McCain-lover David Broder called McCain's move a "gamble." The words "reckless" and "impulsive" keep popping up as well. Sarah Palin is providing a lot of fodder for reporters and bloggers (and late-night comedians). But, that's not her fault. It's all about McCain. This is the kind of president he would be: impulsive; reckless; overly political. McCain gambled all right, but in doing so, he showed us his hand. And it was empty.
John McCain revels in his image as a "maverick", someone willing to buck conventional wisdom and take on those, even in his own party, who don't hew to his independent streak and desire to get things done. That this image is completely and utterly mythical seems to be beside the point, since a significant portion of the Mainstream Media has swallowed the "McCain the Maverick" KoolAid.
The problem with being a maverick is that there's a very fine line between bucking conventional wisdom and sheer, unadulterated recklessness. Case in point: Sarah Palin, his VP candidate. By all indications, Gov. Palin was selected by McCain after essentially ZERO vetting. Palin wasn't even interviewed until the day before she was offered the VP position. Call it a gamble, call it McCain being a maverick, but Gov. Palin's selection really has nothing to do with her. It has EVERYTHING to do with the style and quality of John McCain's decision-making. And the picture it paints isn't pretty.
For a decision like the selection of a Vice Presidential running mate to be made in such an off-handed, cavalier fashion is unconscionable. This decision was not about selecting an individual qualified and ready to be a heartbeat away from the Presidency- which, given McCain's age, is no small consideration. It was about political calculation, about John McCain's willingness to do whatever it takes to win in November. Granted, selecting a Vice President is not and never has been a decision devoid of political calculation. The problem here is that choosing Gov. Palin was all about cynical, self-absorbed political calculation.
John McCain just showed us what kind of President he will be- impulsive, reactionary, and reckless. If you have a son or daughter of military age, these are NOT qualities you want in a President. Then again, if you're one of the 28% who still think that Our Glorious and Benevolent Leader © is a resolute man of God and an inspired leader...well, John McCain's your man...and we can look forward to four more years of ineptitude, mediocrity, and endless, pointless war. It's all fun and games...as long as someone else's kids are doing the fighting and dying.
WE DESERVE BETTER.
