Much has been speculated about the discrepancy between the John McCain of 2000 and the John McCain of today. McCain evolved from a candidate whom we liked or at least were able to respect to a candidate who would make us miss George W. Bush if he won the election. Who or what caused the drastic change? Is he insane? Does he have Alzheimer's? Is he possessed by demons? Which one is the REAL McCain?
My question is: Is he for real?
More below.
Before McCain's appearance at the Al Smith dinner and on Letterman, I thought his bizarre performances during the debates and elsewhere were a sign of age/obsession/whatever-related decline. Apparently he had lost the ability to present himself as the pleasant candidate he seemed to be in 2000. But lo and behold, on Thursday night the McCain we used to see came back. As several people here pointed out, if he had been like that all the time, the race would be a whole lot closer. He might actually win.
So what is going on here?
Obviously he is capable of keeping his temper and facial expressions under control, so why doesn't he do it when it counts the most? Having been in politics as long as he has, he should know that appearances matter. So why does he allow himself to have his picture taken with his tongue hanging out? Doesn't he have anyone on his staff who can show him footage and point out what he looks like and how he comes across? Are his staffers too scared? Speaking of appearances, if he can spend $5000+ on a make-up artist, why doesn't he bother to have his teeth whitened?
What about the horrible judgment he has shown throughout his campaign? Don't even get me started on the Moose Lady. McCain and his surrogates spread lies about Obama that he obviously doesn't believe himself and that do not help his electability. Yet he continues. Some bloggers have blamed the campaign's worst moments on the people behind the scenes. But no one put a gun to McCain's head and forced him to say, "I approve this message." Besides, it's not working! What kind of professionals would allow this to continue?
Which is the real thing, McCain 2000 or McCain 2008? As his conduct at school, in the Navy, and towards his wives illustrate, his temper and entitlement issues have been a recurring theme throughout his life. Obviously he isn't as nice as he appeared to be in 2000. But he was able to play a nice guy on TV, very convincingly so. So why did he stop? Why the cryptkeeper routine? Obviously it is not effective, so why is he keeping it up? Is he trying to prove that he can win the election with one hand tied behind his back?
The presidency is the last big-ticket item on his bucket list and he wants it very badly; otherwise, I would say he is throwing the election on purpose. He is too ambitious to do that, though. So what is he doing?
Mind you, I am glad that he is showing his ugly side for all the world to see. I won't that fool to lose. I am just curious what's going on here. I always tell my students in literature class that most important aspect of a character is motivation. I haven't been able to figure out McCain's yet, and it bugs me.
Well, at any rate, soon it will all be over, and hopefully Johnny Mac will be the proverbial footnote of history. Let's hope that the only October surprise coming our way is the news that Obama's real middle name is Steve.
Until then, though -- any suggestions what's up with McCain???