Report Card: John McCain
I'm giving the report cards another effort, but I will only be covering the folks who look truely viable (McCain, Huckabee, Edwards). A reminder to please observe the ground rules of this discussion when commenting.
McCain = Authenticity
I think the quality that came through most in my research on McCain is that the guy wears his true self on his sleeve. He is not trying to fool or coddle anyone, and I like that. He is 100 percent authentic as far as I can tell, and though I don't see eye-to-eye with him on many of the issues, at least he's a know quantity. He's old, he's old-school, and (did I mention?) he's just plain old. But his ability to think for himself, break from party lines when it makes sense, and his straight talking approach are a refreshing break from the political yoga practiced by others (Romney, Clinton, etc.).
But, is this the kind of personality that would be winning in a president? Are straight talk and fiercely independent positions compatible with building relationships, forging agreements, making progress together?
McCain's record is a mixed bag of success that suggest it can work at times. But how well?
Things you never knew about McCain
- His grandfather and father are the only father-son pair to become 4-star Admirals in the US Navy
- Born at an airbase in Panama
- Graduated 5th from bottom of his Naval Academy class
- Besides being a Vietnam fighter pilot, he also served aboard the carrier that imposed the blockade of Cuba during the Cuban missile crisis
- He cannot lift his arms above his head unassisted, due to torture as a POW
- Was faulted for interfering in the savings and loan investigations of the 1980s
- He has 7 children and step-children
Bonus Points: Ability and willingness to cross party lines.
Minus Points: Head-strong diplomatic style, and general hawkish worldview.
Most interesting links I found: There's not a lot of meat in this story about the negative campaigning that included false attacks against McCain's adopted child, but I think it makes the drama of the upcoming SC primary even more intriguing.
= Great! 
= Good. 
= Mixed feelings or indifferent. 
= Not good. 
= Scary! 
= Believe it when you see it.
Campaign Logo (another bland logo)
Hair style (average old-guy hair)
Fiscal Policy - supports dramatic cuts to government spending believes reducing national debt is more important than tax cuts supports balanced budget amendment
Energy and the Environment - opposes drilling in the Artic Wildlife Refuge supports developing more nuclear power supports stronger evironmental regulations mixed support for renewable energy research opposes Kyoto opposes subsidies for ethanol
Economy and Trade - supports free trade anti-union supports worker's choice between overtime and comp-time
Health Care - Supports status quo supports minimal health-related tax credits
Education - opposes federal standards (No Child Left Behind?) supports Charter Schools, but not from existing public school funds supports vouchers opposes National Endowment for the Arts
Domestic Surveillance, Patriot Act, Enemy Combatants - supports patriot act and expanded domestic surveillance supports closing Guantanamo opposes torture, no exceptions
Executive Authority - supports line-item veto unclear on support for expanded presidential authority
Campaign Reform - supports campaign finance reform supports abolishing the electoral college opposes DC congressional seat
Foreign invlovement - supports Cuban embargo supports preemptive war concept, and supports humanitarian interventions argues for extended involvement in Iraq supports limits on foreign aid pro missile defense shield opposes direct talks with Iran
Immigration - mixed support for government aid for undocumented persons supports border fence supports guest worker program supports "path to citzenship" for undocumented persons opposes English as official lanuage in deference to Native Americans, but supports English as official language of the US government supports programs for teaching immigrants learn English
Gun Control - opposes most gun control initiatives
Abortion - supports abortion ban, except in cases of rape and incest opposes public funding for organizations that perform abortions supports parental notification
Death Penalty - supports capital punishment
Gay rights - believes same-sex marriage is a state, not federal, issue supports don't ask don't tell opposes marriage amendment
Stem Cell Research - supports stem cell research
Internet Neutrality - no obvious position
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I've very, very torn about John McCain. Some days, I think he's the best candidate on either side, other days, I've said I'll vote for Hillary Clinton before I vote for him (and I'm not a fan of many Hillary Clinton policies). So, we'll see.
Oh, and I think you're right:
John McCain is just plain old.
Ronald Reagan was "old like your Grandpa" old. John McCain is just old.
I agree w/ you Burly. Most days, though, I agree with him on most things. If he's nominated, I'll probably vote for him. But if he and Obama are nominated, it'll be a tough call for me.
Interestingly, I took a poll on issues, and found that my stances are most like John Edwards, who I'm NOT inclined to vote for.