I just ordered my copy of Cliff Schecter's The Real McCain: Why Conservatives Don't Trust Him and Why Independents Shouldn't. This is a must-read for all of us in the blogosphere but not just a must-read, it's a must-buy. It's important to support our fellow progressives and to be honest, the more this book sells, the more likely it will be that Cliff will be booked on TV. Is it me or are there fewer progressive voices on TV lately than there used to be? We know why news outlets aren't exactly clamoring to book Cliff. His book features anecdotes about the media's favorite maverick like this:
Three reporters from Arizona, on the condition of anonymity, also let me in on another incident involving McCain's intemperateness. In his 1992 Senate bid, McCain was joined on the campaign trail by his wife, Cindy, as well as campaign aide Doug Cole and consultant Wes Gullett. At one point, Cindy playfully twirled McCain's hair and said, "You're getting a little thin up there." McCain's face reddened, and he responded, "At least I don't plaster on the makeup like a trollop, you cunt." McCain's excuse was that it had been a long day. If elected president of the United States, McCain would have many long days.
And this one, as related by Cliff to Crooks & Liars:
McCain made a big speech when Republicans were voting for Bush's bill to get rid of the Estate Tax. He called those who supported it "whiners" while those fighting were "sacrificing for their country" and that it should not be "eliminated during a time of war." He has now flip-flopped and wants to make it permanent (and even took the lead in May of `06 to do it!). There has been more out there on his flip-flop on Bush's taxes overall, but not much if anything on this specific statement and position. And it is important, as the Estate Tax is specifically for the rich. Voting for that bill back then, however, was "a far cry from sacrifice."
It's also incumbent on all of us to be armed with the facts about McCain so we can talk down our errant friends and family who think it's even an option to vote for this guy. We've seen all the polling that shows a good chunk of Democrats (in the 20% range!) say they will vote for McCain if their preferred candidate loses the primary. This is unacceptable. Buy The Real McCain and read up on just what a disaster this guy would be as president. And support a good progressive in the process.
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