Monday, April 21, 2008

McCain Watch

Lest he think we're not paying attention, I'm starting a new feature here at the Jello Manse, entitled McCain Watch. We all know he's counting on Democrats to be distracted by the unprecedented competition for the nomination this year. But we're not going to do that, are we? We're quire capable of keeping up to date on the Democratic primaries while still staying informed about the Senator from Arizona's continued mistakes and outrageous statements.

Here's what John McCain is up to these days:

McCain Flip-Flops In 30 Seconds: Hagee Endorsement A ‘Mistake,’ But ‘I’m Glad To Have’ It
From ThinkProgress

STEPHANOPOULOS: So was it a mistake to solicit and accept his endorsement?

MCCAIN: Oh, probably, sure. […]

STEPHANOPOULOS: So you no longer want his endorsement?

MCCAIN: I’m glad to have his endorsement. I condemn remarks that are, in any way, viewed as anti-anything. And thanks for asking.

And in case you hadn't heard, the man's got a temper -- a nasty one .... you don't want this guy's finger anywhere near the button. This article is loaded with examples, but this is one description that I find especially worrisome:

From The Washington Post:
McCain: A Question of Temperament

McCain has built much of his appeal, especially with independents, as the fiery maverick willing to defy both parties. His tempestuousness has girded him in high-stakes confrontations, especially against Republican conservatives who regard his occasionally moderate stances as proof that he has sold them out.

"You will damn well do this. You will make this a holiday. You're making us look like fools," he privately exploded two decades ago at a stunned group of Arizona Republicans who opposed creating a state holiday in remembrance of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Early during their days together in the Senate, Smith came to believe that McCain often used his temper as a strategic weapon, that if he "couldn't persuade you, he was going at least to needle you or [sometimes] belittle you or blow up into trying to have you believe you were beneath him, so that you'd be less likely to challenge him. He needed to be the top guy."

Smith admits to not liking McCain, a point he has often made over the years to reporters. "I've witnessed a lot of his temper and outbursts," Smith said. "For me, some of this stuff is relevant. It raises questions about stability. . . . It's more than just temper. It's this need of his to show you that he's above you -- a sneering, condescending attitude. It's hurt his relationships in Congress. . . . I've seen it up-close."

Whatever happens in Pennsylvania and beyond, whoever becomes the Democratic nominee, it's vitally important for the world that John McCain does not become the next president of the United States.

4 comments:

Nan said...

I've noticed a number of stories about McCain's temper seem to include variations on the phrase 'but it didn't come to blows,' which of course always makes me wonder just how many times he has swung at someone who ticked him off.

The "but he didn't actually hit anyone" is, I guess, supposed to tell his that he's not quite as nuts as he appears.

Sue J said...

The "but he didn't actually hit anyone" is, I guess, supposed to tell his that he's not quite as nuts as he appears.

And from what I've read, that's only because someone stepped in before he could take a swing.

Mauigirl said...

I like your new feature, Sue. We do need to keep our eyes on what he's doing and saying.

Anonymous said...

thanks sue! we need to keep our eyes on the big picture and make sure that the republicans do not sneak up on us for another 4 years.