On November 4th, Americans had an opportunity to take part in history by watching the first African-American president elect give his victory speech. John McCain, though not the victor, also spoke eloquently to all Americans, mainly thanking his supporters and urging them to stand behind their new president despite their convictions about him.
“These are difficult times for our country. And I pledge to him (Obama) tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face,” stated McCain.
By Stephanie Isacco
Staff Writer
On November 4th, Americans had an opportunity to take part in history by watching the first African-American president elect give his victory speech. John McCain, though not the victor, also spoke eloquently to all Americans, mainly thanking his supporters and urging them to stand behind their new president despite their convictions about him.
“These are difficult times for our country. And I pledge to him (Obama) tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face,” stated McCain. Besides the booing from the crowd that followed any mention of Obama, I think all people, regardless of their party affiliation, can appreciate and respect McCain’s words.
Melissa Kaufold, a sophomore who supported McCain throughout the election said, “I was very moved by McCain’s speech. His admirable characteristics were truly evident in his speech. Regardless of what candidate you supported, I do not think anyone can deny McCain’s speech was heartfelt and respectful.”
John McCain was on the opposite side of a movement that has been sweeping the country: mass disapproval of our current President. It would have been nearly impossible for any incumbent party candidate to win. Though McCain was criticized for voting with Bush the majority of the time, most of America agreed with him at the time, as well.
Obama has recognized that McCain was a moderate throughout his career, voting for what he thought was right, not just what his party wanted, but to appeal to those conservatives who did not think he was conservative enough, McCain’s proposed policies and vice-presidential pick leaned farther right than his previous record would have shown.
“I supported McCain because I felt he represented the ideals I believe in and the ideals of the Republican Party. Our country needs a new direction and I hope that this election brings about healthy change,” said Anna Cote, a sophomore. It is hope that is going to bring both sides of the political spectrum together. This loss for the GOP will also cause a transformation of the party.
McCain, along with stresses from his party, also had to battle the epic, perfectly timed movement for change from the Obama camp. Though McCain picked up a similar tagline for change midway through the election, he did not have the volunteer base or the novel ideas that Obama employed.
Some other common criticisms about the McCain campaign machine were his lack of charisma and civility in the debates, his seemingly irrational, though tactfully planned pick for v.p., his negative ads against Obama, his involvement in the Keating Five, and some misstatements about important issues. The politics of it is that McCain is probably a very nice guy, but the name of the game is making every candidate’s flaws the most important thing. Everyone always says, “Why can’t we get any good candidates for the presidency?” But the truth is, it will ever be possible for a candidate to look perfect once they put themselves in the limelight.
McCain recognized the historical significance of the outcome of the election referencing a time when it was an outrage for President Roosevelt to invite Booker T. Washington to the White House; “America today is a world away from the cruel and frightful bigotry of that time. There is no better evidence of this than the election of an African-American to the presidency of the United States.”
Tara Lorio, a junior and an Obama supporter who respects McCain for his service to the country said, “In a lot of McCain’s campaign advertisements he stressed the fact that he served in the army during Vietnam and was a POW. I think this service was very admirable of him and shows his dedication to the United States, which is very important.”
John McCain deserves great accolades for his service to the country, in the military, as governor of Arizona, and as a U.S. senator. Though the election process may have fogged your perception of him, now that the smoke has cleared, no matter which side you are on, you can respect the Maverick.