John McSame: The "Straight Talk Express" is Running on Empty

Sunday, June 1, 2008

(Arlington County Democratic Committee)

Report from the Chairman

Peter Rousselot

The image of John McCain as a "maverick" was always grossly distorted.

When John McCain first ran for President in 2000, his so-called maverick campaign was bankrolled by seed money from Washington lobbyists who did business before the Senate Commerce Committee (which McCain chaired). His opponent for the 2000 GOP Presidential nomination, George W. Bush, had no interest in highlighting McCain's Presidential campaign financing because Bush's own campaign was bought and paid for by Washington lobbyists.

After his 2000 defeat, McCain was determined to court the members of the GOP establishment who had backed Bush for the Presidency. McCain succeeded handsomely. Nevertheless, through colossal mismanagement, McCain almost drove his "straight talk express" into a ditch in 2007, but finally emerged as the 2008 GOP Presidential nominee--"strongest" in a weak field.

Recognizing that the Republican brand is in tatters, and realizing that Bush's own popularity rating is deservedly one of the lowest in American history, McCain is desperately trying to re-furbish the false image he had in 2000. It won't work because it is just as false today as it was 8 years ago.

McCain's policy positions tell the real story:

---The Iraq War: McCain has backed Bush every step of the way (from the critical policy failure of invading Iraq in the first place, to the continuing false claim that the Iraq war is winnable).

---The Supreme Court: McCain has said he would appoint Justices like Bush appointees Roberts and Alito; just like Bush, McCain has a long and unwavering track record opposing a woman's right to choose.

---Veterans' Rights: Just like Bush, McCain opposes full funding of a new GI Bill of Rights. Of course, McCain can't find the money for full funding because he wants to make the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest permanent, and he is not willing to get out of the un-winnable Iraq war.

---Health Care: Like his patron (Bush), McCain opposes full funding for SCHIP, comprehensive health care reform, and prescription drug benefits for seniors and veterans.

---Fiscal Irresponsibility: Like Bush, Maconomics guarantees federal budget deficits as far as the eye can see. Maconomics will starve any investments in new energy policies or human needs in order to line the pockets of the wealthiest Americans.

John McCain is an orthodox right wing Republican, inexorably tied to the failed policies of George W. Bush. A McCain Presidency would represent, in reality and in spirit, a third Bush term. Bush has embraced McCain, and McCain has returned the favor. There is no meaningful policy daylight between them.

Arlington Democrats: Get ready to rumble! We are going to send Bush, his soul mate McCain, and the entire morally bankrupt Republican culture a message: Virginia is turning Blue for President in 2008!

PETER ROUSSELOT