Maybe it’s age, maybe not

I have been surprised by the new John McCain. In my view he has changed in appearance and in character. During the 2000 Presidential primaries, he seemed to possess somewhat higher standards of behavior than he does eight years later.

• His statement, “I’m John McCain, and I approve this message” has become a euphemism for distortion and a focus for comedy.
• Not too long ago McCain thought that his “little white lie” to David Letterman about rushing back to Washington was somehow not significant or would never be exposed. Guess again. It was exposed quickly. Watch and listen to Keith Olbermann.
• Now we learn that McCain’s campaign will turn completely negative in a desperate attempt at election. If my TV had a stomach, it would need an airsick bag.
• I am not alone in having lost the respect I once had for John McCain. Arianna Huffington calls McCain’s fall Shakespearean.

At one point near the end of the first Presidential debate while a dignified Barack Obama tried vainly to make a statement, John McCain repeatedly interrupted his attempts by speaking, pausing, starting again, pausing - effectively stifling Barack Obama’s attempt to speak. It must have been a pretty important comment or McCain would not have suspended civility to prevent Obama from being heard. Was that rudeness or was it the inability to engage in dialogue? Imagine your President meeting with advisers during a crisis. At such a time not everyone will agree. Would you want a President who cannot engage views other than his own? Would you want a President who would try to intimidate those with conflicting views? Would you want the most powerful person on the planet to start interrupting and speaking over anyone who would offer another point of view?

I have more respect for Barack Obama who has the ability to look someone in the eye, hear what is being said, engage the thought without violence, and to respond appropriately.

photo by flickr by Chesi - Fotos CC