This evening, Senator McCain denounced Representative Joe Wilson’s (R-SC) interruption of President Obama’s speech, when he shouted “lie”
No place for it in that setting or any other, and he should apologize for it immediately.
Senator McCain’s swift denouncement is consistent with his own history of respect for his political adversaries. During the presidential campaign, McCain famously reclaimed the microphone from 
a town hall participant, who called Senator Obama an Arab.
No, ma’am. He’s a decent family man [and] citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues and that’s what this campaign’s all about. He’s not [an Arab].
Hopefully, McCain’s denouncement of Representative Wilson, reclaims the microphone from the screaming dissonance that has recently overwhelmed reason and civility in our politics. Thank you Senator McCain for reminding us why we admire your principled public service. Thank you for edging us back toward respectful civil discourse and deference to our democratic institutions and traditions.
- SF
Agreed. Can’t civility come back into fashion? Remember, the folks that decided this last election we’re the independents, not the polarizing folks on the left or right that just want to see the other guy fail…sadly, at all costs. Roll up your sleeves, for Pete’s sake and find some middle ground and get it done!
How respectful was John McCain when he sneered at Obama and referred to him as “That One” in a presidential debate. Don’t buy the hype. John McCain puts his outsized ego first, not country first.
And yet, where was his quick denunciation of his campaign supporter who called Hillary Clinton a bitch? Sometimes I wonder who is the real John McCain…
JC – great example and point. McCain gets far too much credit for being independent and standing up for principle. At best, he’s inconsistent. At worst, he’s erratic and impulsive.
Some of the stuff that is going on the country is scary. Why are so many people so angry? Our politicians need to set an example. This is a great country.
John McCain was right to chastize Wilson, but that small act of civility can in no way undo McCain’s stupidity in nominating Palin as VP. That cynical play to the Right (Dobson and the Christian Right who threatened to oppose him) can NEVER be undone by whatever small civil gestures he makes now.
We almost had an ignorant, parochial, theocratic wingnut in the White House because of his irresponsibility. I will never forgive him for thrusting Palin into the lower 48. Alaskans are glad to be rid of her because she QUIT on them and now she’s not accountable to pesky voters…and is on the loose, no thanks to McCain.