John McCain — Liberated
Just one opinion on tonight’s debate:
With the exception of Huckabee, the candidates seemed tired. They are probably exhausted, but only appeared tired to me.
I am going to keep this short (you are all saying, “is that even possible with Vic?!!”).
I really tried hard to observe the debate as if this were my first time to see the candidates in such a forum. Focus here is on McCain. Trying as hard as I possibly can, I tried to put aside my bias. Mr. McCain really bugged me; more so than at any time prior to this night. There was something different about the man that I have not experienced in the past. To me, McCain has always been an obviously arrogant man — he has an ego big enough to fill that hanger alone.
But it was as if his Florida win gave him license to reveal a side of himself that he has had to keep bottled up. His victory speech last night, aside from being quite boring overall, was a rather meek (for him), conciliatory speech, ironically sounding as if he had the nomination wrapped. He did not seem himself in the speech. The win in Florida liberated him in his mind, I believe.
How many times tonight did the man say, “I am the expert” as he interrupted Governor Romney? Then, many times as Governor Romney was speaking, McCain would sit back with his hands clasped across his chest, looking straight ahead with that smug smile that completely exudes arrogance. In fact, a couple of the CNN pundits used words to describe McCain such as snarky and smirk. Now, I will reveal a little bit about myself. A human attribute I completely detest in any human being is that of arrogance. I must always check myself to not be judgmental of others in making such an assessment, so I don’t mean to be judgmental. I could be wrong in this assessment, but to me anyway, it appears that arrogance just flows and seeps and ooozes from every part of his being. It seems that to John McCain, every candidate, and for that matter every person around him, is simply not as qualified or competent or experienced or ready as he thinks he is. He appears condescending in every way to me. Might he have the Napoleon Bonaparte syndrome? For some reason, I always imagine John McCain driving one of those pick-up trucks in Arizona with giant tires, where the floor board is about six feet off the ground.
Candidly and with no hyperbole of any kind, it literally frightens me to imagine that man sitting in the Oval Office with the ability to do or say whatever he pleases, knowing that with a word, he can command any person or any thing and his wish will be immediately granted.
~ Vic
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January 31st, 2008 at 3:00 am
Disgusted? Check this out!
http://www.vietnamveteransagainstjohnmccain.com/
January 31st, 2008 at 3:04 am
The thought actually entered my mind tonight as I watched brief snippets of the debate (I missed most of it unfortuntately) “I’m worried McCain might not be able to contain his contempt and rage towards Mitt and will jump out of his seat and either grab Mitt by the neck and throttle him or just slug him.” His arrogance and anger were so palpable in his fidgety body language and smug smile, I actually worried for Mitt’s safety for a moment there. Mitt’s ability to transcend McCain’s negativity, even while sitting right beside him, just blew me away. He just never seems ruffled or unnerved or angry - even though he has every right to be, considering McCain’s tactics. Mitt really is my hero - I’m always inspired by his ability to do what he’s doing, and do it so very well.
January 31st, 2008 at 3:18 am
The more I look at the whole McCain vs Romney dynamic is that is always seems like Romney HAS to be perfect. He has no excuses and the more he is the more people find fault in that!
Let’s look at McCain and find reasons why some may find him appealing in some manner:
1) POW-Military-Hero - He plays it like Rudy plays 9/11 and while most candidates who have been so blatantly liberal, Mac gets somewhat of a pass because voters can’t totally dismiss him because of this factor. Going against a “hero” might feel like one is being “unpatriotic” and I imagine it hits the military veterans especially.
2. He’s old: Add this to the POW factor and it’s quite powerful. It’s like no one should pick on the old guy. It’s like your grandma (or Mac’s mother) that is so blatantly honest they point out just how fat you are. You quickly just dismiss them as..oh it’s just old Mac.
3. The arrogance comes from both of the aforementioned and that somehow his stubborn and “maverick” attitude, even in the face of his own party isn’t looked as treason…but almost revered as “tough”. Why? See #1.
I think if you were to ask what voters want in a President, you would get an answer closer to what Mitt Romney is. But that’s asking voters to vote on logic and reason.
January 31st, 2008 at 9:14 am
Vic:
The time line on troop withdraw question in last nights debate illustrates my previous point perfectly.I know Mitt’s statement was taken out of context and McCain was lying,you know he was lying,and Boyd knew he was lying. In essence McCain was calling Mitt a lying flip-flopper and he was sitting right next to him! This was no time to smile and give that weasel any respect. Mitt had three chances to seriously put McCain in his place but instead McCain was aloud to sit there and repeat the lie over and over. This to me was a defining moment in Mitt’s campaign. Unfortunately McCain will be viewed as the stronger candidate because of his resolve.Vic, it is very unsettling to me at the thought of McCain as president,I can’t believe this is happening to our country.
January 31st, 2008 at 9:28 am
Has anyone in the Romney campaign confirmed whether there was a problem with the robo-caller software in Florida (or maybe an inside job to scuttle his nomination)?
January 31st, 2008 at 11:40 am
Straight Talker = Serial Liar.
January 31st, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Braddahmike, you brought up the word, “POW”. I must confess something here to everyone. Before this race, when I meet a person who once was POW, I had this urge inside to get down on my knee, bow my head, and tell that person I really appreciate what he has done to keep us safe. However, now, when I heard the word, “POW”, I am filled with angry. I feel like I have to slaugh out at anyone or anything within the immediate region. And I am feeling that way only because of how McCain has worn it on his sleeves. He really has tainted this honor of which all POWs still do deserve. I thought the anti-war sensition in this country is bad enough, but I cannot help but wondering how it will be after McCain become our president. I fear for the lives and honors of all veterans, both present and past.
January 31st, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I still believe Mitt could have really really gone after McCain, but held his tongue. Remember, they are both Republicans, so he had to be very careful. I don’t think Obama or Hillary will be as kind. I just wish Mitt had used the line “Pride commeth before a fall” when McCain crowed about the Arizona Republic. We all hate McCain, but at least half of that audience supported him, so Mitt had to watch his words.
January 31st, 2008 at 1:11 pm
As it is, to anyone watching, McCain just looked like an angry old man last night. It may be over for Mitt, but when people compare him to the relative health, optimism and vitality of Hillary and/or Obama, it will be a no-brainer who to vote for. It will certainly be for me. I think it’s looking like the dems have this thing wrapped up. It’s their year. Mitt should get ready for 2012.
January 31st, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Vic,
I agree in your assessment of McCain. The one phrase that he uses that makes my arrogance meter red-line is when he uses the line “my friends”. My friends let me tell you how it is. My friends let me give you some straight talk. My friends. . . My friends. . . My friends. . . if this is not talking down to someone and showing arrogance, then I do not know what arrogance is.
January 31st, 2008 at 2:37 pm
John McCain is NOT my friend!
Go Mitt!
January 31st, 2008 at 7:22 pm
I just returned from a Romney event in Orange County, California. As we waited for Mitt to arrive, it was thrilling to talk with so many Americans that absolutely support Romney 100%. Everyone I spoke to or heard speaking absolutely despise McCain 100%. Last night’s debate was a big topic of discussion and everyone agreed that John McCain has lost all credibility through his continued lying.
Romney is an exceptional leader with qualifications second to none! The energy at today’s venue was STRONG! Mitt was presented with a bronze bust of Ronald Reagan and a custom surf board emlbazoned with “Mitt Romney for President 2008.” He was so appreciative and even hoisted the surf board above his head! He was touched by the gifts and support. His convictions and vision would help our country so much.
I also agree that McCain’as smug conceit was glaring at the debate last night. I was struck at his body language as he leaned back into his chair, extended his legs and twiddled his pen in his fingers with a sneering smirk. I think he thought he was actually sitting in the oval office!
I appeal to Huckabee and Guiliani supporters to support Romney.