I Told You This Would Happen

I knew John McCain would not argue on the issues. I knew he would follow the tried-and-tested Republican strategy of lying, deceit, and calumny. The other said they would not be swiftboated again, and here we are, again, in a situation whereby the Republican shamelessly lies about his opponent on military matters. And the media yet again plays along, and will probably develop a collective sense of regret some time next year, long after the damage is done.

You probably know what I am talking about. McCain accuses Obama of snubbing wounded soldiers by canceling a visit to a military hospital because he could not take reporters. The implication is obvious. It’s also a lie: the Pentagon did not want it to be a political event, since Obama was bringing a campaign military adviser with him, and so he decided not to go. Also note that when McCain makes snide remarks about Obama finding time for the gym– he shows footage of him playing basketball with soldiers.

I was hoping for better from McCain, especially since he was at the receiving end of these same Rovian tactics in 2000. Now he has hired Karl Rove. Just remember: calumny and lying to smear a person’s character is a grave sin.