MyDD :: The Quote That Defines John McCain (spread it around)

The Quote That Defines John McCain (spread it around)

by vcalzone, Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 01:14:35 AM EST

This is an oldie but still needs to be brought back up, since it's been awhile since I've seen it thrown around. Back in 2007, there was something I saw that turned me inexorably away from John McCain. I grew to like him again in time, but I read something that made me realize exactly what his campaign had become and who I would be voting for.

You see, I liked John McCain at one time. We all did, admit it. He was unafraid to challenge the Republicans at a time when even many Democrats weren't up to the task. He fought against corruption, tax breaks that eventually crippled the US economy (by being invested largely in foreign businesses), and for the environment. I saw him in much the same way a lot of America still sees him.

Then that started to change. Slowly at first. Hugging the man he rightly called an agent for intolerance. Embracing the man whose dirty campaigning forever soiled both him and US politics. And I noticed that McCain the moderate was suddenly becoming anything but. And I wondered why. I assumed he was pandering, and it upset me, but I still thought he had some sense. And then one day, I saw this:

Q: "What about grants for sex education in the United States? Should they include instructions about using contraceptives? Or should it be Bush's policy, which is just abstinence?"

Mr. McCain: (Long pause) "Ahhh. I think I support the president's policy."

Q: "So no contraception, no counseling on contraception. Just abstinence. Do you think contraceptives help stop the spread of HIV?"

Mr. McCain: (Long pause) "You've stumped me."

Q: "I mean, I think you'd probably agree it probably does help stop it?"

Mr. McCain: (Laughs) "Are we on the Straight Talk express? I'm not informed enough on it. Let me find out. You know, I'm sure I've taken a position on it on the past. I have to find out what my position was. Brian, would you find out what my position is on contraception - I'm sure I'm opposed to government spending on it, I'm sure I support the president's policies on it."

Q: "But you would agree that condoms do stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Would you say: `No, we're not going to distribute them,' knowing that?"

Mr. McCain: (Twelve-second pause) "Get me Coburn's thing, ask Weaver to get me Coburn's paper that he just gave me in the last couple of days. I've never gotten into these issues before."

I know it doesn't need to be said that McCain is a third term of Bush, but lost in the shuffle is that he has made himself into a downright phony. Make sure everyone who ever thinks of supporting McCain sees this quote. It will make them think twice about who the real phony is in this campaign.

Tags: phony, sad, disingenuous, confused (all tags)

Permalink :: 39 Comments :: Post a Comment

oh boy (2.00 / 5)

this guy is a gift that keeps on giving.

thanks for the find!

rec this!

by hocuspocus on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 01:30:09 AM EST

Re: oh boy (2.00 / 2)

This diary isn't fair to McCain.

They cut off the rest of the quote:

Q: "So, just to be clear, you really aren't sure if condoms prevent HIV?"

Unnamed McCain Advisor: (whispering) "He's talking about prophylactics, sir."

Mr. McCain: "Prophylactics! Why the hell didn't you say so? I had no idea you were talking about prophylactics! I'm very, very, very old."

by jdusek on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 12:13:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: oh boy (2.00 / 1)

Yes, my mother is McCain's age. She calls them "conundrums"

"More War Years! More War Years!" ~John McCain

by Tommy Flanagan on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 02:00:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Here is one topic he is never confused about (none / 0)

John McCain is a consistent and long-standing advocate for the repeal of Roe v. Wade. If you think that can't happen, consider this: Conservatives need just one more vote on the Supreme Court to have a majority. When that happens, Roe will be overturned.

Did you know that Justice Stevens is old enough to be McCain's father. Still secure about the prospects for defending choice?

by background n015e on Sun Jun 08, 2008 at 08:39:13 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Quote That Defines John McCain (spread it (2.00 / 5)

Haven't seen this lovely quote for a while, but I'm glad it's rearing its ugly head again.

My favorite part is when McCain seems completely confused about the value of wrapping it up to prevent the spread of HIV. That the public is grossly ignorant on such things (sadly) has ceased to surprise me. That a candidate for President is so ignorant...well, that's just stunning.

No way. No how. No McCain.

by freedom78 on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 02:09:53 AM EST

one has to wonder how serious they are (2.00 / 1)

about winning.. maybe they know something we don't know on the economy...

that its built on a house of cards, etc.

Maybe they don't want the Presidency.. they seem SO laconic. Irresponsible.

Or maybe they have developed the ultimate election cheating machine..

Universal healthcare IS a core Democratic value
Comprehensively cover 100%, not only the healthiest 80%

by architek on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 09:05:36 AM EST
[ Parent ]

30 years in the senate is a long time. (2.00 / 3)

He thought contra-ception referred to the birth Nicaraguan freedom-fighters....

McCainuire, The Wrath Of Not Enough Naps.

by catilinus on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 02:22:57 AM EST

Re: 30 years in the senate is a long time. (none / 0)

The funny thing is I have just been listening to REM's "Welcome to the Occupation" a few times.

I was only a toddler during I-C, but I ran into the track when I found the Document CD for $5 and really liked it.

It's good to remind ourselves of how ugly the Reagan years actually were; awful foreign policy that has led us to today, the time was bad for growth and family (the population increased less in the 1980s than most other decades because people couldn't afford it,) etc.

by BlueEngineerInOhio on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 01:25:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

No Country for Old Men (2.00 / 2)

This illustrates a couple of things about McTurd. First, yes, he's no straight-talking independent. He's as timid as most politicians and inclined to pander to the most idiotic sentiments in the country. Second, he's incapable of talking about any issue with intellectual competence (not even foreign policy). As Daniel Larison noted in a recent post:

...in any contest between Obama and McCain, Obama is the substantive, policy-oriented candidate, while McCain is the one offering mostly pious bromides about victory, service and being American. If style often beats substance, Obama is in trouble because, as his supporters tirelessly remind us, Obama does have a substantive policy agenda (even if he doesn't spend as much time talking about it and a lot of his boosters don't care what it is) and McCain's entire campaign has been even more driven by biography and character than Obama's.

http://www.amconmag.com/larison/2008/06/ 05/style-over-substance/

And, the best part: even folks over at National Review Online appear to concede Larison's point.

by DPW on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 02:32:16 AM EST

It's sad, really, (2.00 / 1)

the way he's abandoned all of his principles. I used to think he was a pretty okay guy (for a Republican).

Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.

by sricki on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 02:56:59 AM EST

He lost me (2.00 / 5)

when he didn't stand up for his family. Bush said some terrible things about McCain's wife and daughter - really terrible things. Despite that - McCain was (rather famously) pictured hugging Bush. He campaigned for him.

If the man won't stand up for his own family - how's he gonna stand up for America? Caving in to Bush showed McCain had a price - his own ambition. He'd literally sacrifice anything for power. I have no respect for someone like that.

by The Fat Lady Sings on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 03:46:44 AM EST
[ Parent ]

What did Bush say? (none / 0)

and how could a man not support them?

Bushes have been known for saying the DUMBEST things..

Ever..

Universal healthcare IS a core Democratic value
Comprehensively cover 100%, not only the healthiest 80%

by architek on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 09:07:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What did Bush say? (none / 0)

There were widespread push polls in South Carolina that asked "would you be less likely to support John McCain if you learned that he had fathered an illegitimate black child?"

He has an adopted daughter, Bridget, who's Bangladeshi, and who at that age could be mistaken for half-black.

No one ever took responsibility for doing that, but "it's widely believed" that it was Rove's work. The rumor caught fire and it derailed his candidacy.

We should be able to deliver bottled hot water to dehydrated babies.

by Jess81 on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 11:00:00 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Bush also attacked McCains wife (none / 0)

She was called a drug addict, a whore who broke up his first marriage, someone with serious mental health issues. McCain should have defended his wife and daughter. He didn't, and that has always colored how I look at the man.

by The Fat Lady Sings on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 02:12:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: He lost me (none / 0)

McCain doesn't care about anyone's family.

"Why is Chelsea so ugly?"

"Because Janet Reno is her father!!"

by BlueEngineerInOhio on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 01:26:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

yes! (none / 0)

I'd forgotten that one. I mean ... it would be hard to write stupider things for McCain to say. He's really losing it. The thought of him as President is really frightening.

McCain housing policy shaped by lobbyist.

by obsessed on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 02:58:52 AM EST

Re: The Quote That Defines John McCain (none / 0)

"I voted for it before I voted against it." vs. "I'm sure I've taken a position on it on the past. I have to find out what my position was."

Too bad there's not video.

John McCain: Healthcare for Kids? In America? No way

by bosdcla14 on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 03:05:54 AM EST

Re: (spread it around) (none / 0)

It's pretty clear he was having a little cognitive dissonance with the two sets of premises:

(1) condoms=prevent HIV, HIV bad, and
(2) condoms are used during sex, sex is bad.

by slynch on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 03:42:29 AM EST

Re: (spread it around) (2.00 / 2)

Yeah. It's such a good quote because it crystalizes this cognitive dissonance and gives the lie to his straight talk. Everyone knows that condoms help prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Yet, somehow, the reporter "stumped" McCain.

This is the sort of quote that wouldn't register on a lot of people. And for others, it doubtless mirrors their own cognitive dissonance. For guys like my father-in-law, who voted twice for Bush but will vote for Obama, it's proof that McCain is a pandering liar. My father-in-law is self-employed and usually voted Republican because he saw them as the ones who cared more about commonsense business decisions. But he hates the social conservatism. Pandering to the Religious Right is going to backfire on McCain: It'll turn off the Independents and lots of fiscal conservatives who are fed up with ideologues.

by deminva on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 08:33:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Quote That Defines John McCain (spread it (none / 0)

This needs to become part of a youtube viral ...

by eliot on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 07:37:47 AM EST

Re: The Quote That Defines John McCain (spread it (2.00 / 1)

McCain alternates between befuddlement and obsequious panderer... the real McCain and all his "straight talk" is finally going to be vetted this summer.

Speaking of "straight talk," have y'all seen this one? Pass it on:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ioy90nF2anI

by eliot on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 07:48:54 AM EST

Re: The Quote That Defines John McCain (spread it (2.00 / 1)

And here's McCain vs McCain 2:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=GEtZlR3zp4c&a mp;feature=related

Pass it on!

by eliot on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 07:52:22 AM EST

Re: The Quote That Defines John McCain (spread it (none / 0)

Has anyone read Cliff Schecter's new book yet?

http://www.realmccainbook.com/

by eliot on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 08:01:12 AM EST

Weathervane McCain (2.00 / 1)

See which way the wind is blowing.

by aimeeinkc on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 09:14:05 AM EST

Re: Weathervane McCain (none / 0)

Yes, indeed.

On a list of a (baker's dozen) reasons why McCain won't win, I have as #7

7. The Not So Straight-talk Factor: McCain has built his reputation on being a man of principle. This has two features: he believes in something and he sticks with what he believes in. McCain has recently begun to backpedal on principles and commitments. He is vulnerable to being viewed as a flip-flopper, if not dishonest, which will undermine his hitherto greatest strength.

"A Dozen Reasons Why McCain Won't Win: Money Back Guarantee" http://msa4.wordpress.com/page/2/

Mitchell Aboulafia

by Mitchell A on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 10:56:59 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Personally, I never liked him (none / 0)

I never bought into that maverick, straight talk bs.

by DaveG on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 10:01:57 AM EST

Re: The Quote That Defines John (none / 0)

It is hilarious. I've already emailed it to half a dozen of my Republican friends who are very ambivalent about him anyway either because they think he's a bush clone or, don't laugh, think he's a democrat in disguise.

by ottovbvs on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 10:11:07 AM EST

Re: The Quote That Defines John (2.00 / 1)

Yeah, this is so damning, especially among GOP. I'm not sure what John McCain is thinking, but I know what is going to happen. There was a time at which McCain was totally counted out. That wasn't a mistake or a fluke, his support came for a very specific reason... because Giuliani, a candidate liked for being perceived as a moderate, decided to run on a strong, conservative platform. And clearly, McCain learned nothing, because he's doing the same thing. Once he's had some time for the press to actually dig their teeth into him (and Obama has had time to point them in the right directions), he will be in DEEEP trouble. I think we will see the October surprise before the convention this year in a last-minute attempt to breed discord that could derail the Democrats. He'd better hope it's something horrifying, too.

If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.

by vcalzone on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 11:23:53 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Quote That Defines John (none / 0)

October surprise I'm hoping for is leaked P.I. pictures of Cindy McCain banging their pool guy. It would be horrifying. I'd have to shield my eyes.

by RickWn on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 02:05:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Quote That Defines John (none / 0)

"His support came for a very specific reason... because Giuliani, a candidate liked for being perceived as a moderate, decided to run on a strong, conservative platform."

The same can be said of Mitt Romney. Perhaps even more so.

by KTinOhio on Sun Jun 08, 2008 at 01:55:51 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Woo! (2.00 / 2)

First Rec list diary! I'm so proud.

If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.

by vcalzone on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 11:18:31 AM EST

Re: The Quote That Defines John McCain (spread it (2.00 / 1)

This really is a gem. It needs to be on billboards.

When I grow up, I want to be a superdelegate!

by robitude on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 01:04:51 PM EST

1 of Many That Defines McSame (2.00 / 1)

Abstinence? This is absurd. An absurd policy from an absurd group of sexually-repressed men. These are men who screw high-class hookers(who are most likely not married). Can you say hypocrite?

With that said, we really need more of these McCain diaries outing all of his endless BS. The guy only knows one thing, WAR.

This administration is not sinking. This administration is soaring! If anything, they are rearranging the deck chairs on the Hindenburg!

by venavena on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 01:25:42 PM EST

Re: The Quote That Defines John McCain (spread it (2.00 / 1)

Hell, I'm still reeling from "We must be able to send bottled hot water to dehydrated babies."

by Drummond on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 01:31:55 PM EST

Can you say McNanny? (none / 0)

I'm sure the man has never actually taken care of baby, so he probably thinks that's about right.

This administration is not sinking. This administration is soaring! If anything, they are rearranging the deck chairs on the Hindenburg!

by venavena on Sat Jun 07, 2008 at 01:34:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The Quote That Defines John McCain (none / 0)

I figured it would be the quote calling his wife a "c*nt and a trollop".

by heyhellowhatsnew on Sun Jun 08, 2008 at 02:24:08 AM EST

Re: The Quote That Defines John McCain (none / 0)

Well, call this one the quote that can be verified.

If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.

by vcalzone on Sun Jun 08, 2008 at 03:10:39 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The Quote That Defines John McCain (spread it (none / 0)

I'd love to see The Jed Report do a little something with this interview. It would be just the thing in youtube format.

by vbdietz on Sun Jun 08, 2008 at 08:27:22 AM EST

Re: The Quote That Defines John McCain (none / 0)

This man is a gaffe a minute. I certainly hope that we (as Democrats) don't pull our punches with this guy.

Users who are excessively bashing the Democratic Party, or being Republican trolls, will be banned.

by Massadonious on Sun Jun 08, 2008 at 08:48:06 AM EST

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