At TM.com we honor the service, the heroism and bravery of all service men
and women, regardless of political party. Senator John McCain is one of those
men. Of course, this is not an endorsement of McCain or his politics. That I
feel compelled to write that sentence saddens me, but that’s where our politics
is today. This is simply a well deserved acknowledgment of the indomitable spirit
of the American soldier represented by John McCain.
It was 35 years ago today that John McCain was released from bondage, from
his torture and captivity in Vietnam. A video was produced to commemorate
McCain’s
“Journey to Freedom.”
The video above, however, I believe is a much more fitting tribute, as well as a warning to all Democrats on what we will face in November. There is something in McCain’s campaign theme, seen through this video, that glosses over his bad politics and faulty judgments, including his belief that a continuation of the fight in Iraq is wise or possible to achieve a better end. McCain’s campaign theme, which is being fleshed out, hits at the seduction of patriotism that infuses our history. It taps into the spirit of the American steadfastness to fight the good fight to the end, linking up to mavericks and great leaders of the 20th century who faced great odds to win in the end. This is the type of campaign theme and sense of purpose to which Americans relate, regardless of the political policies underneath. Remembering always that people don’t vote on policies; they vote on emotion and emotional ties to the candidate. Just an observation on the type of campaign McCain will wage, even as flawed as he is as a candidate. George W. Bush was no gift, remember, and he didn’t have even a tiny particle of McCain’s life story, but look where the American people were led, twice.
But today we look beyond John McCain’s politics. On behalf
of TM.com, we salute a real American hero, Senator John McCain.
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