On September 4th, 2008, John McCain accepted the Republican nomination for the President of the United States. During his acceptance speech, McCain defined what who he was, what he wanted, and how it was going to get done. But was it enough?
I found McCain's speech to be 2 parts auto-biography and 1 part campaign preview. While there is certainly no problem with this (especially compared to Palin's ME ME ME speech from the night before), I would have preferred 49 minutes explaining instead of 49 minutes of persuading. By coming right out and tackling all the issues and making clear definitive stances on them, he would have been able to let his opinions and beliefs do the convinces for him. Instead, the evening was turned into the John McCain Biography Hour. Indeed it is a very heroic and inspiring story, but we've heard it already! Ever since McCain entered this race, he has placed the utmost importance on the understanding of what he has been through, and why that makes him a hero. Are any of us denying him of his status? Of course not! It would be a political suicide to ignore what McCain has been through (as this would come off as both insensitive and ungrateful), as well as downright rude. He has made his point more then once, and it does not need to be made again; John McCain is the hero, and Barack Obama is not.
My biggest complaint about this speech was in regards to the specific issues that were discussed. We've heard it all before. Anyone who owns a TV and follows politics in the least bit will know that McCain opposes big government and government spending, or that he has always "held the course" in Iraq. We are frequently reminded of his dislike of pork barrel politics, or adamant stance regarding Russia and their so called "attempt to rebuild the Russian Empire". All these things he has said many times before, and without a doubt they will be repeated in the future. So what did he leave out? What was left on the cutting room floor, or never even considered for his speech at all?
Climate Change - Considering the severity of this issue, it is strange to see that McCain spent part of his speech describing alternative energy resources (specifically Wind, Tide, and Solar, all of which are perpetual energy sources), and yet did not even mention the climate change. Would it have been so much just to mention the added bonus of helping improve the environment when voicing his support for these resources? What negativity could possibly come from that?
Torture (specifically Water Boarding) - So what is your definition of torture, McCain? Could you tell me? Because I sure would love to know! I am aware that you have been through severe torture while in imprisonment in Hanoi, and that you have been scarred from it, but what are your beliefs now? I'm sure that somewhere out there I could find this information, but from the hypothetical perspective of an independent who has not made up their mind (and doesn't know everything about the candidates), you sure haven't done a great job and making things clear.
Abortion - I know how McCain and Palin feel about this issue (McCain is pro-choice, Palin is 100 percent pro-life, even if the woman was raped), but why ignore this now? Throwing an important aspect of your political and moral ideology under the rug will not keep it hidden forever. It's easy to claim that you and your running mate disagree on somethings, but at least be honest and admit them!
Afghanistan: Remember that guy, Osama Bin Ladin? We are still after him, right? I thought Washington (and McCain) had forgotten all about him.
Gay Rights, Liberties, and Marriages: Nothing. Absolutely nothing. As far as that speech goes, I have idea if McCain even knows that Gay Rights are. Obama came out and supported furthering the efforts for Gays to be able to live their lives with their partners and gain the same rights as everyone else, but what did McCain say? Nothing! If you believe something is wrong, then you better damn well make sure that you say it. McCain and Palin had no problem criticizing the Obama camp, or the democrats congressional efforts, or the left wing media, but when it comes to gay rights, they were silent. If you don't like them, then say it! I want to hear Palin say "I believe that Gays are different then us and should not be allowed the same liberties and rights". You know, seeing as how thats what she believes (weak source for this one, correct me if I am wrong).
Now it's your turn. Leave a comment (as long as you wish!) and tell us what you thought. What did you like, what did you not like? What issues do you want to hear more from McCain about? What do you think has been over campaigned? I've done my part. Now it's your turn.
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