2008 Mediocre McCain
posted by on August 8 at 11:02 AM
For one:
The son and grandson of Navy admirals, he attended Annapolis where he did poorly. Nevertheless, he was commissioned as a pilot, where he performed poorly, crashing three planes before he failed to evade a North Vietnamese missile that destroyed his plane. McCain spent more than five years in a prison camp.
After his release, McCain knew his weak military record meant he’d never make admiral, so he turned his sights to a career in politics. With the help of his new wife’s wealth, his new father-in-law’s business connections and some powerful friends had made as a lobbyist for the Navy, he was elected in 1982 to a Congress in a district that he didn’t reside in until the day the seat opened up. A few years later, he succeeded Barry Goldwater as a senator.
For two:
McCain hasn’t accomplished much in the Senate. Even his own campaign doesn’t trumpet his successes, probably because the few victories he’s had still rankle Republicans.
His campaign finance law failed to significantly reduce the role of money in politics. He failed to get a big tobacco bill through the Senate. He’s failed to change the way Congress spends money; his bill to give the president a line-item veto was declared unconstitutional, and the system of pork and earmarks continues unabated. He failed to reform the immigration system.
For three:
McCain says he doesn’t understand the economy. He’s demonstrated that he doesn’t understand the workings of Social Security, or the political history of the Middle East. He doesn’t know who our enemies are. He says he wants to reduce global warming, but then proposes ideas that would stimulate — not reduce — demand for fossil fuels.
And for four:
McCain has done one thing well — self promotion. Instead of working on legislation or boning up on the issues, he’s been on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” more than any other guest. He’s been on the Sunday talk shows more than any other guest in the past 10 years. He’s hosted “Saturday Night Live” and even announced his candidacy in 2007 on “The Late Show with David Letterman.”
I have to say it pisses me off to see his grinning chimp face on Jon Stewart's show. I know he's trying to demonstrate impartiality, but he's giving the guy a free ride, free publicity, free cred with the yoot of today, and I don't like it.
That fourth point is an excellent rebuttal to McCain's claims that Obama is just a flashy celebrity.
I cannot wait for the day that GWB goes on the Jon Stewart show. Trust me... after he's out of office, they'll do their damnedest to get him on there.
If he sucks soooooo bad, why isn't Obama handing his ass to him? Even in a year where the race should be a gimme to the Dems? What does it say that Obama and is tied in the polls with what appears to be a lousy opponent?
It's going to be pretty funny shit to watch the heads explode around here if (when?) McCain wins...
@4: it says that the media is carrying water for mccain.
they're not tied; obama is consistently up 4-5 points in most polls, and after the debates, it will be embarassing to be for mccain. people will feel sorry for him at best.
1/3 of the country is made up of right-wing morons, and another 1/6 is made up of bitter, selfish, angry, WHITE assholes who know obama is the far better choice but who refuse to admit it out of spite. these are the same assholes who think bush it a crap president but can't link his failures to those of his party.
McCain is unqualified and unworthy.
Against Obama, he'll have my vote.
@5
Gallup has them at Obama 46% McCain 43% Margin of Error +/- 2%. (Most of the polls look something like that.)
That means that Obama could be anywhere from 48% to 44% and McCain could be anywhere form 45% to 41%. So McCain could actually be leading by a point.
I'd call that a tie for all intents and purposes. Especially when you factor in the Bradley Effect, look at Kerry's and Gore's lead at this stage in those races, and consider how advantaged the Dem should have been in this race.
I don't think Obama is a sure thing yet... (And I don't assume that the debates are going to be as one sided as you assume.)
I had already hit the next article button when I noticed chaz posted this. Back I came to give him a high five. More beautiful women and McCain slamming!
@7: you're right: obama isn't a sure thing - americans elected bush, at least in 2004. i'm nervous as fuck they'll be just as dumb this time.
At least McCain was flying a nimble A-4E Skyhawk, which gave him a bit of a chance NOT to get shot down. A lot of other guys ended up in the F-105 Thunderchief which was notorious for poor handling, engine problems, and fuel guzzling. The latter forced "Thud" pilots to fly at low altitudes, which got lots and lots of 'em shot down by anti-aircraft fire and esp. ground-to-air missiles.
His nickname used to be Crash-and-Burn.
It still is.
@9
I think they're both complete charlatans. . . And that makes me nervous...
Best Mudede post ever.
What an ass! He goes on The Daily Show and.. and.. Have you seen how OLD he is??? and umm... He used to be a pilot for jesus sake! And uhh... Lets see... umm. Oh also, have you seen how OLD he is btw?!?!?? I cannot believe he has the nerve to, ya know, live, n stuff. What a dick.
Again, pointless arguments that say nothing of the candidates record and everything of his personal character. Can we get any pertinent information here?
Records don't count if your white. How long have we heard about McCain's vast accomplishments in the Senate? His long history?
You_Gotta_Be_Kidding_Me:
Who would be a good candidate then?
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