John McCain: The American Wonder Boy
Written by Major Tom
Filed under: Profiles, Global Politics
January 30, 2007
I could admit now that I must have been too prompt on my views when I had boldly proclaimed that the Republican Party would most likely lose next U.S. Presidential Election unless a miracle happens—like the coming of a messianic “wonder boy” among their lot to present to the American electorate as someone not merely viable, but someone who could be amiable enough to defy and counteracts President George W. Bush continually unpopular Iraq War Strategy and record-low public approval rating.
I forgot about this guy named John McCain, the senior senator from Arizona and the one guy who could have been president now if President Bush wasn’t carrying his father’s heavy name in 2000 Republican Party primary polling. He subsequently turned down an offer to become the presidential running mate for the Grand Old Party in that year’s U.S. elections.
I could remember how he was so calm and eloquent in conversing issues during the presidential debates and I was sure that I had decided that if I were an American voter then, he was surely my man. With the kind of intelligence he had shown, it would be such a pity if he could not be president of the most powerful nation in the world.
Now if you ask if he could take the Hillary Clinton challenge, I can dare say that he is in fact the most probable candidate that could neutralize the highly perceived adroitness of Ms. Clinton—you could say mano-a-mano. If both would turn out to be the main contenders for next year’s U.S. elections, it could be the first time in years that we’d actually be regaled with two very intelligent and insightful presidential nominees especially in the series of debate to be had by then.
In fact by now, Senator McCain shows a clear advantage on issues, demonstrating heavy experience and sharp insights.
He called Hillary Clinton’s and Obama Barracks plan to reduce or withdraw troops from Iraq to be “lacking in logic” where he opined that subtracting forces from the region could mean disaster as this would lead to widespread genocide and ethnic cleansing. True to form, McCain’s ‘logic’ may be very valid at this time where in the northern province of Najaf in Iraq, 600 insurgents were thwarted by combined U.S. and Iraqi forces from massacring hordes of Shiite Iraqis bound to celebrate an important religious observance. 31 Shiite Muslims have died from that encounter.
And besides, Senator Clinton flip-flopping on the Iraq issue has now become so publicized where in the beginning she had supported the Iraq War—albeit conditionally—-and then detesting it now and calling it as “the war he (President Bush) had started”.
We could see now how on matters of issues and debate, Senator John McCain may be more proficient than Senator Clinton and may give her a good run for the money come 2008.
And what if All Gore would decide to run again?
Comment by Sidney — January 30, 2007 @ 11:05 pm
To sidney: Huhmm, that’s not a bad idea at all especially now he has gained that reputaion as an ardent environmentalists with that famous documentary he had made bout global warming. But the problem is that in American politics, unlike perhaps in our country, defeated presidential candidates often every headstart they had in the past and never regain from it. Actually Al Gore is listed in the Republican possible candidate but as of now he is so lagging behind Hillary Clinton and Obama Barrack. But everything can happen in the next few weeks or months.
Comment by Major Tom — January 31, 2007 @ 1:46 pm
It’s still more than a year away from the next US presidential elections, and a lot of things can happen. But one thing for sure, the mounting death toll in Iraq will spell disaster for any candidate endorsing the additon of troops in the country. Bush’s victory in the last election was by a very narrow margin, mind you. It means that even then, many Americans are wary of the hawkishness of the republicans.
Comment by snglguy — January 31, 2007 @ 5:29 pm
Had Gore not committed political suicide by distancing himself from Clinton during his presidential campaign, the US Supreme Court would have never had the opportunity to choose the next president to succeed Clinton. Gore on his own lacked the necessary charisma.
As for McCain, let’s wait and see.
Comment by eric — January 31, 2007 @ 5:35 pm
I think the Candidate who can propose a plan that will bring the boys and girls home without losing the U.S. Interest and influence in the Middle East will carry the Presidency. But the most important issue now facing the U.S. is the Economy. The lifeblood of U.S. Industries, the Car Manufacturers are now losing billions and laying off thousands of workers and the trade deficits are getting bigger and bigger. Ours alone, between the two biggest trading partners, the U.S. has a trade deficit of around $50 billions anually. And a lot with China.
So far I have to see a candidate that have any concrete Economics Outlooks for the country.
Comment by vic — February 1, 2007 @ 12:16 am
McCain as expected is doing his part in defending Bush’s miscalculations in Iraq which is in fact more of damage control than anything. There should have been no threats of ethnic cleansing if Bush and company did not destroy the balance of power in Iraq in the first place. It is tough to be running as president under the Republican banner when Americans are disappointed with Bush’s handling of Iraq
But we will wait and see.
Comment by bw — February 1, 2007 @ 11:31 am
To sngl: In that sense, Hillary Clinton and Obama Barrack gains that plus factor for they are now even pronouncing troop reduction—as early as now. In John McCain’s own words, that’s ‘illogical’ for any such event could spell disaster, like civil war, ethnic cleansing or general disorder in Iraq.
To eric: I see also how Al Gore was often stoic in his postures like he becomes a fictional character everytime he faces the camera or the public. I thought then that he had even styled his hair like Superman had. That was his main fault I think.
To vic: Like they all said, ‘it’s the economy stupid’. You got a lot of point vic and I am sure America needs now a president that is not too outward looking—like President Bush—but one who also has enough concern for the internal affairs of America; to take care of the house and not merely some unruly neighbors. With all that deficit and trade imbalances that America suffers, the huge cost of the Iraq War should put more stress on that economic problem.
To BW: You said bro; it could be tough as a week old cookie. A republican party presidential candidate for next year’s election would have a very high wall to climb.
Comment by Major Tom — February 1, 2007 @ 1:49 pm
Regardless of who will run next year and for certain many changes or developments can still transpire, it is evident that Americans realize the importance of getting someone with sound mind. True to form, they have a dynamic, pragmatic, and progressive electorate. They learn from their mistakes.
Unlike most Filipinos who still vote for popularity and not for issues.
We should really educate the majority.
Comment by beatburn — February 2, 2007 @ 8:09 am
The more the merrier. Isn’t he running? I think Obama should team up with Clinton. That way, he has 8 years of stay.
Comment by ipanema — February 2, 2007 @ 8:09 am
To beatburn: Definitely true…a sound becomes an urgent requisite for a leader of a nation that is almost always at war with enemies from around the world.
To ipanema: Obama as Vice-Presidential nomineee, under Hillary Clinton could most likely be the outcome of the democratic primaries, if the trends continue till next year.
Comment by Major Tom — February 2, 2007 @ 11:22 am
I agree with your observations and commentary on John McCain. He is indeed a Wonder Boy. His “personal life” is also respectable. I’m very intered to see where the next US Presidential Election will lead us.
By the way, thanks for visiting my blog. I’m glad you liked the “Indescribable”.
I’ll be back here for more reading. I will put your link in my sidebar
Comment by Liza — February 5, 2007 @ 12:26 am