Lewis C. Miller

If there were any residual doubts that a John McCain administration would indeed be “more of the same,” the candidate himself put those doubts to rest earlier today.

During an interview with George Stephanopoulos for ABC’s “This Week,” McCain was asked about the extent of the role he played in helping Congress reach a consensus on the “bailout plan” and the claims coming from many Democrats, and even a few Republicans, that his intervention was counterproductive to the process.

 “Whether I helped or hurt, I’ll be glad to accept the judgment of history,” is how the Senator responded. 

It is unprecedented (and almost pitiable) to witness a candidate making such an overt effort to set a disclaimer on a failed presidency that has not yet occurred. And it reeks of George Bush.

I think it is important that I make one point very clear: By no means do I advocate that a President should allow a concern over polls and public perception to dictate his or her actions.

The inherent flaws in the way our election cycle is structured tend to promote short-term action from our elected officials (to satisfy our insatiable need for instant gratification) rather than long-term efforts; despite the fact that such endeavors may deliver much more substantive results. That very notion was the topic of discussion last week on one of my favorite political podcasts, “Common Sense with Dan Carlin.”

However, regarding George Bush and John McCain, I do not believe that their dismissal of current judgment is derived from such noble pursuits, but rather from a necessity to mask their mediocrity.

In numerous discussions with friends and colleagues, I have lamented (probably to the point of exasperation) the denigration of excellence that has become so prevalent in recent campaigns. By nature I am not typically a demanding person; however, I do demand that anyone who seeks to run this country be a remarkable individual. For a position of such importance and consequence, I do not believe that is an inappropriate requirement.

In both the 2000 and 2004 elections, George Bush’s campaign painted him as the everyday guy with whom Americans could enjoy having a beer. While that is indeed a great attribute for a potential next-door neighbor or football-watching buddy, by no means is it an acceptable standard for a candidate seeking what is arguably the most important position in the world.

Senator McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin, with her frequent and blatant derision of intellectualism, as his running mate makes it clear that he intends to continue down such a path of disparagement. Hopefully this time that path does not lead to the White House.