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."
That is one of the big deficiencies I see with McCain.
McCain, and numerous others, were incarcerated in miserable conditions in Vietnam while Kerry was spreading lies about their behavior while they were in country.
McCain seemed to reconcile with Kerry even though Kerry has NOT retracted any of the accusations he leveled.
I find that contemptible. It even puts McCain in the same league as the other Vietnam war accusers.
There's little difference between him and John Kerry. Ask Ted Sampley, he's had them nailed down as being two peas in a pod for years.
Well .. McCain better be looking in the mirror .. because he's still holding a grudge against President Bush. It's the only thing I can think of to explain his actions against the President.
>>>>>"Allow me to be the first - McCain is stupid"<<<<
The line starts way over there... parking is free and we have a shuttle.
TT
>>>"I will hold a grudge against McCain forever. I sent that man $2,000 in 2000. What a waste! I will never forgive myself for such stupidity!"<<<<
I kick myself for voting for Carter, we all have baggage.
TT
>>>>"It's not a grudge McLame, it's a PROMISE. You have reached the pinacle of your political career. It's over"<<<<
I'm with you
TT
NEVER. He is certifiable.
Read between the lines. What John McCain was really saying was "Holding grudges (when it hurts my political chances of being president) is stupid.
Thanks for pings, I am so behind on everything, lol!
Well, hurry up....follow along quickly now! : )
LOL, I can't. I'm in slow motion today!
Holding a grudge in politics is particularly foolish, says Sen. John McCain, and taking an expedient political position usually does not turn out well.
OMG, another McCain bashing thread. We need to show solidarity or the 'Rats will get us.
Drink some coffee.
Quick! : )
What, not a broken glass McClame supporter?
If McCain is the best we've got, the "Rats" deserve "getting us"....
Semper Fi
If McCain get the Repub nomination in 08, do you vote for him?
LOL, I drink coffee from morning to night!
As do I. I think it's probably bad for the stomach though. : )
It depends ... is it McLame vs:
1: Hillary
2: Kerry
3: Algore
...I dunno, ... it's early.
Who else we got?
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