Posted on 12/20/2007 12:10:31 AM PST by Norman Bates
BOSTON — The setting of Senator John McCain’s event here was replete with imagery meant to play into his strengths.
On the top floor of the historic Faneuil Hall, Mr. McCain and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger sat surrounded by the flags from the American Revolution, the weapons of many generations of war and the photos of the leaders of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.
Directing the conversation was the former head of the Central Intelligence Agency, R. James Woolsey.
Without talking about Mr. McCain’s rivals, the statement was clear enough: he was showcasing his lifetime of experience dealing with national security challenges and foreign affairs.
“He has, sometimes to the short-term disadvantage, asked only one question: what is best for America and what is best for freedom in the world?” Dr. Kissinger said.
“This is why I am doing something I have not done before,” he continued. “This is why I think John McCain will be the best time to lead America through the turbulent, but also hopeful, period that is ahead of us.”
But it was also a highly unusual event.
While Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee continue to beat each other up over a single line in a Foreign Affairs article written by Mr. Huckabee that accused President Bush of having a “bunker mentality,” the conversation at Mr. McCain’s event ranged from the Westphalia Treaty three centuries ago to the current rise of India and China.
Mr. McCain speaks frequently of his admiration for Dr. Kissinger, whom he acknowledges is a “controversial figure” in some circles.
(Excerpt) Read more at thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com ...
It’s probably good that I didn’t see this until today. Last night I was asked to participate in a phone bank, calling Iowa voters promoting McCain, I ignored the request, had I seen this my response would not have been polite.
Personally, I don't believe that a POW is entitled to anything, other than military compensation and our compassion. A POW is a military service-member being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Us, who have signed up for that or were drafted, knew the risks. There are probably hundreds if not thousands, who by the grace of god, avoided capture and did heroic deeds throughout our wars. It doesn't matter if they are in an aircraft that gets shot down or a grunt in the jungles or deserts. Wrong place and the wrong time does not give you an open door to Oval Office.
Mr. Detente with the commies-Henry A. Kissinger.
Another fake Nobel Peace Prize winner-with Le Duc Tho of Sen. McCain’s former captors.
The peace deal that didn’t end the war in Vietnam. A deal broken as all are by communists.
Should I believe Senator McCain must be running with the blessing of the Council on Foreign Relations?
One more reason to just say no to John McCain.
So where is the common sense, there sure is NO conservatism?
I agree with you - but would also point out that Sen. McCain isn’t running against himself. When you stack up his military experience - and let’s be realistic, a POW is an “elite” force regardless of circumstance - against those on the other side of the aisle, his opponents come up wanting.
With all that said, it may be that the so-called military vote, veterans vote et. al is no longer a factor demographically.
“Wrong place and the wrong time does not give you an open door to Oval Office.”
Neither do I. Look at Duke Cunningham’s fall from grace.
Do you believe McCain’s entire time in elected office has been a complete failure?
Thank you for understanding. We all sign up for the same risks. It's unfortunate that some realize the threat of those risks more than others, but that's the nature of the "contract" we sign. Those who were drafted - is another story.
A combat veteran has my most respect. However, a POW does not mean they are part of an "elite force". While they have faced the horror of war, and show its scars, they are not the "elite".
Again, it's a matter of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. In Iraq and Afganistan, our soldiers die and are maimed every day who are not attached to "elite" units. That doesn't make their lose any less important.
Guess my point is the word "elite" has become muddled in this current age of warfare. I, personally, reserved it for the highest training. However, if the supposedly lowest clerk in the Army is blown up in the line of duty, than yes, he is a hero - but not the "elite". Just get your terms right.
Yeah, poor choice of words on my part?
What I meant to say, and not very well - it has long been a component of presidential races for the candidate to have military service. There are exceptions of course but we have certainly seen this played out in the last few cycles.
It just seems to me that Sen. McCain knows military issues, veterans’ concerns, without question.
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