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McCain Has Record To Keep His Promise Of Beltway Reform

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 6, 2008

John McCain might not be the world's greatest orator, but in accepting the Republican presidential nomination Thursday night, he communicated a solid, straightforward and confident vision for how to move the nation forward.

The rhetorical flourishes were minimal; some even called the speech flat. It was no match for the spirited speech given by his surprise running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, who put the world on notice that this hockey mom is no push-over.

But as McCain stood at the podium, it became clear the Republican Party nominated the right man. With 80 percent of Americans saying the country is on the wrong track, McCain is the only Republican candidate with the chops and credibility to sway a discouraged electorate.

Still, it was remarkable that after accepting the nomination, the Arizona senator proceeded to distance himself from a party that has lost its way on the core values of fiscal conservatism and less government. While he thanked President Bush for leading the country through dark days, McCain didn't mention his name.

McCain's message is about reform, not business as usual. He's fought for campaign finance reform and fought against corruption, lobbyists and big spenders. What a coincidence that on the day of his speech, Jack Abramoff, the lobbyist who has defined modern political corruption and whom McCain railed against, was sentenced to four years in prison.

"You know, I've been called a maverick," the senator said. "Sometimes it's meant as a compliment, and sometimes it's not. What it really means is I understand who I work for. I don't work for a party. I don't work for a special interest. I don't work for myself. I work for you."

It's unfortunate that McCain looked so stiff, but remember, he has not been able to lift his arms above his shoulders since the North Vietnamese broke his body at the Hanoi Hilton.

McCain used his speech to reach for the common good. He promised not to let supporters down and to win the trust of those who remain undecided. He said he will look at any good idea that will shake up Washington and get the country back on track.

McCain was believable when he promised to reach across the aisle because he has a track record of doing so, even when it wasn't politically popular. Washington doesn't reward politicians who step out of line with party dogma. Instead, they get bumped from key committees or find their legislation banished to Siberia.

The culture of Washington needs to change for this nation to address the challenges we face. And unlike Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee, McCain has proven his ability to work with Democrats to get things done. He notes that he "has the scars to prove it."

As is expected at such events, McCain criticized his opponent's positions on taxes, trade, jobs, education and health care. He took a couple broad swipes at Obama's positions that weren't quite accurate. For example, Obama does not oppose offshore drilling; he just wants this option to be included in a comprehensive energy policy.

Bottom line, McCain effectively communicated his experience, confidence and record of change. His presidency will not be George Bush's third term, no matter how the Democrats try to sell that line. He has two more months to convince voters of it.

With the base secured, McCain now can show the rest of America why he is the right man to lead the nation.

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