Brilliant Debate Analysis

From Ann Althouse:

McCain offered no defense of his party, only assertions that he had tried to get regulations passed. So, there he was, embedded in failure. He didn't stand by the principles of conservatism. Here's the transcript. The word "conservative" appears exactly once, when McCain said (about Social Security):

We know what the problems are, my friends, and we know what the fixes are. We've got to sit down together across the table. It's been done before.

I saw it done with our -- our wonderful Ronald Reagan, a conservative from California, and the liberal Democrat Tip O'Neill from Massachusetts. That's what we need more of, and that's what I've done in Washington.

I don't believe we really understand the problems or "the fixes," and I certainly don't believe that reaching across the aisle works magic. That's not a basis for solving a problem, but a technique that works to some extent when you have a solution.

Look at how McCain failed to promote conservatism. McCain brought up Ronald Reagan 3 times: once to say he opposed him about sending troops to Lebanon and the other 2 times to say it was wonderful the way he worked with the liberal Tip O'Neill.

McCain never presented the conservative alternative to Obama. He never even called himself a conservative last night. He was wandering all over that red carpet, microphone in hand, and I have the feeling, in retrospect, that he was truly bewildered, mouthing old phrases, trying to slip by. But one old phrase that was missing was "I'm a proud conservative." Remember when he used to say that?

Or did he? Remember this?

See? That was always the problem. And now, it's really showing. McCain has lost definition. He's stumbling along to the finish line, hoping to achieve his lifelong ambition, to seize the crown at last. But why? To show he can get along with Democrats? I worry about what awful innovations the new President will concoct in league with the Democratic Congress, but at this point, I'm more worried about McCain than Obama.

Tags: politics
by Brett Rogers, 10/8/2008 1:57:01 PM
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Excellent analysis but when it comes to the country, any way I cut it Obama is worse. Both will drag us down a path of socialism, but McCain can better deal with the current military conflicts, along with potential problems with Russia and China. Biden has spent his entire career getting it wrong. Obama's short time in the senate, he has pretty much gotten it wrong too. No voting "present" as president Barry, sorry. So McCain will get my vote, just not enthusiastically unless the 'Cuda can work a miracle with him.

I see problems with the McCain/Palin ticket if he continues reverting back to his "my friends" ways. It isn't her way and although the handlers kept her silent after the convention, I don't see her staying quiet now. The only reason this election is even close is that she was added to the ticket. He better not forget it.

Posted by Pale Rider, 10/8/2008 7:40:38 PM

Oh, I agree. Obama's worse. I'm voting McCain, but I just don't have any enthusiasm for him. For me, it's become which Democrat I like best...

Posted by Brett Rogers (http://www.beatcanvas.com), 10/8/2008 8:12:42 PM

The only person from either ticket who is presidential is Palin. The other three come across as what they are. Senators. I felt like I was watching two senators dueling it out on the senate floor the other night.

Yea, McCain is getting my vote as well. Actually, Palin is getting my vote. If McCain accomplished anything it's his introduction of Sarah Palin to the voters. I'm looking forward to the Palin/Jindal vs Obama/Obiden debates. I can dream, can't I? ;)

Posted by Kelly, 10/9/2008 12:05:28 AM

I hear ya. He is really sucking the enthusiasm Palin brought to the ticket out of conservatives.

Time for me to let go of the anger. This election is what it is. Being angry all the time isn't productive. Heck my gf says she won't ride in my car until I take the sticker off my back window (window is still there LOL). I've been told this will be a "no politics" weekend. Women really are smarter than men. Probably one of the reasons I like 'Cuda so much.

Posted by Pale Rider, 10/9/2008 12:33:01 AM