OPINION: McCain Sells Soul For Votes
By Broadside Opinion Editor Arthur Gailes
Photo courtesy of Flickr's 'soggydan'
It’s election time again, and we all know what that means: it’s time to listen to republicans promising to cut taxes and increase spending.
In the midst of the heated democratic nomination, it’s very easy to overlook the simple mistakes of the Sen. John McCain campaign. So he gets away with the empty rhetorical promises of his economic plan while his opponents are too distracted with one another to criticize him for it.
On the surface, his plan sounds excellent. Cut taxes across the board, which will stimulate the economy. Help the homeowners who are in fear of foreclosure on government-backed loans. Finish the job in Iraq and keep America safe. Cut excess government spending and redistribute it for private interests. Make as many empty promises as you can to soothe your many interest groups and worry about solving them after you win the election.
McCain’s faulty logic, false promises and sheer arrogance are an insult to the voters. This man, running for president, acknowledged that he “still [needs] to be educated” on the economy. From that perspective, it’s no wonder he proposes to decrease taxes and increase spending. That philosophy only took us from a $236 billion surplus in Bill Clinton’s last year as president to a record deficit in 2004.
“We can look back at the past and argue about whether we should have gone to war or not, whether we should have invaded or not, and that's a good academic argument.”
Excuse me? McCain, R-Ariz., is running as the experienced candidate in this election, and tells us that the worst decision in America’s past — a decision he signed off on — is an academic exercise? On what, exactly, are we supposed to judge McCain’s ability to run? Four thousand American soldiers are dead, to go along with around 100,000 Iraqi civilians since the war started. The debate about Iraq is anything but academic; it is, and should be, a huge factor in deciding who is capable of running this country.
"There is a tendency for liberals to seek big government programs that sock it to American taxpayers while failing to solve the very real problems we face."
The war in Iraq — which McCain supports to this day —
Obama has sold his soul for
Obama has sold his soul for votes, not McCain. As much as I dislike John McCain- he is not Conservative enough for me, and I believe he will push our party further down the path from its core values- the one thing the man does not do is stray from his values.
Quite the opposite with Obama though; he is a man FULL of questionable values and compromised integrity. I won't even touch Clinton, it's not worth going there. But the one thing I love is the author ripping McCain for admitting he still needs to learn about the economy. Well let me ask you a question- Would you rather have a Presidential candidate who has put together a special Finance team to help him learn the nuances of the economy from top former Senators (McCain) or a man/woman that PRETEND they know how the economy works like the current President (Obama/Clinton)?
Oh, and please do not use the excuse that Clinton can just ask her husband about the economy; as President Bill knew all he had to do was not mess up the economy that President Bush, Sr. had worked so hard to fix, and he benefited from 3 years down the line after his election in 1992. Bill Clinton couldn't manage the economy OR the military, so Hillary is two-times screwed. And Obama- what "change" are you going to bring? It really is time you give us some sort of hint....
Why McCain is clearly the better choice
I love it when liberals rant...they always appear less educated. But don't worry! I'm hear to educate you!
Explain to me how the Democrats can run on their promise of free healthcare and social security for all? How do they plan on doing that without raising taxes I might add? Why are you trying to steal my money for programs that I do not want or need?
So what. The economy is not his biggest issue. Obama still needs to be "educated" on Iraq, and Hillary Clinton needs to be "educated" on telling the truth. Do you think Obama can end the war? No-He has no foreign policy experience whatsoever, and would be incapable of handling a terrorist attack.
Sure, I can deal with you blaming Bush for our past 8 years of problems. But DO NOT think that you can win an election on false hopes of change. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are just as corrupt as any other politician in Washington, and will not solve our problems. History shows us that Conservatives always clean up the messes left behind by liberals. Do you need proof? Just look at Carter and Reagan's records.
Thanks.
No, I noticed the byline. I understood it was an opinion article. It's still in the news section...don't blame me for what they are lacking. Which is a lot.
Seriously?
This is your lead story on your "news" page? Really? Could you be any more biased?
No
If you read the byline you would notice that the article was written by an OPINION editor. Connect Mason lacks an opinion section so I guess they put them in news (for political pieces at least). Maybe you should suggest an opinon section instead.