I know a lot of people want to believe in the myth of McCain as an honorable man. He's invested an awful lot in propagating that myth for decades. If he was really so honorable, why would he have marketed it so aggressively?

In any case, we never really know what's in a man's heart, do we? And ultimately, it's up to John and his maker to reconcile that. So long as he doesn't end up in the Oval Office, those who wish to believe that he was corrupted by powers beyond his control are free to do so. I think his honor code was manufactured for personal gain, just as the maverick role was. The man's about personal ambition, as most politicians are, and over several decades sold the image that he believed would attain his goals. Sucks for him that it didn't work out so well.

Posted at October 11, 2008 12:43 PM in response to The Look on John McCain's Face Last Night

Now THAT'S good news. I love the aroma of accountability.

Posted at October 11, 2008 12:35 PM in response to Palen Fish-o-Matic: "But wait! There's more."

I was just chuckling at those skinny legs and thinking that I shouldn't taunt someone I don't know. But, then I saw that it's the new avi for Dirk, so...Dude, you had some skinny legs.

But, I love your cute new avi! :)

Posted at October 11, 2008 12:02 PM in response to McCain To Supporter: No Ma'am, Obama Is Not An Arab

Hmmmm...dunno. But, one thing is certain. It was excrutiating for him to say that there was no reason to fear an Obama presidency. He was clearly forced to say this. He was screwing up his face and forcing the words out like a man with severe constipation.

Posted at October 11, 2008 11:57 AM in response to McCain To Supporter: No Ma'am, Obama Is Not An Arab

The stuff that's been said at these rallies are things that these people have believed from the start. They believe them, because they confirm their prejudices. Palin getting up at those rallies and validating those beliefs simply gave them permission to give voice to them in a more public setting.

But, I think that was a tactical error on McCain's part. The power of the whisper campaign is that the rumors and inuendos never have to be brought out for examination. Once Palin started trumpeting this stuff from the platform and the audience started reacting and it was all projected to a national audience, McCain was then forced to either validate or invalidate what was being said.

By allowing his campaign to give voice to the whisper campaign, he neutralized it. Really stupid campaign move. I think they just overplayed their last hand.

Posted at October 11, 2008 11:46 AM in response to McCain To Supporter: No Ma'am, Obama Is Not An Arab

The Humphrey strategy MIGHT have worked for McCain if he had done this from Day One. With 3 weeks to go, and the disgraceful campaign that he's run, it's two late for that. He's done. Start polishing the forks.

Posted at October 11, 2008 11:29 AM in response to McCain To Supporter: No Ma'am, Obama Is Not An Arab

Exactly. He said that he was going to change the way politics is played in Washington. And that's what he's doing. He just doesn't play by their rules. And they end up looking foolish. He's forcing them to run on issues and when they try to pull the agenda elsewhere, it becomes painfully apparent.

Posted at October 11, 2008 11:26 AM in response to McCain To Supporter: No Ma'am, Obama Is Not An Arab

Ah, yes. It's not his race, it's his "otherness" that bothers you.

Posted at October 10, 2008 3:35 PM in response to Yitzhak Rabin's Widow On Incitement And Those Who Allow It

$$$ talks. And Ms. Palin has plenty of enemies up north. Regardless of the Council vote, I'm thinking we'll know what that report says by Monday.

Posted at October 10, 2008 3:11 PM in response to Release Of Trooper-Gate Report Hangs On GOP Cooperation

Yeah, we get it, Seaton. Concern duly noted.

Exactly who do you think ought to be leading this country?

Posted at October 10, 2008 12:09 PM in response to Yitzhak Rabin's Widow On Incitement And Those Who Allow It