Earlier today I participated in a Bloggers’ Conference Call with senior members of Senator McCain’s campaign team in which they outlined his upcoming "Service to America" tour, or as our friend Pat Hynes called it, McCain’s "bio tour." As reported by Hugh Hewitt,
McCain Senior Advisor Steve Schmidt outlined next week’s "Service to America" tour. Senator McCain will be making speeches from McCain Field in Mississippi, Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, Annapolis, Maryland, Jacksonville and Pensacola, Florida. Each stop will underscore some aspect of the senator’s life story, as well as the McCain family’s many-generation commitment to the country’s safety.
At the Jacksonville stop, the GOP nominee will call for a significant increase in the size of the Army and Marine Corps.
At the Episcopal High School, McCain will discuss the important role of teachers that inspire, reflecting on a teacher he still recalls to this day. In other words, Senator McCain will be offering a variety of speeches on different topics at or near locations that have direct ties. This will be part of the campaign’s effort to provide a sense of the varied influences on his life combined with a flavor of family history that will help introduce him to the country at large. Why not? As the two Democrats continue to duke it out, he has nothing but time on his hands to make his case for the presidency. This is accompanied by the new TV ad as posted below.
All in all, it makes for an upbeat, positive look at a man who could be president– a refreshing contrast from the sniping Democrats. Hardly the stuff of harsh rhetoric and partisan jabs that supposedly turn folks off. Enter Howard Dean– you remember him, right? Yep- the current DNC Chair that at one time was almost relevant to someone. THAT Howard Dean. Said the DNC Chair in a press release,
“The American people have been waiting for a president who understands the challenges they face, not another out of touch Bush Republican who promises four more years of the same failed leadership. John McCain can try to reintroduce himself to the country, but he can’t change the fact that he cast aside his principles to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with President Bush for the last seven years. While we honor McCain’s military service, the fact is Americans want a real leader who offers real solutions, not a blatant opportunist who doesn’t understand the economy and is promising to keep our troops in Iraq for 100 years.”
"Opportunist?" I’d say Mr. Dean ought to know one, given he stares at one in the mirror each time he shaves, except his characterization of McCain as such is so far off base proves he apparently knows not the correct definition. McCain might be many things, but "opportunist?" Not a chance. His record proves it. Given the "opportunity" of favorable treatment and possible early release from Hanoi Hilton, McCain passed, choosing to stay with his fellow men.
That story is but just one example of the dedication to doing what’s right, no matter that it might not be what’s easiest. As to the 100 years of war, well, go to this post for the whole story, as we were there when McCain used the reference. Indeed, Mr. Dean should just crawl back under the rock from which he has suddenly emerged. Please…
