John McCain finds a new voice and uses it against Trump

[sandensea]

US Senator John McCain, the sometimes cantankerous, often charming, and eternally irrepressible Republican from Arizona, has never minced words.

But in the twilight of a long and storied career, as he fights a virulent form of brain cancer, the 81-year-old senator has found a new voice.

In twin speeches — one in July, where he issued a call to bipartisanship in the Senate, and another in Philadelphia this past week, where he railed against “half-baked, spurious nationalism” — McCain has taken on both his colleagues and President Trump.

In the process, his friends and fellow senators say, he has carved out a new role for himself on Capitol Hill: elder statesman and truth-teller.

“Even if John were not ill, with his experience and age, there is a part of you that I think begins to focus on your legacy,” said former Vice President Joe Biden, a close friend of McCain’s. But with cancer, Biden said, “he’s in the fight of his life, and he knows it.”

At: https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2017/10/21/twilight-career-mccain-becomes-unfettered-voice-against-trumpism/QQe46l3AGX2CJBh8WpKrdP/story.html

[Honeycombe8]

1. McCain has been a surprise lately. I would like to think that some in Congress are taking heed.

But I'm not sure they are. Still, at least one Senator on the opposing side seems to be doing what he thinks is right for the country and his state, not just for political and greed reasons.

[Purveyor]

2. Any port in a storm I suppose. Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran... nt

[onetexan]

3. mccain is facing mortality

thats why he's finally speaking out. He's been complicit with his silence all thru the election & up till now. He wants to face the Maker with some redemptive gesture & a clear conscience.

[sandensea]

6. As Bill Cosby put it:

"These are not the same people I grew up with! They're old now, and they're trying to get into Heaven."

[nocalflea]

4. Not surprised.

He loves this country, believes in it's exceptionalism and understands the aspirational nature of it's founding.

"All men are created equal", "inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" - these are the ideals to strive for, so we can, in Lincoln's words "form a more perfect union".

McCain gets that. Kaepernick gets that. Trump and his supporters do not.

[oasis]

5. I'd say McCain is a decent guy for a Republican. I'll go that far. nt