There are "three foundations" that McCain has used to get fawning coverage: (a) his Vietnam War record, which he has repeatedly milked, (b) his work on campaign finance reform that created a perfect wayl for reporters to paint him as "anti-Washington" and (c) his willingness to schmooze the national press corps with "candid" conversations. He endears himself so much to reporters that they look the other way when he makes a comment that would doom another politician's career.
McCain got great press in 2005 for "standing up" to the White House on legalizing torture, and his history as a Vietnam P.O.W. gave him an image of reliability. But the compromise that he crafted left the Bush Administration free to do what they want, while improving McCain's moderate image. His bipartisan work on immigration has also rung hollow – since McCain was motivated on this issue so as to please his allies in big business.
However, the Arizona media – who have known McCain for much longer – do not hold him in high esteem, as they've known him long enough to realize that beneath his veneer is a petty and vindictive man who thrives on presenting himself as a "maverick" – but does not tolerate true mavericks like Chuck Hagel and Russ Feingold, who take risks when they buck their parties' position. The different evaluations by the national and Arizona media can be compared with the knowledge of a new girlfriend and the knowledge of his ex-wife. "The former is infatuated, aware of only his best qualities. The latter is stuck knowing what the man is really like.
McCain's voting record proves he is no moderate – but in fact a very conservative Republican. The way in which he gets a reputation as a more moderate Republican is that he only crosses party lines to vote with Democrats on issues strategically advantageous to him. Then the fawning press frames the story as "McCain and his rebellion." He gets his reputation as moderate undeservedly refurbished and he is invited on all the talk shows, and the story becomes how John McCain is breaking from his party leadership again.
Lie #7
McCain's pretends he's an easygoing, nice guy, but his temper and back-stabbing of colleagues are legendary. McCain has a tendency to get into scuffles with colleagues. He insists on an absolutist approach when it comes to working on issues his way, which has earned, McCain the enmity of fellow Republicans.For example, Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) has been on record as saying, the thought of [McCain] being president sends a cold chill down his spine. Cochran said that McCain is erratic and hotheaded. He loses his temper and Cochran said at one point "he worries me." After finding out about the REAL McCain, the thought of this guy holding a nuclear button should scare us all.
John McCain will throw slander at Obama while he himself seeks dodge questions about his own conduct. Scandals brewing in his own campaign are quickly swept under the rug and surrounded with silence with the aid of a complicit newsmedia. But then, while calling for civility, Senator McCain, slyly throws mud about Jeremiah Wright and Rezko (Obama's sins) but forgets that he has never addressed his own ties to money launderers (Arizona Representative Renzi) and lobbyists (Phil Gramm and other lobbyists, foreign agents and crooks) who work for him and his campaign.
Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
