McCain takes presidential tone in seizing Obama theme of change
In a daring political offensive, John McCain orchestrated the Republican convention to transform the presidential race, seizing the mantle of change from Barack Obama and upping the ante by pledging to be a reform president who will shake up Washington.
"I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again," McCain said in accepting the GOP nomination Thursday. "Let me offer an advance warning to the old, big-spending, do-nothing, me-first, country-second Washington crowd: Change is coming."
(AP)
His speech was crafted to portray McCain as presidential and largely avoided harsh political rhetoric as he promised to improve the lives of families and protect them from America's enemies. In a state-of-the-union-like address, he talked about tax cuts for families, job-creating incentives, better health care, improved education, including school choice, and energy development, including offshore oil drilling.
He promised to use America's diplomatic, economic and military "tools" and "the power of our ideals" to build an enduring peace. "We face many dangerous threats in this world. But I'm not afraid of them, I'm prepared for them."
Not known as a rousing orator, McCain may not have matched the emotional heights achieved the night before by Sarah Palin, his inspired but risky choice for vice president, who has energized the GOP base. Still, he did often bring the Republicans to their feet chanting, "USA, USA." The crowd roared as he closed by calling for Americans to "stand up and fight" for America in "a cause greater than self."
He asserted that his many years of experience make him a more credible agent of change than Obama. "Again and again, I've worked with members of both parties to fix problems that need to be fixed," he said. "That's how I will govern as president." He has crossed party lines on big issues such as campaign finance regulation and immigration reform even when it angered fellow Republicans. "I have that record and the scars to prove it," he said. Obama can't claim to have suffered those kinds of wounds on behalf of principle.
McCain's pick of Palin underscored his reform message. The Alaska governor battled an entrenched, corrupt GOP in her own state. Obama has never dared to cross the Democratic Party. He had the chance two years ago when his friend and reform candidate Forrest Claypool challenged the Democratic organization by running for the Cook County Board presidency. Maybe Obama's backing for Claypool would not have changed the outcome, but we don't know because Obama decided not to disturb the power structure and withheld his endorsement. Claypool lost.
By contrasting his independent streak with Obama's go-along, get-along record, McCain also put some distance between himself and the unpopular President Bush.
Everyone had expected the Democratic convention with its Clinton theatrics and Obama's big speech to overshadow the GOP show, but the maverick McCain had other plans.