McCain's stump speeches emphasize "fighting". He's a "fighter" who "fights" for America. He encourages Americans to "stand up and fight" to "defend our country from its enemies".
I was bothered by his choice of words ever since I first heard them during the Republican convention. But they're just words, right?
Then they started emphasizing that Obama is a socialist and/or a terrorist, who is trying to steal the election.
Then I read about Obama supporters having their tires slashed, cars trashed, and being assaulted. I heard Palin say how happy she is to speak to "real Americans" and visit "pro-America" parts of the country.
Obama is not just "the other candidate". They are painting him as the other. Not like us. Not patriotic, not a real American. And by extension, his supporters must be the same. Democrats are not just the other major party. They are called out as "evil" and "baby-killers".
McCain-Palin appearances have become hate-filled rallies, trying to convince Republicans how terrible things will be if their candidate loses. Surely, they would have to take action to save their country and family from such a dire situation.
I really, really, don't want to make comparisons to pre-WWII Germany. But -- demonizing your opponents? Believing that they are actively working against the country? Making accusations that approach modern blood libel?
If McCain loses, there will not just be a group of voters who are disappointed that their candidate lost. There will be a group of scared, hateful, resentful people who will feel that they have to do something to save their country. And McCain is egging on his supporters, "Defend our country from its enemies! Stand up! Stand up and fight!"
Frank Rich had some a few things to say about McCain's rallies in his NYT column from 10/12.
McCain's standard stump speech ends with:
Yes, we will pass on to our children a stronger, better country. But we must be prepared to act swiftly, boldly, with courage and wisdom.
I know what fear feels like. It's a thief in the night who robs your strength.
I know what hopelessness feels like. It's an enemy who defeats your will.
I felt those things once before. I will never let them in again. I'm an American. And I choose to fight.
Don't give up hope. Be strong. Have courage. And fight.
Fight for a new direction for our country. Fight for what's right for America.
Fight to clean up the mess of corruption, infighting and selfishness in Washington.
Fight to get our economy out of the ditch and back in the lead.
Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.
Fight for our children's future.
Fight for justice and opportunity for all.
Stand up to defend our country from its enemies.
Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. America is worth fighting for. Nothing is inevitable here. We never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history.