A Man of His Own

by Logan Ferrell ('10)

Just before the culmination of the presidential campaign, it is easy to forget the true principles behind either candidate. Two years of tough campaigning have swallowed any substance behind the arguments that fill both airwaves and hallway conversation within MLWGS. Looking at the views of the candidates, before the onslaught of pandering and aggressive slogans; one begins to question the growing acceptance of an Obama presidency. That same questioning, has led me to the same conclusions about John McCain that I first had; he is a us

Let us first consider that slogan which seems to most permeate the current electoral conversation; John McCain is equivalent to George W. Bush, and has consistently voted with his White House. The part of this argument that people seem to forget, is that George Bush and John McCain are indeed of the same political party. Political parties, intended as group consisting of people with similar philosophies and beliefs, would therefore logically contain members (i.e. a president and a senator) who agree on and reaffirm each other’s policy decisions. However, to say that this similarity of legislative philosophies makes John McCain equally responsible for the obvious mistakes of President Bush, ignores the fact that John McCain has often publicly opposed the president. While the media may have forgotten, they at one time ran against each other.

On key issues, John McCain has spoken out against his party, while maintaining a record of logical decisions. Many of these decisions actually reflect views Obama now claims as his own. In 2003, McCain voted against the GOP in sponsoring a bill devoted to curbing Greenhouse gas emissions; then by supporting a bill for stem cell research, and more recently for increasing access to healthcare for underprivileged children. All these decisions reflect John McCain’s willingness to oppose George Bush, in fighting for decisions that are better for the country, if not the party. Sadly, this fact has been obscured by the both campaigns; McCain’s in an attempt to appease hard-core conservatives, and by Obama to appeal for “change”.

This change, he says would reach across the aisle for progress, ignoring party lines (as he accuses McCain as firmly following) to decide a common American policy. The Washington Post said John McCain voted with his party 88% of the time during the current congress, Obama voted with his party 96% of the time: how is that for change.