has stated that he wouldn't follow that style during the VP debate next month; Sen. Obama has called attacks on Gov. Palin's family out of bounds and off limits. It would have been nice for Sen. McCain to say, "Let's argue the issues." Not a dealbreaker, but it'd be nice for some civility in this year's campaign on both sides.

The majority of the speech was, IMO, fairly dull. I didn't hear anything new. I didn't hear any real domestic policy statements other than "I'm gonna do the exact opposite of what my opponent will do." He gave glimpses of what his positions will be on several fronts, but no specifics. Then again, I didn't expect any; this was a Convention speech, preaching to his choir. OTOH, he did manage to use the word "faith" about 2,000 times, yet again making sure his ultraconservative base understood that their hotbutton issues would be safe in his changed government.

It was nice that he avoided excoriating the media. That horse has been beaten enough.

But he just seemed a little stiff. I'm not sure if he has lingering medical issues from his years in the Hanoi Hilton (I suspect that's more than a little part of it), but both last night and tonight he just looked uncomfortably robotic physically. If this is a leftover of his war years, I stand corrected.

I look forward to the upcoming debates. I look forward to hearing the full plans that the candidates have for their potential administrations. I, for one, promise to keep an open mind, but all four of them have left unanswered questions.

[Beebs52]

Dude, you know that Obama has his wingmen performing the internet/bad stuff for him. The snarky (oh gawd please don't let us be snarky) shit.

Surely you don't think that's happening? Seriously.

[KillerTomato]

Dude, you know that Obama has his wingmen performing the internet/bad stuff for him. The snarky (oh gawd please don't let us be snarky) shit.

Surely you don't think that's happening? Seriously.

Of course. I also know that Sen. McCain has HIS wingmen doing the same.

What I wanted, from everyone, was an agreement to put that snarky shit aside; I heard Sen. Obama and Sen. Biden at least make lip service to doing so, and I'll call them out if they don't keep to their stance. But I didn't hear Sen. McCain say anything, and I did hear Gov. Palin being exceedingly snarky in her speech last night. I'll say it again: it's counterproductive, and leads only to more discontent on both sides.

I'll make my decision as to whose lever to pull (or whose name to touch on the screen) based not on these types of attacks, but on the issues, and the LACK of these types of attacks, if there are any (which I doubt, but a man can dream).

[Beebs52]

Dude, you know that Obama has his wingmen performing the internet/bad stuff for him. The snarky (oh gawd please don't let us be snarky) shit.

Surely you don't think that's happening? Seriously.

Of course. I also know that Sen. McCain has HIS wingmen doing the same.

What I wanted, from everyone, was an agreement to put that snarky shit aside; I heard Sen. Obama and Sen. Biden at least make lip service to doing so, and I'll call them out if they don't keep to their stance. But I didn't hear Sen. McCain say anything, and I did hear Gov. Palin being exceedingly snarky in her speech last night. I'll say it again: it's counterproductive, and leads only to more discontent on both sides.

I'll make my decision as to whose lever to pull (or whose name to touch on the screen) based not on these types of attacks, but on the issues, and the LACK of these types of attacks, if there are any (which I doubt, but a man can dream).

Actually McCain gave kudoes to Obama tonight. You didn't listen.

Snarky in a speech? What the hell? Surely you cannot base your vote on snarky speeches. Please say no.

[KillerTomato]

Dude, you know that Obama has his wingmen performing the internet/bad stuff for him. The snarky (oh gawd please don't let us be snarky) shit.

Surely you don't think that's happening? Seriously.

Of course. I also know that Sen. McCain has HIS wingmen doing the same.

What I wanted, from everyone, was an agreement to put that snarky shit aside; I heard Sen. Obama and Sen. Biden at least make lip service to doing so, and I'll call them out if they don't keep to their stance. But I didn't hear Sen. McCain say anything, and I did hear Gov. Palin being exceedingly snarky in her speech last night. I'll say it again: it's counterproductive, and leads only to more discontent on both sides.

I'll make my decision as to whose lever to pull (or whose name to touch on the screen) based not on these types of attacks, but on the issues, and the LACK of these types of attacks, if there are any (which I doubt, but a man can dream).

Actually McCain gave kudoes to Obama tonight. You didn't listen.

Snarky in a speech? What the hell? Surely you cannot base your vote on snarky speeches. Please say no.

Beebs, I didn't say Sen. McCain didn't give kudos to Sen. Obama. I said that he didn't say he was going to try to run a clean campaign based on the issues. Two totally different things. And yes, I most certainly DID listen.

But no, I'm not basing my vote on snarky speeches. I will base it on ALL of what the candidates say over the next two months, and I will not look kindly on any candidate who chooses the low road of ad hominem sarcastic attacks over a clear statement of his or her positions and beliefs.

[SportsFan68]

But no, I'm not basing my vote on snarky speeches. I will base it on ALL of what the candidates say over the next two months, and I will not look kindly on any candidate who chooses the low road of ad hominem sarcastic attacks over a clear statement of his or her positions and beliefs.

It takes more. People all over the country are still enamored of Palin's amalgam of half personal anecdotes, half Republican cant. She failed to mention the subtleties that belied half the speech, such as the "thanks but no thanks" bologna.

I'm sure you have the stuff to look beyond just what the candidates say, KT, but I'm equally certain that most voters don't. They love the idea of voting for someone who can get away with being faked in a bikini/rifle photo, and all the other stuff that goes along with it. Daniel says that the McCain HQ was nearly out of bumper stickers within 24 hours of the speech.

All those people that the Obama campaign are registering better turn out on Election Day...

[Beebs52]

But no, I'm not basing my vote on snarky speeches. I will base it on ALL of what the candidates say over the next two months, and I will not look kindly on any candidate who chooses the low road of ad hominem sarcastic attacks over a clear statement of his or her positions and beliefs.

It takes more. People all over the country are still enamored of Palin's amalgam of half personal anecdotes, half Republican cant. She failed to mention the subtleties that belied half the speech, such as the "thanks but no thanks" bologna.

I'm sure you have the stuff to look beyond just what the candidates say, KT, but I'm equally certain that most voters don't. They love the idea of voting for someone who can get away with being faked in a bikini/rifle photo, and all the other stuff that goes along with it. Daniel says that the McCain HQ was nearly out of bumper stickers within 24 hours of the speech.

All those people that the Obama campaign are registering better turn out on Election Day...

Sprots, surely you're not entering this into the kerflufle? Because, the "I'm equally certain that most voters don't." doesn't resonate with anyone with half a brain. Am I missing something?

[Weyoun]

I didn't think it was a particularly good speech, nor was it well delivered. But I was left with the impression that a decent man was up there talking, and that is more important.

[SportsFan68]

Sprots, surely you're not entering this into the kerflufle? Because, the "I'm equally certain that most voters don't." doesn't resonate with anyone with half a brain. Am I missing something?

Only the folkses I was sitting next to at lunch today who were still drooling over Palin.

Shouldn't have generalized so drastically. I musta got some drool on me.

[tubadave]

But he just seemed a little stiff. I'm not sure if he has lingering medical issues from his years in the Hanoi Hilton (I suspect that's more than a little part of it), but both last night and tonight he just looked uncomfortably robotic physically. If this is a leftover of his war years, I stand corrected.

It's been said that he had two broken arms when he was captured in Hanoi, and that they weren't set properly, and therefore never healed right. I'm not sure if he has that level of difficulty with both of them now, but I noticed that he's never able to raise his right arm so that his is above shoulder-level. That is, I believe, a legacy of his time as a POW.

[silverscreenselect]

If the election boils down to the issues, by which I mean the standard Democratic vs. Republican platforms, the Republicans lose. I have no trust whatsoever that Obama is actually going to exert the slightest bit of effort to pursue the Democratic agenda, but a lot of others do.

McCain's hope is to make Obama look bad or untrustworthy or inexperienced (which shouldn't be too difficult, since he is all three) and offer himself as an acceptable alternative. I think he went about as far in that direction as he could during a Republican convention, paying lip service to the standard Republican agenda, emphasizing those things he really believes in and that play best with the American public (Iraq surge and energy), and emphasizing character and a willingness to fight for the American people.

He used his POW experience very effectively and quite movingly. It wasn't "I've been through hell so you should vote for me." It was "my experiences changed me from a typical self centered party guy into a man who deeply loved his country which is why I'm trying to do everything I can for it." This certainly struck me as sincere, and it will play very well against Obama's typical slick patter.

McCain is not a great speechmaker; he does better in Q & A sessions (which is why Obama avoided town halls) and debates. He didn't seal the deal here, but he tied things up with the Republicans ready to do what they do best, go on offense.

[NellyLunatic1980]

If the election boils down to the issues, by which I mean the standard Democratic vs. Republican platforms, the Republicans lose.

Now that's the first time that I agree with you. And this is exactly why the Republicans are trying their damndest to make sure that this election is not about the issues. Just take it from McCain campaign manager Rick Davis:

Rick Davis, campaign manager for John McCain's presidential bid, insisted that the presidential race will be decided more over personalities than issues during an interview with Post editors this morning.

"This election is not about issues," said Davis. "This election is about a composite view of what people take away from these candidates."

Davis added that issues will no doubt play a major role in the decisions undecided voters will make but that they won't ultimately be conclusive. He added that the campaign has "ultimate faith" in the idea that the more voters get to know McCain and Barack Obama, the better the Republican nominee will do.

[Weyoun]

If the election boils down to the issues, by which I mean the standard Democratic vs. Republican platforms, the Republicans lose.

Now that's the first time that I agree with you. And this is exactly why the Republicans are trying their damndest to make sure that this election is not about the issues. Just take it from McCain campaign manager Rick Davis:

Rick Davis, campaign manager for John McCain's presidential bid, insisted that the presidential race will be decided more over personalities than issues during an interview with Post editors this morning.

"This election is not about issues," said Davis. "This election is about a composite view of what people take away from these candidates."

Davis added that issues will no doubt play a major role in the decisions undecided voters will make but that they won't ultimately be conclusive. He added that the campaign has "ultimate faith" in the idea that the more voters get to know McCain and Barack Obama, the better the Republican nominee will do.

Don't pat yourself on the back too much. It's not like Obama has put forward a lot of substantive policy ideas; he just happens to be the guy representing the part not in the White House during a lousy economy.

[Bob Juch]

But he just seemed a little stiff. I'm not sure if he has lingering medical issues from his years in the Hanoi Hilton (I suspect that's more than a little part of it), but both last night and tonight he just looked uncomfortably robotic physically. If this is a leftover of his war years, I stand corrected.

It's been said that he had two broken arms when he was captured in Hanoi, and that they weren't set properly, and therefore never healed right. I'm not sure if he has that level of difficulty with both of them now, but I noticed that he's never able to raise his right arm so that his is above shoulder-level. That is, I believe, a legacy of his time as a POW.

No, that's just old age.

[wbtravis007]

But he just seemed a little stiff. I'm not sure if he has lingering medical issues from his years in the Hanoi Hilton (I suspect that's more than a little part of it), but both last night and tonight he just looked uncomfortably robotic physically. If this is a leftover of his war years, I stand corrected.

It's been said that he had two broken arms when he was captured in Hanoi, and that they weren't set properly, and therefore never healed right. I'm not sure if he has that level of difficulty with both of them now, but I noticed that he's never able to raise his right arm so that his is above shoulder-level. That is, I believe, a legacy of his time as a POW.

I think it's interesting that he said that his arms and leg were broken in the crash. I've always kind of figured, without knowing for sure, that the arms were broken during torture. My guess is that a lot of people have thought that. That impression really creates -- at least in my case -- a more vivid impression of the misery that he must have endured.

I can almost understand why they didn't break their necks to make sure that his bones were set just right.

[Bob Juch]

He used his POW experience very effectively and quite movingly. It wasn't "I've been through hell so you should vote for me." It was "my experiences changed me from a typical self centered party guy into a man who deeply loved his country which is why I'm trying to do everything I can for it." This certainly struck me as sincere, and it will play very well against Obama's typical slick patter.

McCain was still quite a partier for years after returning home. I think it's more just getting older than his POW experience that changed him.

[gsabc]

I think it's interesting that he said that his arms and leg were broken in the crash. I've always kind of figured, without knowing for sure, that the arms were broken during torture. My guess is that a lot of people have thought that. That impression really creates -- at least in my case -- a more vivid impression of the misery that he must have endured.

I can almost understand why they didn't break their necks to make sure that his bones were set just right.

IIRC at least one arm was re-broken during the tortures. But they were never set right either time.

Bob Dole also has a lasting wound from his war, but I can't recall him bringing it up during his national campaigns. The war service, yes, but not the wound or its effect. I see the POW period as an example of McCain's heroism, but like KT I'm having trouble seeing how it qualifies him to be President.

[Weyoun]

He used his POW experience very effectively and quite movingly. It wasn't "I've been through hell so you should vote for me." It was "my experiences changed me from a typical self centered party guy into a man who deeply loved his country which is why I'm trying to do everything I can for it." This certainly struck me as sincere, and it will play very well against Obama's typical slick patter.

McCain was still quite a partier for years after returning home. I think it's more just getting older than his POW experience that changed him.

I think there is some truth in this, but I think the experience still shaped him. In twenty years, I suspect Obama will still be a complete narcissist.

[Appa23]

But he just seemed a little stiff. I'm not sure if he has lingering medical issues from his years in the Hanoi Hilton (I suspect that's more than a little part of it), but both last night and tonight he just looked uncomfortably robotic physically. If this is a leftover of his war years, I stand corrected.

It's been said that he had two broken arms when he was captured in Hanoi, and that they weren't set properly, and therefore never healed right. I'm not sure if he has that level of difficulty with both of them now, but I noticed that he's never able to raise his right arm so that his is above shoulder-level. That is, I believe, a legacy of his time as a POW.

No, that's just old age.

I'm guessing that Juchie is related to all of the uber-liberal Moonbat bloggers. Still think that Palin isn't Trig's mother too?

[BackInTex]

..but like KT I'm having trouble seeing how it qualifies him to be President.

Being a POW doesn't qualify him, but how he behaved as a POW, while still not qualifying him, does show his character, and that character does qualify him.

Nothing in Obama's past shows any character that could stand up to MCCain's. In fact, most of Obama's past actually calls into question his character as one that should be President.

[DadofTwins]

If I may weigh in . . .

I am reminded of a line from The Last Lecture. Originally it was about men courting women, but it seems to apply to politicians courting voters:

"Completely ignore everything they say. Only pay attention to what they do."

From what I've seen so far, "None of the above" is looking better and better.

[Flybrick]

McCain can't raise his arms up even to shoulder level due to the injuries he sustained during his ejection, the lack of any medical care, followed by very poor medical care, and interspersed with very frequent torture by the North Vietnamese.

From POW Tom Moe:

http://www.nd.edu/~ndmag/moew95.html

When my senses returned I discovered I had been blindfolded and trussed into the "pretzel" position. Thick leg irons shackled my ankles, my wrists were tied behind me, and a rope bound my elbows just above the joints. The guards tightened the bindings by putting their feet against my arms and pulling the ropes until they couldn't pull any harder. Then they tied my wrists to my ankles and jammed a 10-foot pole between my back and elbows. After a few hours the leg irons began to press heavily on my shins and feet like a vise. The ropes strangled my flesh, causing searing pain and making my arms go numb and slowly turn black.

Now imagine the effects this would have on poorly set broken shoulders/arms. And then repeated daily for years on end.

[danielh41]

..but like KT I'm having trouble seeing how it qualifies him to be President.

Being a POW doesn't qualify him, but how he behaved as a POW, while still not qualifying him, does show his character, and that character does qualify him.

Nothing in Obama's past shows any character that could stand up to MCCain's. In fact, most of Obama's past actually calls into question his character as one that should be President.

I heard a good description of this election along these lines: "The Hero versus the zero..."