Well Played, John McCain!

The apocalyptic tone of this year's presidential race is starting to wear me out.

While neither Barack Obama or John McCain is claiming that the world will end if the other is elected (on the other hand, both Sarah Palin and Joe Biden seem perfectly capable of saying such a thing, but no one can talk to the former and no one is listening to the latter), their fans are becoming tribal. It's becoming hard to imagine that the McCainians and the Obamaites will be able to live together on November 5th considering the terrible things they're saying about each other.

Although I am planning to vote for Barack Obama, let me declare here and now that if John McCain wins the election, I will not be moving to France. I like it here. I might like it less with a conservative Supreme Court or with further tax cuts for the wealthy or with Sarah Palin as president (though, I couldn't care less about having a goofball vice-president; I've lived through those before.) but not enough to move pre-emptively.

Still, it's getting very lonely in the middle-of-the-road. After all, there isn't much to do there, although I'm thinking of circulating an online petition to declare one's admiration for both candidates and the democratic process in general.

On either side, the tribes are working themselves into a frenzy by attacking not just the figureheads but one another. It's not just, "I don't want to live in a country where John McCain is president." It is becoming "I don't want to live in a country with people who voted for John McCain."

Anecdotally, it seems as though mixed communities of the two tribes are now as rare in the U.S. as they are in Baghdad. I regularly hear from people who say that they simply don't know anyone who is voting for Senator McCain, even as the polls tell us that almost half of our fellow Americans are at least leaning that way. The insularity of the sides is so profound that the question is not, "Are you for Obama?" but "Have you maxed out yet?"

And the old-fashioned taboo on discussing politics in polite company, lest someone who disagrees with you take offense, has gone the way of the top hat and fish knife. People I know speak not just of politics but of nothing but politics. This is not because my friends are rude, but because the likelihood that anyone present disagrees with them is zero. It's not a matter of convincing anyone just over-topping one another's enthusiasm.

Still, you can't be indignant all the time. Shouting "fraud" and "lie" at every maneuver by the other side becomes a verbal tic. Inevitably, some people (most likely those with soft preferences that both sides need to win over) become habituated in their response, like the spider who stops investigating the inedible scientist tapping on her web.

Outrage fatigue officially set in for me as I observed the Left's reaction to the latest gambit by McCain: the announcement midday on Wednesday that he was "suspending his campaign" in order to return to Washington, roll up his sleeves, and solve the current financial crisis. Of course, we all know that presidential candidates have planes at their disposal and can command whatever legions are necessary to make remarkable things happen. Maybe John McCain can't be two places at once. But among living humans, he is one of four or five people in the world who can come awfully close. Further, as many have pointed out, a president has to be able to deal with a crisis without abandoning his other essential duties. To hearken back to dear old President Ford, one of the most basic stress tests of presidential timber is being able to walk and chew gum at the same time.

But putting that aside for a minute, you have to admit that McCain's move was kind of clever, as the irritable response from the Obama camp proves. Either Obama RSVPs "yes" to McCain's invitation and appears to be following his lead or his stands around the stage in Oxford, Mississippi checking his watch and looking peevish. And partisan. And, worst of all, "political." And if anyone dares to say that McCain is dodging a debate, his people can always point out that he offered to face Obama ten times, an offer that Obama foolishly declined. (Sure, the carefully specified "town hall" format would supposedly favor McCain but isn't Barack Obama the great orator and Harvard Law Review president supposed to be able to wipe the floor with this McCain guy, even with one hand tied behind his back?)

The witchdoctors in Obama's hemi-blogosphere keep ranting that a presidential election is not a game and that the choice we are faced with is too important for schemes and stratagems. Give me a break! Wars are not a game, either, but they should be fought with minds as well as hearts. Coming up with an intelligent and unexpected ruse that puts your opponent on the defensive is a presidential skill, too, like being able to do two things at once.

The other side made a good play (or ploy, if you insist.) And it was a pretty clean one at that. Maybe John McCain is lying about his motives for making the dramatic return to Capitol Hill but he isn't lying about any facts. So, chuckle and applaud, if you can, or sulk and stew, if you must. But remember that debates have perils for Obama, too, with his penchant for pedantry and, at the end of the day, if the Illinois senator can navigate the false choice he's been confronted with, John McCain may have done him a huge favor.

Comments

[BillCarson]

Today's gallup poll has Obama back in the lead by +3. (Obama 48% McCain 45% )

(Yesterday some folk pointed out that the gallup daily poll was tied 46% each, so just updating)

[Aaror]

I see your point, and raise you a line (sorry, math humor).
Seriously though, there is a reason for the posturing, and that is that the less is on the line, the more bluster is needed to make politics seem important.
I realize this election may determine if abortions are legal, and how much of the tax burden of this country will be carried by the rich. But the purpose of government is to pass laws, and over time laws become better, and the big issues are decided. Yes, there is a slow shift in any society, and laws must be adjusted, but the issues become smaller and smaller, therefore the bluster has to become larger to compensate.
Perhaps the Constitution should get a few minor tweaks to account for this, I have had a few ideas, and I am sure others have as well. I would love to see an option for true democracy (a national petition clause). I would also like to see an option for a super-minority, say 200 representa­tives-bein­g able to repeal laws and cut expenditures or tax loopholes. It is a good way of protecting us from the tyranny of the majority.
I would also like to see a system that allows third party representation (without having to run as part of one of the top two parties), and have been long planning to establish certain groups with the intent of pushing certain ideas within both parties. bah, I am rambling, sorry.

[Michale32086]

Would you be for a course of action, if it was demonstrably proven to be best for the country, but very very bad for the Democratic Party??

In short, are you an American first and foremost?? Or a Democrat??

Anyone else care to field these questions??

Anyone?? Anyone??? Beuhler??

Michale...­..

[MidwestMomma]

Actually I'm a Mom first and then a wife, sister, taxpayer and a democrat all which makes America what America is to me. As a working class person I am a democrat because their policies best represent the things I need to make life better for my family. I care about what is best for them first, then my neighbors, my community and thus my country. Should either party suggest something that adversely affects my family I do , will and always will speak out against them loudy. Which pretty much sums up why I'm a democrat!

[sjmaureen]

I'm With you all the way midwest momma! Well said.

[Michale32086]

There is nothing in your post that says you are an American..

So, I have to assume that if there was an instance where a course of action was beneficial to the Democratic Party, but detrimental to your Country you would choose your Party over your Country.

That is so alien an attitude to me that I simply cannot fathom it.

For me, it's simple..

"Unit, Corp, God, Country"
-Corporal Dawson, A FEW GOOD MEN

:D... No, seriously.­.. My priorities are my family, then my country...

Since I have no Political Party, Party doesn't even enter into the equation..

I guess that is why I find it so alien when people are so enslaved by Party Dogma and Ideology..­.

Michale...­.

[BillZBubb]

Just wondering, do you still think it was "well played" when the bailout deal fell through and McSame now slinks down to Mississippi with his tail between his legs? How you gonna spin that?

[Michale32086]

No "spin" necessary.­. Just facts...

The plan doesn't have ANYTHING to protect the taxpayer..

It's a bad bail plan...

President Bush and Democrats are for it..

John McCain and the GOP are against it...

These are the facts....

Michale...­..

[jkminwa]

News update: John McCain has expressed support for the bailout bill.

[flatus]

My sense is that McCain's "clever" move was 'much ado about nothing". That "nothing" being his contribution while in Washington.

[Michale32086]

@Republicrats

}}}}}}}}}}}}
Dems and repubs are just two sides of a corrupt, never ending campaign, close to lobbyists, corporatist coin.
}}}}}}}}}}}

That's MY line, bub!!! :D

@Truthosaurus

}}}}}}}}}}}
With Dems lining up behind the Bush admin to rush through this corporate welfare scheme - you may be right. Not much difference.
{{{{{{{{{{{

Uh yup...

That's something that the hystericals on BOTH sides of the political aisle just cannot accept...

Michale...­..

[Lindy222]

I truly don't see McCain's stunt as clever. At best, it's baffling.

You think Obama's choice was between following McCain's lead and checking his watch while looking peevish on stage? False choice. Obama could handle being on stage alone beautifully, conducting some sort of mix of interview/town hall/whatever. He wouldn't take any shots at McCain because he wouldn't have to. He'd just look presidential. (Although, actually, I also heard the debate probably couldn't go forward at all in any format because, without McCain, it would be an "illegal contribution" to Obama.)

Anyway, I guess the stunt's over now. And although Fox News is apparently doing their best to spin this in McCain's favor, I still think "baffling" is the best cover I can put on it.

[sarale23]

Great post.

[CactusTom]

While I, too, am a middle of the roader, but I find this poster playing that oh so silly game of, well, they are both at fault. It’s like when a couple visits a marriage councilor and the councilor tries to make it sound like there is equal blame among them, even though it is as clear as day that one is practically and angel and the other is a compulsive liar, cheater, and out and out thief.

Clearly the McCain campaign is throwing out to the world every lie and distortion their diabolical minds can conjure up, hoping that Obama with either let it slide or else he will react in a way that they can say, see, he is no less negative than we. The two are not the same by a long shot.

[Michale32086]

That may be your opinion..

But the facts say different.­..

Michale...­..

[NorVaGal]

Sorry, Michale... that may be YOUR opinion. But the FACTS as I have seen them play out show a desperate ploy by McCain to grab the spotlight and change the subject from his tanking poll numbers, inept VP pick, and Rick Davis' Fannie Mae $$$millions.

Every day it's a whole new horse and pony cart of lies and distortions from McCain and Palin. I agree wholeheartedly with CactusTom.

[Michale32086]

CONT

{{{{{{{{{{{{
Is your qualifier of "don't get me wrong, I'm an Obama supporter, demonstrable and somewhat enthusiastic" supposed to make us forget about everything you say after that
{{{{{{{{{{{{

Nope... It's a warning not to make the mistake that I am just some GOP nutjob.. Many MANY others have made that mistake and have had their intellectual hats handed to them..

With a few exceptions (4 to be exact) I can honestly say that I am probably more liberal than anyone here..

{{{{{{{{{{{{{
It sounds deceptively like one of those early tr0lls who used to say, "I was going to vote Democratic, but now that you've dissed Hill*ry, I'm voting for John McCain."
}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Key word being "deceptive­ly"... :D You may believe what you wish.. But you do so at your own peril.. :D

Michale...­...

[Michale32086]

@Matt7

}}}}}}}}}}
I'm all for middle-of-the-road even handedness. But not at the expense of "my" side being caught flat footed because they stand there and take it (as in days of old) rather than fight back.
}}}}}}}}}

Ya see, that's the attitude that needs to be changed...

This "my side" "your side" "the good guys" "the enemy" crap..

We're ALL Americans.­..

"If we do not hang together, surely we will all hang separately!"
-Benjamin Franklin

Let me put it a different way..

Would you be for a course of action, if it was demonstrably proven to be best for the country, but very very bad for the Democratic Party??

In short, are you an American first and foremost?? Or a Democrat??

}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
I'm sorry, did I miss something? Michale is this YOUR blog? You're so . . . present.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{

Yea, I am prolific.. Guilty as charged.. One of the drawbacks (for ya'all) of retirement. :D

CONT

[thewaltons]

McCain it seems to me thought he could swoop in and take credit. Check. The democrats for once under Obama's leadership stood united. Checkmate!

[PumaAnn]

Good gracious alive, however did your piece make it on here? I didn't think there were any moderates left in the world. :)

Good piece, and I agree. The outrage/li­e/chicken.­......fact­or is just too dumb.

[MidwestMomma]

I used to be a moderate..­then came the Bush years and he has been so far to the right that where I stand is considered left! So! what you gonna do? Sorry but my initial response to McCain's time out was that he was trying to capitialize on the crisis and also get out of the debate. But he's gonna debate so I have no idea why all the drama. I find the whole McCain camp to be confusing!

[Matt7]

I'm all for middle-of-the-road even handedness. But not at the expense of "my" side being caught flat footed because they stand there and take it (as in days of old) rather than fight back.

I'm sorry, did I miss something? Michale is this YOUR blog? You're so . . . present.

Is your qualifier of "don't get me wrong, I'm an Obama supporter, demonstrable and somewhat enthusiastic" supposed to make us forget about everything you say after that?

It sounds deceptively like one of those early tr0lls who used to say, "I was going to vote Democratic, but now that you've dissed Hill*ry, I'm voting for John McCain."

The emperor has no clothes on.

I'm just sayin' . . .

[vinnie56]

jUST A pitty party trick .McCain worked all night with fellow repubs.att­empting to get some credit for something he should have stayed away from.He was a major creator of this mess with is votes and stands for de-regulation on wall steet banks ect. so he took his marbles and ran home.This con artist has made a mockery of the highest of office of this country.I use to respect him.But not now he will certainily be in mississippi tonight .GRANDSTAN­DING(attem­pting TOO).we are on to his tricks.