Posted on 05/21/2006 7:31:33 PM PDT by Aussie Dasher
Holding a grudge in politics is particularly foolish, says Sen. John McCain, and taking an expedient political position usually does not turn out well.
McCain has been criticized for reconciling with the Rev. Jerry Falwell, with whom McCain clashed during his failed campaign for the Republican nomination for president in 2000. McCain, considered a leading GOP hopeful for 2008, gave the commencement address at Falwell's Liberty University this month.
"I think one of the stupidest things you can do in politics is hold grudges. It's a waste of time and it doesn't do anything for you or for your constituents," McCain said on "Fox News Sunday."
Critics of the Arizona Republican see the Falwell reconciliation as McCain's bid to win over right-wing conservatives. McCain, however, said he has found that political expediency can create problems.
For example, McCain said, in 2000 he supported flying a Confederate flag over South Carolina's Capitol to avoid alienating "a certain voting bloc" ahead of the state's presidential primary. Blacks and many others see the Civil War-era Confederacy as a symbol of slavery and racism, not merely an emblem of a heritage cherished by many white Southerners.
"I shouldn't be involved in it, it was a state issue. It was an act of cowardice," McCain said in looking back.
"We're all gifted, no matter how principled we are, with the gift of rationalization. But I knew it was wrong at the time, but I rationalized it: Well, you know, I can use this as a way to avoid a political, you know, downside. And it was wrong," he said.
Asked how he knows he would not do that again if he ran for president, McCain responded:
"Well, I've learned a lot of lessons in my life. I'm older than dirt. I've got more scars than Frankenstein, but I've learned a lot of things along the way. And that was a very strong lesson for me. And there have been other times in my life. But I can tell you that I know the difference between right and wrong."
All the grudges are against him, so of course he would have that position.
Allow me to be the first - McCain is stupid.
Was he a coward then or a coward now?
Translation: McCain is asking for your vote despite everything he has done, is doing, and has guaranteed he will do to oppose conservatives.
OMG, another McCain bashing thread. We need to show solidarity or the 'Rats will get us.
You only hold a grudge when it is practical.
You "kiss up" to people that you demonized because you know that you--like Hillary--need some religion before you can get somme serious number of votes.
John McCain is a prostitute.
Yep--- John McCain certainly hasn't held any grudges because he feels he's entitled to the presidency and yet was soundly beaten by a man he wrongly considered his inferior.
He was on FoxNews today, and when they calledhim the "REpublican presidential front runner", he just ate it up.
I just cringed.
Some solid Republicans better start throwing their hat in the ring.
Please forgive me - as a legitimately wounded veteran of the Vietnam War, I have a grudge against John Kerry. Thirty-five years later, I can't find a way to forgive or forget. How can John McCain call this man a friend?
Was he a coward then or a coward now?
That is a very good and deep question. I would like to hear from a shrink on it.
Or is it that we'll end up getting the 'Rats? I forgit.
I will hold a grudge forever against traitors.
I thought all 'pubs were equally good. Man, I get so confused here.
I watched him say that. I don't believe him.
If McCain get the Repub nomination in 08, do you vote for him?
heh heh heh
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