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ST. PAUL -- This is John McCain's big chance to take his campaign to the American people and show why they'd be better off -- and safer -- with him in the White House. He'll do that by contrasting himself with Barack Obama, sharply enough to electrify Republicans while appealing to independents and moderates as a maverick, reformist and independent thinker. That will include separating himself from President Bush as much as he can, without denouncing him.
McCain will declare the stakes in the election are too important for party loyalty to dominate or for untested leadership to be courted, especially in foreign affairs and national security, a message being drummed purposefully in the headliner speeches this week from former Sen. Fred Thompson, Democrat-turned-independent Sen. Joe Lieberman and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. The reform and maverick theme was also a highlight of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's speech last night, as she accepted the vice presidential nomination.
McCain will hail Palin and emphasize the historic nature of her candidacy. He'll reiterate his enthusiasm for her and praise her background, rebutting critics without specifically acknowledging the criticism and questions.
Look for a major portion of the speech to be devoted to the success of the military surge in Iraq, with McCain stressing how he backed the surge when others warned it would end his candidacy, insisting he'd never put his political fortune ahead of what he believes is best for the country. McCain may also say a large troop withdrawal is coming, and before long in all likelihood, thanks to the success of the surge.
McCain will warn of letting down any guard against potential terror threats and radical Islamic fundamentalism, saying traditional diplomatic outreach, such as to Iran, will fall short and requires aggressive work in a changed world -- that multilateralism is fine and good, but not a last or even best defense.
He'll push his plan for more tax cuts as a way to revive the economy, knowing that's the most important issue at the moment for many Americans. Four in five Americans see the country on a wrong track, largely because of the economy, and they blame Republicans more than Democrats.
Except for delivering surefire Republican applause lines on domestic energy development, tax cuts, rebuilding the military, government waste and fiscal discipline, McCain's speech won't be a checklist of numerous policy specifics. It's not the time or place for that, although he may call for Republicans, for instance, to take the lead on climate change and green technology.
There will be pointed attacks on Obama and Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden -- returning fire from the Democratic convention where McCain was called out of touch and a Bush clone. McCain will portray Obama and Biden as well-spoken but legendary liberals, one new and one old, bent on larger government, higher taxes, higher spending, higher regulation and more government intervention in a free society and marketplace.
The composite picture McCain especially wants to leave is that of an independent maverick reformer in the mold of a Teddy Roosevelt, who also battled interests in his own party and large special interests. McCain does have a reform record, one he can talk comfortably about, whether blocking special interest influence, criticizing excess and wasteful pork, and reducing corporate money in politics.
He'll be wildly cheered in St. Paul, even from some who had been less charitable to McCain's brand of reform and independence in the past. His real audience is far outside the convention center, though, and in more challenging and less forgiving battleground states that will decide. The red, white and blue balloon drop tonight starts the real race.
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POSTED BY: jmers (September 04, 2008 10:09 PM)
It is nice to read a mostly non-partisan review of one of our candidates for office. i don't believe this will help McCain or the republicans... personally, they have ruined themselves w/the shrub leading the charge... they are going to get exactly whats coming to them.
POSTED BY: pat (September 05, 2008 06:01 AM)
Bad speech,lacking of what we will do for veterans of these forigien adventures. Forgets that the agenda of george w will continue, no real answers for the economy to pay for this occupation. No mention of how we capture or kill Osama Bin Landin. Once again we get to applauid past glorys ,but no real answers for how we move ahead. No real anwers for the american consumer, Drill, Drilll, Drill a failed policy promoted by oil company welfare checks to politicos. John Mc Cain is a Disgrace for disabled American Veterans as myself. His voting record as recorded by the the DAV is near dismal. Amazing in my opinion being a POW. This man promotes war remember Bomb bomb bomb Iran . Same Bush Policy . Yeah I hate War.Tell me more John I guess that Sarah promotes family values by not paying attention to her daughters activeties prior to her conception. Having grown up in the bible belt of America your values are all wrong. Sex before Marriage is a Taboo. But no matter the issues here American's will Vote thier Pocket Book. You See Bill Clinton was right it's the economy Stupid. Fighting forigien Wars for Europe Was what George Washinton warned us about in his farewell spech. Since 1914 we have fallen into this trap, it has worked well for the US unto 1946, Korea, VietNam,Iraq (Geo.H Bush) done half assed,911 carried out by Saudi's and I question the complicity that may have taken place by the RNC,texas oil interest, and Halliburton. Please Vote for John Mc Cain and Sarah Palin. These people will be more than glad to rule and run your life calling it less government. Patrick T. Axline USN 1968- 1972
POSTED BY: Steve Ruch (September 07, 2008 05:40 PM)
I can't believe that anyone would even consider allowing someone who didn't grow up in this country, denounced this country, married someone who denounced this country, has no leadership experience even in his own family, has no real government experience, and has no true substance to his campaign be allowed to even possibly be our President. He has no clue what it is like to be a soldier or any have association with the military at all. I haven't even got to the part where I mention his middle name is Hussein! What an insult to the American people. It is like letting a 4 year old in the candy store with a .45 caliber pistol and 100 hits of LSD. Wake up! You wouldn't hire this guy based on his experience to run anything if he was being compared to McCain.
Let's see...I have a guy who has less than one year experience in the government, has never been a leader in the military or any other organization, not real sure just how American he really is, and his wife hates us all, or a guy who joined the miltary after high school, spent 22 years defeending our country, as I did,and went straight into government service from there. Notice I didn't mention any of his P.O.W. time or experiences. This is an easy choice for anyone not lost in the ideal of change whith empty details.
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