McCain: Different from Bush?
For those of us who love a great political speech, said David Broder in The Washington Post, these are heady days indeed. The latest reincarnation of Cicero would appear to be Sen. John McCain, the all-but-certain Republican presidential nominee, who last
For those of us who love a great political speech, said David Broder in The Washington Post, these are heady days indeed. The latest reincarnation of Cicero would appear to be Sen. John McCain, the all-but-certain Republican presidential nominee, who last week delivered a lengthy address on the subject of foreign policy that was every bit as nuanced, honest, and effective as Barack Obama’s remarks last month on race. McCain “refused to back off his support” for the unpopular war in Iraq, but at the same time made it clear that America cannot lead “by virtue of its power alone,” and emphasized the need for international alliances. The anti-war brigade will never forgive McCain for supporting the war in Iraq, said Investor’s Business Daily in an editorial, but this speech should at least dispel any “notions that he would give the world a third term of George W. Bush.”
If McCain’s goal was to distance himself from Bush’s foreign policy, said Glenn Greenwald in Salon.com, then why did he deliver a speech that “was essentially a replica of the speech George Bush has been giving for the last seven years?” Anyone can say they believe in diplomacy; Bush, in fact, rarely misses a chance to pay lip service to the “pretty concepts of internationalism and democracy,” while actually carrying out a policy of “endless militarism, occupation, and war.” Like Bush, McCain insists against all evidence that “victory” is possible in Iraq, and is perfectly willing to keep troops there forever to pursue it. Both men think it’s better to bomb Iran sooner rather than later. And both are infected with the neoconservative delusion that America will be safe only if we use military force to transform “the Middle East to look the way we want it to look.”
You’re forgetting something, said David Brooks in The New York Times. Unlike certain other presidential candidates, McCain actually has a track record on foreign policy. Back in 1983, he defied his party and opposed President Reagan’s decision to send U.S. Marines into Lebanon. Why? Because the mission lacked both a concrete objective and a clear exit strategy. That’s hardly the behavior of a militaristic ideologue. Until a few months ago, let’s not forget, McCain was a reviled figure in the Bush White House, thanks to his constant and justified criticism of how the administration had conducted the war. Say what you will about this plainspoken pragmatist, but “anybody who thinks McCain is merely continuing the Bush agenda is not paying attention.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
Red Speedo: a 'darkly comic' doping drama
The Week Recommends Lucas Hnath's play stars Finn Cole as a 'reptilian' swimmer determined to win at all costs
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
One Aldwych: where London's creative spirit takes centre stage
The Week Recommends This five-star Covent Garden hotel is the epitome of elegant independence
By Julia O'Driscoll, The Week UK Published
-
Charlotte Dujardin and equestrianism's dark side
In the Spotlight Olympic gold medallist and dressage star's suspension over horse whipping brings abuse in horse sports back into the spotlight
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
How could J.D. Vance impact the special relationship?
Today's Big Question Trump's hawkish pick for VP said UK is the first 'truly Islamist country' with a nuclear weapon
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Biden, Trump urge calm after assassination attempt
Speed Reads A 20-year-old gunman grazed Trump's ear and fatally shot a rally attendee on Saturday
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Supreme Court rejects challenge to CFPB
Speed Read The court rejected a conservative-backed challenge to the way the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is funded
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Arizona court reinstates 1864 abortion ban
Speed Read The law makes all abortions illegal in the state except to save the mother's life
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Trump, billions richer, is selling Bibles
Speed Read The former president is hawking a $60 "God Bless the USA Bible"
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The debate about Biden's age and mental fitness
In Depth Some critics argue Biden is too old to run again. Does the argument have merit?
By Grayson Quay Published
-
How would a second Trump presidency affect Britain?
Today's Big Question Re-election of Republican frontrunner could threaten UK security, warns former head of secret service
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'Rwanda plan is less a deterrent and more a bluff'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By The Week UK Published