The Last Stand of John McCain

The Wall Street Journal, in an editorial today, reminds us why in some respects, the brave John McCain of yore is back. In an interview with 60 Minutes, which aired on Sunday, the issue of his support for the Iraq war was discussed (emphasis mine):

The most revealing exchange came when Mr. Pelley, in all apparent seriousness, asked the Senator "at what point do you stop doing what you think is right and you start doing what the majority of the American people want?"

Answered Mr. McCain: "I disagree with what the majority of the American people want. I still believe the majority of the American people, when asked, say if you can show them a path to success . . . then they'll support it." Later Mr. Pelley observed that Mr. McCain was betting his entire campaign on the success of the current "surge" strategy in Baghdad. The Senator replied that he'd "rather lose a campaign than lose a war."

With that statement we again know the better, courageous John McCain.

Any politician who seeks public office should make their political career subordinate to the prestige of the country. One talking point from the Right seems just plainly true: The Democrats are deeply, irrevocably invested in the failure of this war. Their deep hatred towards Bush (which began after the 2000 election) has become so distorted that any outcome besides international chaos and bloodshed following an American withdrawal - in other words, the alternate possibility, winning - would knock over the tent pole around which their party has been united.

They would, to paraphrase, rather lose the war and win the campaign. In fact, the first item is an important precondition which helps enable the second item.

Strictly in terms of electoral handicapping, McCain is still a long-odds candidate. But before his time on the stage is finished he may still have much to contribute in keeping a burning spotlight on true backbone and integrity - doing what's right even when it isn't apparently popular or expedient - and reminding everyone why some items should transcend party and election.

Update: Krauthammer and Barnes really get it.

Tags: John McCain