McCain Derangement Syndrome

Scanning various blogs today, I'm amazed at the seething outrage at the McCain campaign's plethora of dishonest tactics, from Sarah Palin's lie about rejecting the Bridge to Nowhere to the ad charging Obama with promoting sex. Josh Marshall, who normally reads political events pretty coolly, has joined Andrew Sullivan in all-out high-dudgeon mode:

[McCain and Palin have] both embraced a level of dishonesty that disqualifies them for high office. Democrats owe it to the country to make clear who these people are. No apologies or excuses. If Democrats can say at the end of this campaign that they made clear exactly how and why these two are unfit for high office they can be satisfied they served their country.

Rather, I'm amazed not at the outrage itself so much as the fact that it seems to have obliterated all sense of proportion. Call it McCain-Palin Derangement Syndrome. Step back a moment: McCain is running for president. Both his place in history and the future of the country are on the line. In the words of George H.W. Bush, he's going to do "what it takes" to become president. John McCain may have once had a reputation as a straight-talking, unconventional politician, and maybe that McCain could have made a go of it -- we'll never know. But now, for obviously well-thought-out strategic reasons, we've got a different McCain.

Certainly, McCain has made moral compromises here, will doubtless make more, and that will undermine if not destroy his stated quest to heal the divisions in Washington. This augers poorly for a McCain presidency, especially following on eight years of George W. Bush.

But do dishonest-but-effective campaign tactics really render McCain "unfit to lead"? No. Voters obviously don't think it disqualifies him either, at least not in great numbers. Maybe they see the lies, but they also see the aggression. This is a guy who really, really wants to win -- and that counts for a lot in a presidential campaign. If McCain wins, most people will quickly forget the campaign's lies, distortions and negative ads, and his fitness will ultimately be tested by what he does in office.

Meanwhile, the howls over McCain's lost "honor" and the appeals to America's sense of fair play are, frankly, ridiculous. The man fights dirty. If you don't like it, find a way fight back.

johnmcquaid.com/blog

Follow John McQuaid on Twitter: www.twitter.com/johnmcquaid

Comments

[dadw5boys]

McCain want to be elected the PITY PRESIDENT !!!!!!!!!!!

[jeanrenoir]

Exactly right. What did Obama and Axelrod EXPECT from ANY Republican, much less McCain? McCain was losing, he was desperate, so he did his best to unleash hell. Well, either Obama shows his own capacity to unleash Democratic hell, or he's toast. EVERY presidential election is decided by the Reagan Democrats in the rust belt. To win these people, you MUST show sheer, raw toughness. That's how Hillary massacred Obama with this crowd. These people are NOT Iowans. They are the children, at least, of miners, steel workers, auto workers, etc. All they care about is MUSCLE. That's why they've been skeptical of Obama as commander in chief: too skinny and wimpy for them. With them, no metrosexuals need apply. Obama now has a perfect opportunity to launch an all-out counter attack, led by him. He could shock everyone, in a great way, by NOT being Dukakis in black face, but being the Chicago thug all of us Obama supporters have always hoped was lurking in there somewhere. After all, we are mad as hell, all of us Dems, at the Republicans. And we would all LOVE to see some one blast them to smithereens. If Obama can get righteously enraged, instead of "hopeful," he will will this thing. If not, he's toast.

[BethStuart]

I recall the famous jurist Louis Brandeis once said "Sunshine is the best disinfecta­nt." As ordinary citizens, we can help get the facts about McCain out there for all the world to see.

Also, we can support the Democratic ticket finanically and in other ways. There are a lot of races going on at the moment. I think it makes sense to help get as many Democrats as possible elected to Congress this fall. It was when Bush had Republican majorities in Congress during his first six years in office that he did the most damage to this country. Since the 2006 mid-term election, the Democrats have been at least able to successfuly push back on many of Bush's initiatives. Reducing the Republican presence in Congress is a worthy goal.

[Airmid]

This guys is right

for a population force-fed Holywood movies where 'the tough get going when the going gets tough' from John Wayne to Schwarzenegger to Will Smith, it's the *will to win* that counts

If the Dems don't get off their fundaments and show a similar 'will to win', they will lose.

THIS ISN'T ABOUT THE MORAL HIGH GROUND ANY MORE, PEOPLE - they'll carve their way through the decomposing bodies of the moral high ground to get to the top and then say it was the right thing to do.

Look at the Inquisition. Look at Hernan Cortez. Look at the Jesuits who baptised Inca infants before they dashed their brains out on rocks... Look at the entire stinking history of hypocrisy in all its forms.

It doesn't MATTER that they're dishonourable and there's no way to win by wingeing about honour.

If Hillary Clinton taught us anything, it's that the dishonourable action wins the most votes.

If you don't fight dirty, you lose the media war

If you lose the media war, your warriors lose heart

if your warriors lose heart, you lose the vote

It truly is that simple....

although I did find this to cheer us all

http://www.americablog.com/2008/09/number-crunching-pollster-sees-decisive.html

[Whinger]

McCain doesn't fight at all. he's just a rumor monger and a liar, a school yard bully who preys on people's fears, a man who professes to be Christian but walks in the footsteps of a liar and deceiver, using faith for political advantage, in just the same way he uses subliminal racist language to reawaken and exploit the closet racist in society.

He's a Charlie Brown when pulled, with a, why's everybody always picking on me, look on his face!
My friend, you misunderstand me, I'm a POW therefore I'm an honorable man I wouldn't do such a thing. The bottom line is that honor principle or integrity no longer reside in this man, if they ever did!

[exhale09]

What have you DONE today to CHANGE things, besides BE outraged?

We have good reason to BE outraged, but if we don't translate that outrage into ACTION, all we will have on Nov. 5th is our outrage.

[janvier28]

What a load of crap. I am proud of the people who are voicing thier outrage at McCain's lack of honor and honesty. Aggression with no morals does not a leader make. I only hope that Obama continues to take the high road. I am of the belief that if this sellout actually wins this election that it will once and for all be the death of the Republican Party. Unfortunately, the American people and the World will have to wait another 4 years for any hope of possible change.

[Phoenixredux]

EXCUSE ME?? Have the last eight years taught us nothing?

[Aaror]

Read his point, Mr. McQuaid is saying that we can cry all we want about McCain's dirty tricks, but if we don't fight back, McCain will be president. Remember, the winners write the history books.

[MandyW]

ENOUGH!! There comes a point where every single citizen of this nation has to stand up and be counted. Do we ALL -- like John McCain -- wan't to "win at all cost"? Are there no standards of decency that we' won't violate to serve our own selfish ends? Are we really the most self-centered, mean-spirited people on the planet?

If we haven't already sold our souls for personal gain -- whether it be money, power, fame or just being kept "safe' -- then John McCain IS unfit to lead us.

Outrage is the only appropriate reaction, because "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." The TRUE "McCain-Palin Derangement Syndrome" is sitting back and saying "whatever it takes" is okay with us.

The slogan says "Yes WE Can." No one politician can transform the world FOR us. Nothing will change unless WE THE PEOPLE -- and a helluva lot of us -- get involved and engaged.

Twice in eight years diverted by lies and spin, we've elected a reckless but charming macho adolescent who seemed "fun to have a beer with". Unless we take action, we may elect an older (and even more reckless) clone of Bush?

Obama (or any candidate) can't fight the McCain-Palin spin-machine crap by himself, because it sounds like whining. But if enough us make it clear that we're "mad as hell and aren't going to take it any more", WE CAN.

[blastit]

I was saying the same things myself frankly I think McCain and his camp can even go alot lower and I'm surprised that they haven't..O­bama can't even call him what he is ..a liar

sometimes you have roll in the dirt to win the fight, and its about time the Dems did that!! and if they don't then maybe we don't deserve to win, These people play dirty they always have ..we know who they are now what are we going to do about it.!!

[PuppaX]

Well, it would seem that the people who are expressing these thoughts clearly think that the ends (particularly those they envisions accompanying a McCain presidency) don't justify these means.

[ILibertine]

It is unfortunate in the course of human events that those wishing constructive and rational conduct are consumed by evil forces at many points in time. Fact is, the masses are fair game for the most alluring tune of the pied piper. There may be pragmatists and doubters on the fringes, but it is the masses that eventually endorse a leader - by vote, by willing subservience, by their natural preoccupation with the day-to-day process of getting by.
At times, refusing to fight is defeat. We are not discussing a trifling disagreement here; we are discussing the future of the country and, as it goes, the world to a significant extent. That is cause for more than kindly objection to lies, distortions, the continuation of inept management of the country and the business, finance and entire ethical structure therein.
One can always aspire and god bless. Political aspiration without the power to effect it is merely a dream. First, the country must have the will to take the power back in order to realize its best aspirations. Will, in this case, inarguably suggests a more firm stance be applied and I agree with Mr. McQuaid. To not fight back is naive. It can be done intelligently and factually, but must be done with resolve.

[exhale09]

ILibertine­...Brillia­ntly stated. Thank you.

I would add...it is the masses who have to get up and actively fight WITH Obama. Voting one day every four years is not enough. It's THE most important thing to do, but it is not enough by itself.
We also have to fight with every fiber of our being, with what ever we are able to do, even if it is only to email the media outlets with our complaints and demands. Sending an email takes just 20 minutes of our time. The time it takes to write on these blogs.

If each of us convinced only ONE person to see the light, IMAGINE the difference that would make.

Just DO SOMETHING.

[LAR1969]

I don't have to step back for a moment (per your suggestion), I don't have to rethink my outrage. I'm entitled to my outrage. I think McCain lacks the kind of honor and integrity that will be required of the next POTUS. He lacks dignity and for that, I think he's unacceptable as a candidate.

If you're not feeling outrage, then you're not really paying attention.

[RepugsOut08]

McCain might have originally intended to run a respectful campaign, but the Bush cronies sat him down making it clear he'd have to hit below the belt if he wanted to win.
Now, I happen to believe a man of honor would have rejected that advice, true though it may be. McCain should have said I will win or lose with my integrity in place. Now, he will be seen, win or lose, as a man who sacrificed all he ever said he stood for just to win.
Win at any cost is the mantra in this nation these days, and it's destroying our democracy.
The last eight years of Rovian politics has left our country in shambles on almost every level, and folks on this post call out every day for Obama to mud wrestle the pig. As the punchline goes, you just get muddy, and the pig likes it.
I've been nervous about this seeming replay of the last two presidential elections as well, but Obama is playing this thing right I believe.
McCain is showing desperation, and the Palin shine WILL tarnish when people get over the newness and novelty of her sudden ascension. When she is forced to reveal her positions, and becomes just another pol with bad ideas representing more of the same.
Obama, in the meantime, will have maintained the high road. Obama will be a better president for it, and we'll be a better country for not having rewarded Karl Rove yet again.

[BBear]

A question: What makes you think Mother Moose will be "forced to reveal her positions"? She's already lied, cheated and accepted a nomination that is dangerous to our Country, just to get her party in power.
(and this shows, she is not a patriot, as McCain is no longer a patriot). I have visions of a debate, with her wearing an earpiece. She will not talk to the press. How will she be forced to show her position? Actually, she's already showed her postition; a right wing fanatic hockey mom moose killing liar. And the Republicans ATE IT UP!. They don't care what her position is as long as it gets the Repubs in the Whitehouse.

[RepugsOut08]

Palin has no choice but reveal her true positions. The debate will be her undoing, but she'll be found out long before then. The press has it's ego, and it doesn't like being ignored or shunned by a candidate.
Of course, Obama could release an ad that accuses her of actually being a satanic monster from hell bent on destroying Christianity, but is that what you really want?
Is that the candidate you hoped for this election?
Obama knows what he's doing. Let's win this thing with our heads held high.
Let the other side wallow in the mud.

[exhale09]

BE HOWARD BEALE...st­and up and FIGHT. "I'M MAD as hell and I'M not going to take it anymore"

Don't just FEEL outraged..­.DO SOMETHING about it!

Remember that wacky democratic candidate who made the weird video where he just stood doing nothing for a long time and then he walked over to a pond and threw a rock in it?

I GOT THAT! He was showing us, in his wacky way, what happens when we DO NOTHING. NOTHING happens. One rock in a pond sends out ripples across the whole pond.

We don't have to move a mountain by ourselves. We just have to DO SOMETHING.­..throw one rock if that is all you can do...send one email..or more, convince one person, registar one person....­..over 18,000,000 people voted for Obama, collectively each one DOING something will win this election.. for US.

[DrFitz]

Whatever dude. Purposely reigniting the culture wars when the country is in the shape it's in is NOT just "fighting hard." I will NEVER forgive him. For those who delight in stoking such fires, be careful what you wish for. Alaska may have to stand in line after California in seceding and saying Thanks but no thanks to being a punching bag while subsidizing the rest of the country and having our votes count less.

[matthew 270808]

The nihilist approach.

Would it only "prove he is a fighter" if McCain comitted massive scale election fraud too?

Would Bush "prove he is a fighter" if he declared that the constitution was being suspended and he was now president for life?

Maybe McCain is just proving he's a cheat.