What we have to do is...

[ColbertWatcher]

(I originally posted this on another thread, but decided to throw it out there to get more feedback.)

What we have to do is define the opponent succinctly.

Yes, McCain has so many weaknesses, but how to nail that to him as simply as possible so that it will stick even if we are threatened and made to be afraid?

I believe McCain is not trust worthy, based on how he has altered his convictions the day after forcefully stating them.

McCain's next-day explanations are not a question of "flip-flopping". No one really has a problem with people changing their minds. What is happening with McCain is more deceptive than a sincere change of mind or even "clarification".

And it is not something that can be explained away by his age either.

From his opposition to Webb's GI bill to campaign finance to torture, McCain has consistently moved from his self-proclaimed "straight-talking maverick" to "loyal party operative".

This reminds everyone of those debates in Congress where votes were going one way, but after a closed-door meeting or a long night out of the view of CSPAN, the vote is suddenly and inexplicable the opposite of what was previously declared. The new results of this extended vote benefits the industry which was the subject of the bill, who then goes on to reward everyone who fell in line with lobbying positions after retirement or with donations for re-election.

McCain may genuinely want to support Webb's bill, and run an honest campaign and he may be--more than anyone else--the one person who believes America is a nation that does not condone torture. But after every opportunity he has had to back up his assertions with action, not only has he failed to do so, but he does so in such a way that it is completely in sync with what his party's bosses have already pre-determined for their constituency, put in motion through the current administration (and complicit members of Congress) and desperately want to maintain through another GOP White House in order to stay in power.

McCain is simply another piece of the GOP political machine. His problem is he wants the prestige of the office; he believes it is the rightful place for the son of a Navy admiral. Who knows, maybe there are people pumping up his confidence with dreams of real leadership he has yet to demonstrate.

In order to achieve the ultimate prize, McCain has sadly, by degrees, given up any integrity he may have brought with him to Washington; he compensates for his lack of political savvy and true leadership with appeasement to his party's bosses.

His next-day explanations are a reflection of his place in the machine and not his leadership of his party.

McCain knows he is in debt to party operatives--not voters--for his position as presumptive nominee and will behave accordingly.

Our government is based on checks and balances and justice and accountability, none of which will matter to John McCain, who seems to be on a path to continue the plan his party has set in motion at the expense of anything the voters may demand.

McCain may say otherwise, but give him a day, that will change.

[ColbertWatcher]

1. DefCom 3 self-kick test n/t