In Praise of John McCain
I always cry at some point on Election Day. It's often on my way to work, as I witness people on opposing sides of the issues standing on the opposing sides of one street, each freely able to express their views without fear. Sometimes it's after dropping my ballot in the box. Tonight, it was during John McCain's concession speech.
I admire much about John McCain. In 2000, he was my favorite candidate in the primaries. Had he pulled a "Lieberman" and gone Independent in 2004, I would have strongly considered voting for him. I didn't like the 2008 McCain, probably because in order to gather the Republican support, he had to take stands on many issues that I don't believe in. I am an unabashed liberal, but I admired his original willingness to take a stand and speak his mind.
Clearly in this election, I was pulling for Obama. I put my time and my money and my voice behind him. I am very glad he won, but this night I was moved the most by John McCain.
McCain invoked everything that is beautiful about America: hope, unity, belief in cooperation and valuing each other's differences. He spoke eloquently about our America, this country that we ALL love. He hushed his supporters when they tried to boo, and made them listen as he praised Obama's sacrifice, tenacity, and strength and purity of character. He encouraged his supporters to help Obama and to come together. "Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans," McCain said. He walked us through the historic moment that this election is to us. He reminded us that just a short while ago, Blacks in this country were treated so unfairly that an invitation for an African American to dine in the White House was seen as scandalous. Now a Black person will be living in the White House and that is truly historic indeed.
McCain emphasized that he ran for President for the same reason that Obama did: because they are both so committed to this great nation and love America so much they would do anything to further her cause. McCain also showed his class by stating that running for President was his proudest acheivement. “Today, I was a candidate for the highest office in the country I love so much, and tonight, I remain her servant,” he said. So often we get so obsessed with winning, that we forget that the process is just as important. McCain reminded us that fighting for what you believe in is more important than winning.
Thank you, John McCain, for reminding us, for reminding ME of that which is so true and so dear. America is a precious nation because we can have differences and yet come together. That the good of ALL people is our highest goal, and that Red and Blue, Republican and Democrat is not what should define us. What defines us is our belief that WE are America and that we all have responsibility to each other.