The McCain Effect

Senator John McCain was an extraordinary man.  He has been described many ways; a Senator, a Congressman, a husband, a hero, a POW, a pilot, a father, a Presidential candidate, a proud Arizonian, and a maverick.  Those are just a few of the ways that he can be described.  I would have said that he probably most would have liked to be described as a brain cancer survivor, but, I don't think that was the case.  I think he had become at peace with his death and worked hard to ensure that his legacy endured beyond his life.  I think that is why he spent so much time planning his memorials.  He wanted to remind people the real reason to get into politics.  It is to help people and to get things done and it is to do the right thing.  He was known of having many friends in all parties and was a remarkable bridge to getting both sides to find compromise.  He was highly critical of the great divides in the house and he voted with his conscience regardless of his tribal allegiance.  And he was fiesty and stubborn.  Look at his daughter, Meaghan and you will see that living on in her eyes.

His memorials have been a reminder to all of us to remember what we are fighting for.  Joe Biden gave a "raise the roof" tribute to his friend.  It seemed to cause a fire within, one that we haven't seen in Biden in a while, a passion.  One can only hope this will lead him back to the path he should follow; the path to the White House.

I also firmly believe it was the McCain effect that caused the oped to the New York Times.  Originally, I felt the author was Ivanka Trump, but the more I read it, I think it was authored by a group of 20 or staff members.  John McCain's passing reminded them of what brought them to the White House in the first place and it wasn't just to be constantly trying to find creative ways to spin something positive out of pure nonsense tweets.

It was the McCain effect that we now see evidence that George W Bush and Michelle Obama seem to have a special bond, and why wouldn't they, they have much shared experience.  The incredible selfie with Bush, Clinton, and Obama is so perfect.  It looks like ordinary guys getting together to talk football.  It speaks of what politics should be.  Cordial, at the very least.  Also, a recognition that although they may not have agreed, being President is one of the hardest jobs in the world and acknowledgement that each did the best job they could.

And, the McCain effect seem to have inspired Barack Obama.  In less than a week, he has two campaign rallies in favor of mid-term election candidaes.  He looks great and very much where he should be, on the campaign trail inspiring all of us to vote and make a positive difference.

President Trump said he watched the first speech that Obama made but he fell asleep shortly into it.  That is interesting that he can fall asleep so easily.  Most of us haven't been able to get a good night's sleep since November, 2016.