noteworthy wrote:
ubernoir wrote:

McCain defends rival Obama

Apparently McCain took George Packer's advice, when he wrote yesterday:

Palin is too shallow to understand the weapon she’s playing with; she’s just thrilled to be the birthday girl and the object of so much semi-erotic devotion. But McCain knows better. His manner in debates and at rallies tells me that he’s conflicted about the forces his campaign is unleashing. Win or lose, he’s already damaged his cherished reputation beyond repair. But there’s still time for him to show leadership and do what’s necessary. The responsibility lies with him. In his speeches and at the final debate next week, McCain should say: “Barack Obama is a decent man and a good American. I deplore his policies, I doubt his judgment, I don’t think he has the experience to lead the country. But no one who supports me should question my opponent’s patriotism or his right to stand alongside me in this race. I would rather lose than win with the votes of fear-mongers or bigots.”

it strikes me that McCain is drawing a line in the sand
there are rules in a democracy and it should not be about power at any price and although it seems likely he will lose the election he is

a, signaling that certain aspects of political discourse are unacceptable

b, I think by saying what he did he has in some way signaled a desire to save the Republican Party from the far right. By saying this he is saying we must steer towards the mainstream and reaffirming basic American values of truth as an essential part of the process and away from the Rovian lies, fearmongering and the Willie Horton memestream of demagogary.

c, after the election there will have to be a healing, win or lose.

I don't support him but he has once again proved himself an American hero. Late in the day and imperfect but he took a stand.

RE: BBC NEWS | World | Americas | US Elections 2008 | McCain defends rival Obama