McCain Has Lost Himself
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona and presidential nominee in 2008 (remember him?) has some heat in his upcoming primary. It seems that some other challenger is tired of McCain’s supposedly centrist ways. J. D. Hayworth, a radio yapper and hardcore right-winger, is taking on McCain and courting support from Tea Party crackpots.
What would a maverick do in the face of this challenge? Seeing as how McCain is a self-presented maverick, I guess we can look to him for the answer. Let’s check this New York Times article to see. Well, that’s odd. It seems that McCain’s maverick strategy is to go against any sort of progressive reform he’s ever supported in the past and aim solidly for right field. That’s exactly opposite of what I would expect a maverick to do, so well done McCain! You’ve proved yet again that no one puts a maverick in a corner.
According to the article, McCain is speaking out against the bailout that he voted for, is remaining mostly mute on campaign finance reform that the Supreme Court eviscerated in a recent bone-headed 5-4 decision, and speaking out against gays in the military. Good one, Johnny boy! You’ll get the votes if only you play to your basest instincts.
Senator McCain needs to wake up and pick a side. Either he goes hardcore and tries to stick himself on the fringe of his party, or he wakes up and stands for what he’s supported in the past. Instead, he seems determined to retain his Senate career at any cost. You can’t set sail with the political winds if they aren’t blowing in your favor, McCain. It’s time to tack and tack again, making sure people know you are steady in the face of Tea Partiers. Even though a recent New Yorker article made it clear that these crackpots aren’t to be underestimated, who can imagine that they will be around for long? They are more likely to produce a third-party candidate or have to compromise significantly over support for a non-ideal candidate and risk scuttling their organization. McCain should recognize this.
On the other hand, McCain can do whatever he wants. If he wins the nomination and wins reelection, he’s still likely to be non-effective in the Senate for another 6 years. If he loses the nomination, and Hayworth wins the election, Hayworth will be stuck on the fringe unable to do anything. And whatever happens, McCain can STILL sit back in one of his 20 homes and do whatever he wants. His star has long faded away.