Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Who is the real John McCain?

As some of you may know, John McCain was on Jon Stewart last night. Stewart, who obviously likes and respects McCain a great deal, asked why McCain had agreed to speak at Jerry Falwell's Liberty University. McCain tried to laugh it off as just another commencement address, which it obviously isn't. McCain, looking ahead to '08, is playing (and pandering, at least rhetorically) to the right. Stewart finally asked if he was "going into crazy base world". McCain said yes: "I'm afraid so."

The real John McCain -- unmasked, if only for a brief moment, by John Stewart. Crooks and Liars has the video here. Kevin Drum comments here.

posted by Michael J.W. Stickings at 11:19 PM

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2 Comments:

  • This is perhaps one of the most disappointing developments of the last few weeks. While politically expedient (for obvious reasons), McCain's transparent pandering saddens me. In '08, there will be a candidate to the right (at least the percieved right) of McCain - he can't control that. What's more, he knows he can't control that and yet he's surrendering one of his best qualities - his authenticity. He'll be a strong candidate regardless, but it's certainly sad to see another independent mind hijacked by partisanship.

    By Blogger Mike, at 10:39 PM  

  • I agree, Mike. It is disappointing. I'm not sure I'd ever support McCain for president (he's still too conservative, and always has been), but I've always respected his independence, his willingness to put principle before party. But now? He may be able to carve off enough of the base to win the nomination, but then what? Will he move back to the center? Or at least back to his more independent self? And will independents and moderates look past this pandering to the base?

    It's a risky game to play.

    By Blogger Michael J.W. Stickings, at 12:36 PM  

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