Continuing to Cross the Line

Here's an excerpt from an article released today by The Associated Press regarding the angry hate-filled outbursts that continue to be heard at McCain-Palin rallies:

"McCain once stepped forward directly to denounce that tactic. This week, his campaign merely issued a lukewarm criticism that tried to score a political point in the same breath: 'We do not condone this inappropriate rhetoric which distracts from the real questions of judgment, character and experience that voters will base their decisions on this November.'"

Until he began his presidential campaign, I found it very easy to respect John McCain. He has an honorable record of service in our military and in the senate. He has often spoke up against his party on issues of principal such as when he denounced the Swift Boat ads run against John Kerry in 2004. But in this moment, with his own presidency on the line, I think he is crossing over toward a dark place that is not only dangerous for his campaign, but more importantly, for his country. McCain's judgment must be better than to assume, as his campaign manager does, that the "inappropriate rhetoric" displayed at Republican rallies has "nothing to do with what our candidates are doing or saying right now."

Perhaps some believe that anything goes in a political campaign, but I definitely think there is a line. McCain has crossed it, and in the same moment, ironically revealed a less than favorable side of his judgment, character, and whatever else his experience has taught him. If he wants voters to believe that he will truly be an agent of positive change, he should have led his campaign in a congruent fashion. Either way, now is the time for him to put country first and lead strongly by taking a stand against bigotry and steering his campaign in a new direction.