McCain's preference for the politics of gesture over the politics of substance

[question everything]

An interesting essay by Joe Klein in TIME, ending with these paragraphs:

Indeed, it seemed Palin and McCain held common ground on only two high-profile issues — an admirable rebelliousness when it came to their party's hierarchy and their opposition to abortion rights. Given the fact that McCain's top two choices for Vice President, Lieberman and Ridge, favored abortion rights, it would not be unfair to conclude that McCain's devotion to this issue was more political than personal.

The Palin selection — peremptory, petulant — was another example of McCain's preference for the politics of gesture over the politics of substance, as is his sudden fondness for oil exploration ("Drill here, drill now.") and hair-trigger bellicosity abroad (Syria, Iran, Russia). His lack of interest in actual governance is disappointing; his aversion to contemplation seems truly alarming. He has done us all a favor with this pick: he has shown us exactly what sort of President he would be.


http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1838571,00.html

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. McCain's economic policy:

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. McCain's Exit Strategy From Iraq:

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. McCain's Health Care Plan:

[Gabi Hayes]

6. he has a health care plan, and it's catastrophic for anyone who has employer based insurance

like me

it taxes the health benefits employees get, and would force them into the open market, which, along with tax credits, would magically, through 'competition', force insurance companies to provide affordable coverage.

nobody is buying that garbage

[question everything]

7. And you have "pre-existing" conditions, which most of us do

and no one will insure you, you are out of luck.

Even the ones who oppose universal health care see the holes in McCain's plan.

[mwb970]

4. It's not just McCain, it's all of them.

They obsess over the flag but don't seem to care about the country and values it represents. They value symbol over substance, every time. No evidence of actual thought, insight, or wisdom. Ever.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

5. McSame's VP: