Why This Election is All About Character, Not Real Issues

Sen. McCain's risky decision to run his presidential campaign based on character assassination, spreading fear and hatred and even questioning the patriotism of members of Congress, is the best indication that, come November, the Americans' decisions will be based more on the candidates' characters rather than real issues.

For some reason, whether it is because he is losing control over his campaign, has weak stance in the Republican Party or has an obsessive desire to go the While House, McCain's behavior over the past few months has displayed an alarming inconsistency in his character, which is at odds with his previous alleged values and principles.

John McCain has repeatedly said he is not President Bush. But he is using the same fear mongering tactics that Bush has employed during the past eight years. The difference is that McCain is using those tactics against a "decent" citizen, a member of Congress who has been serving his country for more than 20 years. McCain has applied the same good-evil philosophy of the Bush administration, believing that everybody who is not for us is against us. Thus, it is not surprising that one of McCain's surrogates mentioned investigating members of Congress to see who is pro-American and who is anti-American, one of the most divisive allegations we have seen since the McCarthy era.

It fits in this evil-good doctrine that Sarah Palin can categorize the country into Pro-America areas and call her opponent somebody "who is palling around with terrorists." The fact that terms like "kill him" and "terrorist" have become the dominant narrative of aMcCain's campaign indicates which John McCain Americans will get to vote for come election day.

With it becoming more and more obvious that the United States is experiencing its worst time economically, politically and morally since World War II, running a divisive, polarizing campaign based on fear and hatred is the last thing Americans need.

If newspapers that traditionally endorse the Republican candidate shift their support to Obama, this will further illustrate how McCain's character flip-flop and lack of consistency have affected the public sphere. Colin Powel's endorsement and, more importantly, the justifications for his endorsement are also indications of McCain's poor judgment in choosing to run a negative campaign:

"I come to the conclusion that because of his [Obama's] ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign, because he is reaching out all across America, because of who he is and his rhetorical abilities -- and you have to take that into account -- as well as his substance -- he has both style and substance," Powell said. "He has met the standard of being a successful president, being an exceptional president."

People generally vote based on their candidate's character. Character gives them a general impression about who their President is going to be and what they will represent. It's hard for many people to remember details of policies candidates promise, but they surely can see what kind of character can transcend race, religion and class and mobilize the country to move down a path it left eight years ago.

Just a few weeks prior to the elections, it's now clear that John McCain, the war hero and John McCain, the 2008 Presidential candidate are two distinct personalities. He contradicts the essential values and norms that he fought for decades ago.

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Comments

[XME]

I agree to some extent. I don't vote based on specific policy positions or campaign promises because things can change on a dime (like our now having $850 billion more debt than we did a few weeks ago). What does matter to me is character....

Do I believe the candidate will make sound, well thought-out judgements?
Do I think they understand the scope of what voters need from them?
Do I believe they care about US?
Do I think they have the capacity to understand any potential issues, known or unknown, and to make reasonable, thoughtful decisions?
Do I feel they have the temperament to deal with a variety of people, friendly or not?
Do I feel they have the temperament to deal with extreme pressure and multiple urgent issues?
If something were to happen to them on day one, do I feel their VP can stand up to these same questions?

All of these are what I think about when I think about who are next president will be...and are why I am strongly behind Obama and Biden.

[LanguagePolice]

To address the substance of the piece, I would just say that character is probably a factor for a lot of people, but it goes too far to say that the whole election is about character and not issues- at least without some kind of specifics. It's not a universally accurate thing. I am a Social Liberal-type Democrat, and as long as someone is for universal health care, more taxes on the rich, economic regulation, and so forth, I'll vote for that person. It just happens that in my lifetime those people have also had appealing characters. But you can't just say that "People generally vote based on their candidate's character" without having facts to back it up.

As LanguagePolice, I like the changes you made, but there's one thing- "whether it is because he is loosing control over his campaign"- that would "be losing".

I'm aware that the "blogosphere" has helped more people make their opinions more public, and I'm glad of that. I'm just here to provide a service. :)

[Toonadude]

History is being made before our eyes.

The “unsinkable” Titanic sank on her maiden voyage in 1912. In the ensuing 96 years, I don’t believe any cruise line was arrogant enough to call any of its ships unsinkable …. they learned their lesson the hard way.

Bush was elected and re-elected using the hate / fear model. In more ways than one Bush is the Titanic; however, many, including McCain, cannot see it and have not learned from it.

[MajorKong]

"I desire what is good. Therefore, everyone who does not agree with me is a traitor." - King George III

[bubbak]

Yes, and have you really seen Obama's true character? He plays the political game quite well. Don't think for aminute that a few surproses will pop up along the way if he makes it in.

[rich misty]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/17/ichicago-tribunei-endorse_n_135690.html

I have found that the abillity to read and comprehend really really helps understand things like the character history of a candidate. Try it sometime.

[qperry]

Sara Palin professes to be a great judgement of character!!!! I think....NOT!!!!!!!

[RegLib]

I think when the dust clears, this campaign will turn into a bedtime story parents will use to teach basic morals: Those that play nice do come out on top.

[rich misty]

I have used this campaign as a political history and social studies education for my kids... I doubt they will ever pull a lever for a GOP candidate in their lives... I have already vowed never to pull a lever for one again in my life. - Former Republican

[milo h minderbinder]

I hate to say it, but I feel like every presidential election I can remember has been more about character than issues.

[ChrisCann]

great post.