Talking with McCain
I had an opportunity to join in a bloggers conference call this morning with Sen. John McCain, one of the top-tiered candidates vying for the GOP presidential nomination. This comes on top of attending one of his town hall style meetings this past Friday in Franklin, NH. As I have often stated in other posts, I am not attached to any particular candidate at this time (although I do have some I favor over others), and plan on meeting and interacting with as many as I can-- from both parties-- during the campaign season. It's my duty as a NH citizen, and my passion as a columnist and blogger.
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The most immediate observation I have of McCain is that he does come off as a rather regular, genuine man, and he is quite comfortable with ordinary people. Additionally, he allows unscripted, unscreened access for questions and comments, both friendly, and not. That, in and of itself, separates him from several other candidates.
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In today's call, during which both Skip and I got to speak directly with Senator McCain, he made quite clear his displeasure and outright disgust with the Senate vote adding a deadline for withdrawal to the military appropriations bill. Additionally, he reaffirmed his belief in the importance of finishing the job in Iraq. I wholeheartedly agreed with him when he said
"The consequences of failure in Iraq will be catastrophic. When we ended VietNam, they didn't follow us home. Any casual observer of what they are saying in speeches and on their web sites knows that won't be the case this time."
I am alway very pleased when someone looked to as a leader here in America says something that indicates to me that he truly "gets it" when it comes to the overall magnitude of the problem we have on our hands with the new world war. McCain impressed me bigtime with his understanding of this most important national crisis. When Skip asked him about the Iranian taking of British troops, Sen. McCain responded that it
"Reveals exactly how radical and dangerous they really are."
Having had a chance now to meet and engage in firsthand conversations with Senator McCain is certainly eroding some of the distrust I've long held for him, politically. There's no question you know that you're speaking with a genuine American hero and icon. I stand in awe and appreciation for what he sacrificed for our Country some thirty years ago. What is even more compelling in the present, however, is that he is so much more than just that. I find myself warming up to the notion of a President McCain, if it turns out that way. I'm convinced he'd do right by America. Beyond that, given the present state of mind of Americans, it's my belief he is on the short list of Republicans that actually stands a chance at winning in '08 at all...
Comments
Posted by: Sissy Willis | March 30, 2007 6:51 AM