Gloria Steinem vs. John McCain: Is that All You've Got?
To end her comments, she asked that first pressing question: Is it enough that John McCain was a prisoner of war for years to qualify him to obtain the highest office in the United States. Some of his followers think it is, and even he himself has been quoted saying he doesn't know certain policies but that he would "have people" to help him along once elected.
As a Democrat looking at this historic election that is about to take place, I feel Steinem is right to ask if McCain has what it takes to be President. What he did in the war is commendable, but it does not qualify him to hold the office. It seems Steinem had forgotten her tact when speaking of his war record, but her message was heard loud and clear, nevertheless. We need someone who has done more than be captured by enemy troops to bring our nation to where it needs to be.
Since Gloria Steinem is linked to the Clinton administration, one could presume her words were meant to have a positive effect on Hillary's campaign. I don't see that happening, but I also don't see it having a negative effect, either. I think most people will look at Steinem's remarks and some will look only at her attacking a former POW, while others will get her true meaning... We need someone in the White House who knows what they are doing.
Being that we live in a nation where patriotism is so strong, her words will likely backfire, though. Her meaning will be lost on people who want nothing more than to defend someone who spent so much time in an awful situation. When it comes to bringing things like that up, I think a certain amount of discretion is needed and Gloria Steinem obviously overlooked that fact.
Being a liberal, I wasn't planning on voting for McCain anyhow, so her words won't change my vote. I can only hope that people who are voting will look past their political party and realize we need someone who has the knowledge to take office on January 20th, 2009 and who will be able to handle it at that date. Right now I have many doubts about McCain's ability to run the office. Not because he was a prisoner of war, but because it seems that is all he wants to talk about. That makes me believe and worry that it is all he knows.
Source: http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/03/clinton-surroga.html
Published by E. Lynn
I move from one city to the next. View profile
- Prisoners of War During the American Civil WarA look at the brutal conditions Prisoners of War suffered during the Civil War for each side.
- Absurdity of War - Analysis of Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse FiveVonnegut uses humor and science fiction to expose the absurdities of war.
- The Rosetta Stone: Ancient Artifact, Teacher and Prisoner of WarA short history on how the Rosetta Stone was discovered, what ancient secrets it held and what nations have a fondness for it.
- Barack Obama, the Community Organizer Vs John McCain the Aged, Prisoner of WarIf John McCain is viewed as a hero for being captured for 5 ½ years, African Americans should be heralded as heroes as well for being enslaved for over 200 years--both sacrifices benefited America.
- Congratulations John McCainIn the waning hours before the beginning of the Republican National Convention, Sen. John McCain, presumptive presidential nominee, presented Sarah Palin as his choice for Vice Presidential running mate and here are e...
- Gloria Steinem Rains on John McCain POW Record
- In Defense of John McCain's Age and War Record
- Casualties of War
- Why Gloria Steinem is Wrong in Her Attacks on John McCain
- Gloria Steinem Hates Men
- Are You a Prisoner of War?
- Prisoner of War Cheats for Xbox
8 Comments
Post a Commentnice reporting
Although I don't agree with you politically, I appreciate your honest approach to this issue. I don't think either of the candidates are really qualified, but we're gonna get what we're gonna get
@chuck - Rational thought I have. Do you?
@me- I never said I wouldn't vote for McCain based on his political party alone. I have considered republicans in the past, and I like to know who the candidates are, even if I highly disagree with their ways. What about the fact that even conservatives are denouncing McCain. Ann Coulter is someone I have no respect for and have very little in common with, and yet she has turned her back on her political party saying she would vote Clinton before McCain.
@betsy- Earth here, and you? McCain has been serving, however he totes his pow years as a huge deal. He speaks about it in every debate, commercial, his site.... and Hillary's ONLY qualification being married to bill? Really? You really should educate yourself and ignore biased news programs. You need to get out there and look at the issues these people raise and stand for. But I agree, sleeping with the President isn't a qualification for office. Good thing Hillary has more going for her, h
My fourth paragraph has proven true. People only look at Steinem attacking a POW and they forget to look at facts. What has McCain done? What else qualifies him to be President. Ok, I know he has been serving his country, but you all act like being elected means qualified. I'd feel safe betting most Republicans don't feel Bill Clinton was a qualified, despite his years serving the country, to be President. So why the double standard? Shouldn't a person bring change and hope to a country? Shouldn't they have a proven track record? McCain isn't boasting those things as much as his war hero status.
Regardless of who I am voting for, I still urge people to know their candidate. Look at McCain, Huckabee, Ron Paul (who I think is a pretty decent guy) Hillary and Obama. All of them. Oh, and get this... there are also other parties BESIDES Republicans and Democrats. Get to know all of them. And their stand on issues. And how reliable they are. Educate yourself.
I don't think a POW makes anyone able to be a United States President. I mean, only to the extent that he understands war and we are in a time of war, but that doesn't make him able to do everything. We need a lot of things right now, not just a war hero.
I wonder if you have the ability to think rationally. Do you really think anyone thinks he is qualified to serve based on being a POW? Steinem is an idiot for even suggesting that anyone would think that way.
Perhaps he is qualified based on his 25+ years of national service in government.
You seriously need to educate yourself in basic logical thought.
It is fair to ask McCain what exactly qualifies him to be president but if ask the democrats the same question that answer is absolutely nothing. I do find it telling that you admit that you would never vote for McCain because of your political leanings and then follow that statement by saying you hope people will look past their political party to vote for the person best qualified. You are truly a liberal, people just need to be more opened minded and think like you.
If this election comes down to experience McCain wins hands down.
"it seems that is all he wants to talk about" What planet are you from? McCain has been serving his country in the House and in the Senate for 20+ years. I think Hillary's only qualification is being married to a former president. And if he hadn't cheated on her and publicly humiliated her she'd never have been elected carpetbagging Senator from New York. Since when is sleeping with the president a qualification for office??