Let's Talk John McCain....

[global1]

McCain is 81y/o. My guess is he is now serving out his last term as Senator in Arizona. He was just re-elected in 2016 so his term ends in 2022 at which time he'll be 87y/o. I really find it hard to think that he might run again.

So I'm thinking that McCain doesn't have anything to lose now if he takes on Trump and this whole Russian connection thing.

He seems to be the most logical Repug to do this. Though I really don't like the guy - he is and has been called a 'patriot'.

I believe he really loves this country and he is in the perfect position to save this country from what appears to be a major effort by Trump and his Party to destroy this country. They appear to be taking it down piece by piece. I don't think he has anything to fear from Trump or the Repug Party.

I see this as his chance to really earn that title of 'patriot'.

It would really be a crowning touch on his legacy.

I'm curious to hear other DU'ers opinions of McCain and ideas as to how we might urge McCain to take his place in history.

Your thoughts?

[edhopper]

1. How did he vote on trumps cabinet?

Talk is cheap, follow the votes. He's always been a Repug and follows the Repug line.

[crazycatlady]

2. this is the man who gave us Sarah Palin

[Hekate]

15. And lost, so I kinda forgive him

[crazycatlady]

17. yeah but without him

She would have been a nobody in the back woods of Alaska. She riled up what would become the alt-right.

[jrthin]

3. McCain Is An Opportunist.

Talks a good game, but no action.

[Lisa0825]

10. I agree, but he may want to go out with a positive legacy

if for no other reason than his ego.

[pangaia]

4. Not a chance. He has lreality blockages throughout his brain. Always has, as far as I can tell.

He is delusional and lives in his own little make believe world. Sometimes undulating, self-directing living tentacles reach out to reality, for a minute, or day or two...but...... then they withdraw..... of their own volition...... and he is left with himself and.............nothing.

[pinboy3niner]

5. McCain has no credibility with conservatives when he's not toeing the party line

He'd be clobbered by the Right as a traitor if he tried to do anything 'mavericky.'

[AgadorSparticus]

6. He has actually been quite vocal about Trump. He doesn't miss a chance

To criticize the orange one. But then again, McCain has always been hawkish and trump threatens national security. It is almost to be expected that he speaks out.

[manicraven]

7. I watched him during a town hall, and though I don't agree with many things,

I was impressed by how strongly he spoke out about how Putin is a thug and murderer. He said a friend, who he'd warned not to go back to Russia did so, and was murdered by Putin. I think he is genuinely deeply upset over that. In any case, I hope McCain will stand up regarding the Russia situation, but he's backed down in the past, even regarding torture, so I have my doubts that he'll go against his party even now, even with possible retirement on the horizon, but I sure hope he stands up for our democracy. I really think he's concerned about all of the Russian hacking and collusion.

[Mr. Ected]

8. If only McCain was the man we wished him to be.

There have been momentary flashes of dignity, but he's a Republican through and through.

[dalton99a]

9. McCain has not voted against Trump once.

'Nuf said.

[TNLib]

11. Meh the only ones I see are dems that are really fighting

Collins seems more likely than the rest of the GOP.

[global1]

12. So If Not McCain - Then Who.....

(Note McCain is in the Gang of 8.

Which Repug will be the patriot and stand up to Trump?

[monmouth4]

13. I have often the same as you. If only...He would be a hero and what a way to go out..n/t

[ThoughtCriminal]

14. I emailed him regarding Trump/Russia/Tax Returns

In the past, I have usually gotten at least a canned reply. On this one... Nothing.

[Old Terp]

16. Has been all I want him to be here

As too last term, his mom is still alive at 106. McCain may be around for many years. I haven't sent him an email lately, but should. As the child of a pow, I've noticed a trend to his better self after messages.

[Hekate]

18. I think we should encourage Dems to phone him and write him. McCain IS a patriot....

....and he has served this country honorably in war and peace. I vehemently disagree with his politics is all, and would never vote for him.

I'm quite serious. If you want to appeal to a man (or woman) to defy his party in times like these, you don't start out by pointing out to him all the things he's gotten wrong in your estimation. You start out with a little flattery about the most outstanding aspect of his resume, and frankly, what probably forms the basis of his self-image. And that would be his love of country.

Write to Senator McCain.

Tell him you may be a Democrat, but you have always respected his patriotism, because you love this country too. You love this country and its institutions -- you are aware of the long history of antagonism between the US and Russia and had shared the hope of many that the fall of the USSR would create a new era of peace between the US and Russia, but alas under Putin they have grown ever more antagonistic. Etcetera.

Tell him of your deep concerns about Trump's associates and about his instability. Appeal to his love of country. Tell him people are in desperate need of a leader to speak truth to power, specifically a Republican in the Senate, and that you are appealing to him to be that leader.
*************

You asked what we think -- that's my sincere suggestion.

[CrispyQ]

19. I've written to him a few times.

I told him America needs a hero & now is the time to put country before party. He's not my senator, so he probably won't read it.

[MineralMan]

20. I believe John McCain has reached the limits of his influence

on the Republican Party. He is fading, both in his health and reasoning ability, and in his ability to influence others. His time has run out, simply due to his age. I wouldn't count on him to be of much help in holding the Republicans back. More's the pity.