McCain: "The Eddie Haskell of Politics"

[DogPoundPup]

Reporter and longtime John McCain coverer Amy Silverman of Arizona's New Times has an astounding long feature detailing the senator's history in Arizona politics. Silverman has compiled a treasure trove of data on McCain's political biography--all of public record, but long buried in Arizona, it seems--including episodes in which she was an actor. She details the circumstances of some of the most unsavory political moments of McCain's public life, including the Keating Five scandal, barbs and brawls that reek of misogyny, and his steady courtship of the press. It's a must-read; some of the details are really cutting:

"During lunch, McCain said, almost with mischievous glee, that he had slipped some highly technical questions to to ask Mofford — questions she wouldn't be prepared to answer or expected to answer.

"Flabbergasted, I asked McCain why would he want to sabotage Mofford's testimony, when in fact the CAP was the nonpartisan pet of Republicans and Democrats — such as far-left Udall and far-right Goldwater — since its inception.

"His reply, as near as I remember, was, 'I'll embarrass a Democrat any time I get the chance.'

Callowness and opportunism seem to shade other of his behaviors, particularly regarding the legacies of the two most famous legislators from Arizona. Most interesting to me--if not surprising--is the disconnect between his hard-fought filiation with Morris Udall (and to a lesser extent, Barry Goldwater) and his actions, particularly when it comes to environmental policy:

McCain tends to support big-picture issues that will play well with voters, but when it has come to protecting Arizona over the past 26 years — well, not so much.

More ... http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archive/2008/08/14/mccain-quot-the-eddie-haskell-of-politics-quot.aspx

[newmac]

1. McCain

McCain will prove to be an awful candidate; especially in the youtube era. Expect mistakes, a gloves off approach from the MSN; and a few losses of temper.

[natrat]

2. eddie haskell

[mwb970]

3. "That's a lovely sweater, Mrs. Cleaver." /nt