Remember how 4 years ago our so-called friends in the liberal media happily parroted Republican claims of flip flopping by John Kerry? You'll no doubt be amazed to learn that those very same members of that very same liberal media now declare charges of flip-floppery to be out of bounds. Steve Benen catalogues the progression here, and then summarizes:
What a remarkable coincidence. When Kerry is charged as a flip-flopper, policy reversals become the central focus of the presidential campaign. When McCain is exposed as having reversed course dozens of times, leading media voices announce, "On second thought, all this flip-flop talk is kind of annoying."
To reiterate an argument I raised a few weeks ago, as the self-designated keeper of the Official List of McCain Flip-Flops, I thought I'd take a moment to respond to this new, more tolerant, media perspective.In short, there's nothing substantively wrong with what any of these journalists have argued. I'm very much inclined to agree that there's nothing offensive about a political figure changing his or her mind. Policy makers come to one conclusion, they gain more information, and then they reach a different conclusion. That is, to be sure, a good thing -- it reflects a politician with an open mind and a healthy intellectual curiosity. Better to have a leader who changes his or her mind based on new information than one who stubbornly sticks to outmoded policy positions, regardless of facts or circumstances.
So why do McCain's flip-flops matter? Because all available evidence suggests his reversals aren't sincere, they're cynically calculated for political gain. This isn't indicative of an open mind; it's actually indicative of a character flaw. And given the premise of McCain's presidential campaign, it's an area in desperate need of media scrutiny....
Most of the flip-flops, though, show McCain dropping his centrist/moderate credentials in order to be more in line with today's Republican mainstream. Tax cuts, foreign policy, immigration, abortion, the religious right, the environment, detainee policy, campaign finance reform. In every instance, McCain was a "maverick," willing to break with his party. Now, he isn't. The perception people have of McCain is outdated, reflective of a man who no longer has any use for his previous persona.
What's wrong with a politician who changes his or her views? Nothing in particular, but when a politician changes his views so much that he has an entirely different worldview, and that new worldview is conveniently necessary to win his party's presidential nomination, is it unreasonable to wonder whether it's entirely sincere? Especially when there's no other apparent explanation for four dozen significant reversals?
Today's example of a flip flop is actually an issue that is making a repeat appearance. And all that's needed to explain is is a bit of compare and contrast.
McCain, then:
* "I'm going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues. I still need to be educated." [Nov. 2005]
* "The issue of economics is not something I've understood as well as I should," but "I've got Greenspan's book." [Dec. 2007]
McCain, today:
You have admitted that you're not exactly an expert when it comes to the economy and many have said..." At that point, McCain interrupted: "I have not. I have not. Actually, I have not. I said that I am stronger on national security issues because of all the time I spent in the military. I'm very strong on the economy. I understand it."
Now more than ever is a moment when we need someone like Tim Russert. "Sen. McCain, you said this week that you are 'very strong on the economy.' But just last year you said that 'economics is not something I've understood as well as I should.' So which is it? Are you strong, or not?" Followed by a series of detailed questions about the nation's economic health.
But never mind all that. Flip flopping is now perfectly acceptable, so no need for those question. We all know, after all, that Sen. McCain is a straight talker and a straight shooter, so if he's changed his mind over four dozen times and contradicted himself countless times more, there's no need to worry about it. He's a great guy with a great record who has done and will continue to do great things!
Subscribe to this blog's feed
