Read other letters about this article

• Tuesday, August 5, 2008 12:27 PM

  Some ammo for Hardball tonight

  To be delivered by an appropriate Obama surrogate:

  “It is interesting to note the ways in which Senator McCain is choosing to remain associated with President Bush.

  “Senator McCain did not distance himself from the kind of dishonest and destructive campaigning that Americans associate with President Bush. He did not distance himself from the Bush-team tactic of questioning the patriotism of the administration’s critics. Senator McCain followed President Bush’s economic policy; he followed President Bush’s lead by hiring many of the President’s former consultants on his campaign, he followed the President in embracing the very people Senator McCain once called 'agents of intolerance.'

  “Senator McCain has established himself as quite a follower. Even when President Bush displayed a maverick’s disregard for the Constitution and the rule of law, John McCain followed.

  “Senator Obama understands and respects the Constitution and the rule of law. Senator Obama understands that America is safer and more prosperous when the rule of law and the Constitution are respected, and when America is a leader in the world because of this.

  "American leadership in the world came about because the world saw that we respected the rule of law, and the world respected us because of that fact. That respect encouraged other countries to make alliances with us, to invest money in America, to give us the benefit of the doubt. That respect made America stronger. President Bush and his followers have abandoned that respect. And this makes us less safe, and less prosperous.

  “On these important issues; on economic policy, on respecting the Constitution and regaining the respect of the world, on fighting for the middle class, Senator McCain had ample opportunity to lead. Instead, he followed President Bush when it was popular in the polls, and now, when Americans are unhappy with the President and his policies, Senator McCain is trying to create some artificial distance.

  “America needed Senator McCain 4 years ago, when a true maverick would have stood up for the Constitution. Where was he? Following President Bush.”

  Yep, somebody needs to create a "McCain is not really a Maverick" meme-of-the-week.

  —whatobamashouldsay Read whatobamashouldsay's other letters
  Permalink
  Flag
  Click "Submit Flag" if you feel this post is inappropriate. Explain why below if you wish.

  Cancel