Unfortunately, he didn't become the nominee. George W. Bush did. Republicans decided that it was more important to have a president that they could "have a beer with" than a straight talking no-nonsense "maverick."
John McCain called it like he saw it, whether it was popular or not, whether it was in the interest of the party or not. He was an independent conservative who wasn't afraid to vote with the Democrats when the need arose. He was a man that I could have easily supported.
Eight years later, John McCain is again running for president, only this time, he's not the same John McCain. The independent conservative? Gone. The "maverick?" Gone. The man I used to support? Gone.
John McCain took one giant step to the right and lost my support. Instead of calling it like he sees it, he started speaking the party line. Instead of telling the truth, he started telling falsehoods and outright lies. John McCain became the very politician that he used to speak out against. "Straight talk" morphed into Republican Party propaganda - the same old fear-based politics that Republicans turn to when things get tough. They've got nothing else, so they try to scare people into voting for them.
You hear it every four years: Democrats will raise your taxes, wimp out on defense, inflate government, spend money on pork, un-balance the budget, steal your babies, destroy the moral fabric of society and basically bring the world to an end. This fear is so pervasive that I've actually witnessed Republicans openly weeping when Bill Clinton was elected - terrified that their way of life was about to become Hell on earth. It's a mindset that doesn't allow for in-between, shades of grey, or "maybe." It's "yes or no," "black or white," " good or evil," "us or them," etc. And while there ARE certain things in life that follow that pattern, MOST things do not.
The nail in the coffin for my support for John McCain was his pick for VP. It was a blatant grab for the base of ultra-conservative voters who really don't care who is running for president, as long as they're Republican. Issues? They don't care. Who tells the truth? They don't care. As long a she's "one of us," they'll support her.
I'm registered as "Independent," and I honestly try to look at both points of view when it comes election time. I also believe that this country would completely fall apart if it were run by just Democrats or just Republicans. Each party needs the other. America needs to be able to stand firm and unwavering when necessary, and America also needs to bend and be flexible and understanding when necessary.
I used to see both of those qualities in John McCain. At times steadfast, at times flexible. Now I've seen him throw his hat in the ring with the completely inflexible, unwavering, unchanging and unapologetic crowd. I've seen him tell outright lies. I've seen him come out against legislation THAT HE WROTE. I've seen him do a complete 180 on his own positions on everything from the war in Iraq to offshore drilling.
I've seen the hypocritical nature of his party and the dirty underhanded tactics they will use to get their nominee elected. They view it as nothing less than a war for the future of the country. I've seen preachers broadcasting their sermons on the Internet saying that Barack Obama is the Anti Christ and will bring about the destruction of the world. Seriously.
I'm sorry, Mr. McCain, but you are not a man that I can support, and frankly, your party frightens me.
Instead of fear from John McCain and the Republicans, I hear a message of hope, peace and prosperity from Barack Obama. I hear of energy independence, clean air and water, economic prosperity, affordable healthcare for everyone and world leadership through cooperation and trust instead of intimidation. After 8 years of trying to either intimidate or just plain ignore hostile governments, the Bush administration is doing exactly what Barack Obama said we should be doing: talking to them. Funny how Barack Obama was viewed as a traitor for even suggesting the very thing that George Bush is now doing.
Instead of outright lies, I hear reasoned debate. Instead of pandering, I see a reasoned and thoughtful choice for running mate. Instead of the same old dreck, I see a real chance for progress in America.
Go Barack.
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