Hey McCain, the Rest of Us Are Still Showing Up For Work

I find it insulting that a presidential candidate who believes in taxing the working class over the wealthy is so incapable of multitasking that he can't show up for a two-hour debate and still do the job he was elected to do.

None of us get a "pass" on our regular responsibilities because the economy has taken a massive dump on us all. In fact, many of us are taking on second jobs in order to pay the bills. John McCain has some nerve, telling the working families of our nation that he has to "suspend" his campaign in order to fulfill his Senate duties. He has even greater nerve asking Barack Obama to follow suit.

Perhaps John McCain can afford to take a "time out" from campaigning because his family gets richer every time a working American cracks open a Bud Lite. From the way Target Wine Cubes are flying off the shelves these days, I know I'm not the only working American upping her alcohol intake on the cheap. Maybe John McCain can show he understands what we're going through by buying us all a round at the local dive bar. Or maybe he can start paying taxes like the rest of us. Surely he could at the very least open up one of his dozen homes to families whose own homes were foreclosed upon.

Senator McCain, if you're so burdened with economic strife that you can't show up to a long-scheduled debate to show America why they should vote for you, then how can you run a War on Terror on multiple fronts? How can you secure trade agreements while pardoning Thanksgiving turkeys and hosting state dinners at the White House? How can you fix Wall Street and Main Street? With the exception of George W. Bush, presidents don't get to say, "this is too dang hard!" and fly home to the ranch for a few hundred days each year.

John McCain views the presidency as the storybook ending to his biography, and nothing more. A McCain presidency would be about McCain; an Obama presidency is about America. Obama turned down McCain's repetitive invitations to do 20-plus town hall meetings, and because of that, McCain changed the "tenor" of the entire campaign. McCain made an agreement to show up at this debate, and he can't even honor that.

Senator Obama knows that the world is watching to see which of these two candidates is better qualified to steer our ship through the rough waters of our economic crisis. McCain doesn't even want to take part in the conversation. I hope McCain supporters are watching closely. McCain isn't just unprepared to deal with the 3 a.m. phone call; he won't even pick up the phone.

Comments

[Yohomegirl]

Okay, we have an election, stress level high, add the 'bailout' scare, more stress, and here in Western NC (where Obama has a lead in most recent poll, wahoo!), we have to cue up for gas because of shortage caused by Ike. I spent a total of 4 hours cueing up in three different lines to get enough gas in my work van to get me to Tuesday, $168.00. But I still go to work, trying to save up so I can help the rich. Bah Humbug!

[Brett Ashley McKenzie - Huffpost Blogger]

I am so glad to hear that Obama is up in Western N.C. I am so sorry to hear that you had to pay $168 for gas. When fueling your car costs more than a Banana Republic suit, this country is in ridiculous amounts of trouble.

[Michale32086]

Uh.... McCain's "regular responsibility" IS the Senate, not the debate...

So, based on your title, John McCain IS "showing up for work"...

Michale.....

[OriginalScreenName]

I guess that would be the first time since April.

But the way it usally works, those who go on a presidential campaign (the only national campaign one can embark on in the US) usually greatly reduce their activities in other areas of government. And rightfully so, because the American people need to get to know you before they cast their vote for the most powerful seat in the land. McCain's real job right now is talking to the American people, educating them on where he'd like to take this country over the next 4 years.

Being in Washington is absolutely second fiddle to the debate. McCain has to be at the debate because it's his first real obligation to the American People. He most certainly doesn't have to be in Washington, because there are plenty of people there to get the job done.

I am a manager, and as a manager I am most effective by working through people. This is exactly how Obama has handled the situation. He put out the principles he'd like to see any bailout include, and let those on the hill hash out the details, while still keeping in regular contact. What's McCain done - grandstand and try to take all the credit. How many of you readers out there work for someone who does that? Do you enjoy it? Do you have a lot of respect for your boss? Do you believe your boss is a capable individual?

[Michale32086]

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I guess that would be the first time since April.
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As it was with Obama and the first time since last year..

What's your point???

Michale....

[McBushMcSame]

McCains second shift job is to convince me that he is capable of being president. Based on his performance in the Senate, his inability to handle more than one task, and his penchant for lying (or senility if you ask some), I'd say his job performance is severly lacking.

You know, this potential president job is one he should be fired from for poor performance.

[mrsantone]

Excellent!