Is John McCain Your Friend?
Ok, I admit ahead of time that this post is a bit snarky, but I think I’m entitled to publicly express a completely personal reaction to one of the candidates. And considering the outright distortions and fear mongering coming from the McCain camp, this post will probably seem mild by comparison.
I’m completely turned off by John McCain’s overuse of the phrase “my friends”, as in: “My friends, what we have to do with Medicare is…” During the last presidential debate, he said “my friends” a total of 22 times out of about the 24 times he had the floor. In fact, he uses the phrase so much that internet posters, even those that support his bid for the White House, often refer to him as John “my friends” McCain.
I know why this bothers me. It reminds me of how slick used car salesmen will call you “my friend” even though they don’t even know you. When someone does that, their insincerity shines through and I’m constantly wondering what they’re hiding and how they’re about to cheat me. My gut instinct is that McCain’s use of “my friends” betrays that this is his true nature as well.
Unfortunately, this is how I now feel about John McCain, a man I once respected because I thought he was guided by principle. But McCain’s willingness to do or say anything to win the race for president has shown me otherwise. Sure, to some extent, all politicians engage in this type of conduct. But the level of mud-slinging and dishonesty practiced mostly by Republican candidates (and, to be fair, some Democrats) during the last few election cycles has brought these tactics to a new height, or should I say, a new low. I wouldn’t buy from anyone who I feel is just another snake oil salesman and I won’t vote for one either.
But perhaps if McCain does become president, there will be a silver lining for young people. I envision a variation on the “Hi Bob” drinking game played while watching reruns of the “Bob Newhart Show”. In this new version, every time President McCain makes a speech on TV and says “my friends” you have to take a shot of Jack Daniels. Hey, for all I know, students on college campuses all around the country are already playing.
Well that’s my opinion, my friends, and I’m sticking to it.
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Comment by Sunshines | October 14th, 2008
I cringe when I heard McCain speak, especially when he said “my friends” He sounds deceitful…Yes,totally a used car man- “Come on buddy. I’m thinking of you!” then Palin
winks. I BARF!
Maybe most politicians are fake or this is “the way it’s been”. I however think our country is looking for something new. Most of us are tired of the old ways. The old ways are leading nowhere, really fast.
It is clear((especially with seeing Palin’s abuse of powers)) seeing how they fight in this campaign, and hearing how they speak that the McCain/Palin ticket is the same old crap.
McCain and Palin ARE the “GOOD OLE BOYS”, my friends.
LOOK AT THEIR ACTIONS, NOT THEIR WORDS!
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Comment by lucid | October 30th, 2008
If overuse of a phrase is the only thing people make their decison for president on, it is kinda sad. McCain and Palin are fighting an uphill battle against Obama’s charisma and financial power. The power of media is a formitable tool for winning hearts and minds, certinly in our consumer driven society. Most people who love Obama do so because someone on tv told them to. Most people dont realize the evil behind a socialized healthcare system or redistrubution of wealth. And evil it is. Telling us that he’ll give tax breaks to 95% of us is…well bribery dont you think? Is that the kind of change we need? McCain is the better of the two canidates by far, although I believe republicans could do better. But please look into McCains record further before writing him off.
Lucid
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Comment by freedomminute | November 1st, 2008
@Lucid
Thanks for your comments. To be clear, I’m not criticizing McCain for the overuse of just any phrase, I’m saying that his overuse of this particular phrase, in the way he uses it strikes me as revealing of who he is. He could have used it just once and I might have had the same reaction. Plus, there are many other reasons that I have for being disenchanted with McCain, not the least of which is his shift from being a somewhat principled politician to someone who I feel would do or say anything to win the election. To me, his use of “my friends” is more of a constant reminder of that.
I do have to take exception to your statement “Most people who love Obama do so because someone on tv told them to.” I don’t think that’s a fair charge to make. I know a number of people who like Obama and will vote for him and these people have all clearly thought out their positions and come to the conclusion that Obama is the best choice for them. Saying that they support him “because someone on tv told them to”, is a bit dismissive on your part, don’t you think?
I wouldn’t assume that you support McCain because “someone told you to”, and in that spirit, I’d like to invite you to explain why you think “McCain is the better of the two candidates by far”, as you say.
And, I completely agree with you on the evil behind a socialized healthcare system or redistrubution of wealth. I think Obama’s healthcare plan is only slightly worse than McCain’s. Both plans are idiotic and pander to the public’s desire to have government fix their problems and to get something for nothing. As for their economic proposals, again neither will do what is necessary to really invigorate our economy which is to slash the size and scope of the federal government and cut taxes significantly. Both will grow government and so I think they’re both equally bad on this point.
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