Maverick or Sleep Aid?

About a month ago I ranted poetic about Sen. Obama and his European tour. It turns out my rant hit a few nerves with the Obama supporters. In turn, I promised to air my beefs (a.k.a my opinion) with the McCain campaign.

Watching John McCain's campaign has been like watching paint dry: boring, tedious and completely uninspiring. After Bob Dole's campaign run, I didn't think it was possible to see a more mundane presidential candidate.

I was wrong.

John McCain won his party's primary because he is a maverick. He's someone who has been a thorn in President Bush's side. He doesn't play it safe. People like that he has convictions and that he sticks to them even when they go against the political tide.

It's evident in this campaign cycle that voters are ready for someone to come along and shake things up. That's why Obama's message of change and hope have resonated with so many people. McCain was suppose to bring that same type of message for the Republicans.

So what happened? Where did the maverick go? I'm guessing that after he won the primaries his advisers put a lid on everything people enjoyed about him in the name of "playing it safe." We sure wouldn't want a candidate who rocks the boat, or goes out on a limb or wins an election, would we?

So to those McCain advisors, I'd like to give you a little advice from this mom and housewife who knows little about politics but a little more about what appeals to people.

1. Please don't let the resident old guy drive around in a golf cart with former President George H.W. Bush. It's not at all endearing to see two grumpy old guys taking the mode of transportation most often found in double-wide trailer parks in Florida. It's a mental picture that still keeps me up at night.


2. Please tell me why he. is. so. monotone. and. boring. when. he. speaks. It drives me crazy. He's suppose to have a temper and, frankly, I'd like to see a little fire in his eyes. Have him get excited. Teach him a little whoop and holler. Get him to go crazy. But. please. don't. bore. me. with. his. monotone. rhetoric.


3. I know he was recently criticized for talking too much about being a POW but I believe he hasn't said enough. There are so many stories that haven't been told about his time as a prisoner and, while I respect his privacy on the matter, that's the one reason many are drawn to him. At least use those who served with him to tell the stories.


4. Give people more access to him. He was recently in my city and spoke to a small group at a local factory. Wow! That's riveting footage on the 6 o'clock news, especially when the next story is about Obama parting the red sea on his way to speak to thousands.


5. Point out every chance you get why he is known as the maverick. Talk about the bills he's pushed through that were unpopular with his own party, and show us why he is capable of shaking up Washington. If people are looking for change then let them know how you've been an agent of change in the senate.

Republicans finally saw some life from this comatose campaign when McCain announced Gov. Sarah Palin as his choice for Vice President. Regardless of what you think of her, she has been her weight in gold for injecting fresh life into this very stagnant campaign. As my good friend Patty likes to say, Palin's the color person. She's the person who adds spunk and life and color to an otherwise very grey candidate.

With that all being said, I'm really amazed that McCain has stayed even with Obama in the polls. I believe it's been Obama's race to lose all along. But that's what they said about Hillary a year ago, too.

I hope the Republicans get to show their stuff this week at the RNC and they unleash even more wild and crazy antics that can energize their base. Otherwise, they just may put this night owl, and their chances of winning, to bed.

Maverick or Sleep Aid?

http://politics4moms.blogspot.com/2008/09/maverick-or-sleep-aid.html