General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Who is the Democratic Party's version of John McCain? [View all]EffieBlack
(14,249 posts)John McCain was unusual because he refused to always march in lockstep and was willing to occasionally buck the status quo in a party that enforces obedience and conformity above all else.
The Democratic Party doesnt roll like that. We are a diverse group open to different views and tolerate - even expect and welcome - dissenting opinions because we know that makes us better and stronger. So we dont need a John McCain in the way the Republicans do. And our outspoken members dont stand out as he did because its not unusual for Democrats to speak up against the majority in our party or to take a different approach or reach out to the other side.
John McCain was John McCain not just because of the kind of person he was but because he was the kind of person he was in a party that doesnt encourage or tolerate those who dont think and behave in full accord with the majority. The Democrats dont have a John McCain because, thanks to the very nature of our party, who and what we are, we dont need one.