WP, Eugene Robinson: Drama King to the Rescue; "Erratic" McCain making temperament an issue

[DeepModem Mom]

Drama King to the Rescue
By Eugene Robinson
Friday, September 26, 2008; Page A23

John McCain is rapidly making his temperament an inescapable issue in the presidential campaign. Does the nation really want so much drama in the White House?

McCain's performance in recent days has been, to put it charitably, erratic. In an attempt to show leadership on the financial crisis, he has called Americans into ranks -- long after hostilities began. Meanwhile, back in much-reviled Washington, the generals with cooler heads and a clearer picture of the battlefield are doing their jobs, minus all the histrionics....

Our elected representatives took seriously the urgency of the crisis. They did not fall into partisan bickering. A rough consensus began to emerge....

Negotiations between a Democratic Congress and a Republican administration...seemed to be proceeding at lightning speed, given the usual pace of such things in Washington. But then, for reasons known only to himself, in charged McCain to rescue the unimperiled. Said Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), who has been the lead negotiator for the Democratic majority in the House: "Now that we are on the verge of making a deal, John McCain airdrops himself in to help us make a deal."...

***

McCain succeeded in focusing attention on himself, but not necessarily in a good way. Voters may see this not as an illustration of brave leadership but as another example of McCain's "ready, fire, aim" approach to dealing with any crisis. Putting himself at the center of events -- making any situation all about him -- is more than a political tactic for McCain. It's his nature, and I wonder if most Americans won't be unnerved at the prospect of electing a president who's always so ready for his close-up.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/25/AR2008092503603.html?nav=most_emailed

[thereismore]

1. Eugene Robinson is great. But, he's in the can for Obama you know. nt

[intheflow]

6. And you have a problem with that?

:shrug:

[Overseas]

2. Yes Eugene!! I was glad about that aspect of McLame's dashing about.

He does kind of seem like chicken with head cut off sometimes.

And displays a character flaw I am also troubled with-- close your eyes and jump ! -- It would be far better to keep our eyes open when we act impulsively.

While No Drama Obama is inspiring with his calm, control, and ability to multitask.

[Abacus]

3. LOL: "ready, fire, aim"

Going to remember that one.

[mzmolly]

4. My thoughts as well. We don't need another gambling drama king in the White House.

He wont be the same as Bush, he'll be worse.

[Lugnut]

5. Ready, Fire. Aim.

That's a perfect analogy for the McSame campaign.