Obama, un duro con guante de terciopelo, ha forjado una amplia coalición por el cambio
El republicano, un superviviente, es el mal menor para los continuistas
Oviedo, Eugenio FUENTES
Las presidenciales de mañana, martes, en EE UU enfrentan a dos personalidades en apariencia muy diferentes, pero con un fondo común de navegantes solitarios. El demócrata Obama, a quien sus próximos definen como un puño de acero en un guante de terciopelo, se mide con el republicano McCain, cuya biografía militar y política lo asimila a una reencarnación del ave fénix. Las encuestas profetizan que el puño de acero reducirá al fénix a sus cenizas.
Obama, un hombre de mente ágil, ideas claras, retórica brillante y distanciada arrogancia, es un integrador, especialista en forjar coaliciones. Caminar por el filo de la navaja, conciliar posiciones contrapuestas, es su especialidad. Y puede hacerlo porque no es sectario, porque, en el fondo, él mismo es su único partido. Es el motor solitario de un movimiento de masas.
Cerebral y metódico, con un punto mesiánico, Obama desarrolló su capacidad para formar equipos desde sus primeros días de organizador comunitario en Chicago, la capital negra de EE UU. Su mayor logro ha sido su equipo para esta campaña presidencial, capaz de derrotar a la poderosa maquinaria de Hillary Clinton, batir todos los récords de recaudación y generar un movimiento de voluntarios sin precedentes.
En el corazón de McCain también late un lobo solitario. Pero, a diferencia de Obama, el senador por Arizona siempre ha corrido solo. Forjado en la disciplina militar, este hijo y nieto de lobos marinos, con estrellas de almirantes, reforzó su capacidad de supervivencia y su aura de rebelde durante su cautiverio en Vietnam. Después se aproximó como militar de escolta a los políticos de Washington y, ya en los años ochenta, saltó al Senado encaramado en la ola revolucionaria liderada por Reagan.
De físico menos atractivo que Obama, McCain es, sin embargo, afable y directo, con tendencia a la improvisación, al chiste y, a veces, a convertirse en mero comediante. Parece saber menos las lecciones que Obama, aunque nunca le falta ese guiño amigable del que es incapaz el demócrata. Pero como organizador de equipos es flojo: las primarias aún no habían comenzado y McCain ya se había gastado todas las donaciones. Tuvo que empezar de cero.
Obama y McCain tienen raíces muy distintas. El demócrata, mulato calificado de candidato multicultural, surge de una mezcla que integra Kansas, Kenia, Hawai, Indonesia y la California de sus años universitarios. Heredero espiritual de la lucha por los derechos civiles, buscó arraigo en Chicago, donde se casó y se integró en la Iglesia trinitaria. Fue después cuando estudió Derecho en Harvard, su trampolín a la política.
Tanteó primero a los llamados negros nacionalistas, defensores de la «nación negra». Pero ahí era -además de un mulato, un «blanco con cara de negro»- un recién llegado. En los círculos de la «lucha negra» la antigüedad se respeta y Obama intentó saltarse la jerarquía. Fue derrotado, lo que le llevó a ampliar su campo y buscar su electorado en los reformadores, blancos o negros.
Esa vía es la que le ha llevado a ser el adalid del cambio, a través de un proceso en el que -denunciando el racismo pero sin pedir nunca el voto para un «candidato negro»- conquistó uno tras otro a los jóvenes progresistas, a los blancos progresistas, a los negros, a los latinos, a los obreros blancos de Hillary Clinton y, por fin, a independientes y a republicanos moderados.
Las raíces de McCain hay que buscarlas en el Ejército: la tradición militar de su familia se remonta hasta el Estado Mayor de George Washington. Y decir Ejército en EE UU es decir la columna vertebral del país. McCain es, pues, ante todo un patriota conservador y tradicional.
Ocurrió con McCain que su republicanismo empezó a cotizar a la baja cuando se forjó, siendo presidente Clinton, la coalición que aupó a Bush a la Presidencia. El lobo solitario fue triturado en 2000 por la apisonadora «neocon», que lo desalojó de las primarias con una despiadada campaña de destrucción personal.
McCain firmó la paz con Bush, pero fue excluido del Gobierno y, más tarde, ya en 2004, su formación militar le dijo que la guerra de Irak, que aprobó en 2003, era una chapuza. Como muchos militares, chocó con Rumsfeld, el jefe civil del Pentágono, y chocó con las torturas de Abu Ghraib. Esas credenciales son las que ha mostrado en campaña.
Sin embargo, las discrepancias del rebelde solitario con Bush no han bastado para formar una coalición unida. McCain tiene el apoyo natural del Ejército, los republicanos tradicionales y los independientes moderados. Pero le cuesta zanjar sus querellas con los fundamentalistas cristianos, pilar básico «neocon», y con el aparato del partido, que sigue viendo en él un francotirador.
Con esa base inestable, el patriota McCain encaró las elecciones con el foco puesto en la política exterior. Explicó sus choques con Bush, proclamó que EE UU debe resistir y ganar la guerra contra el terrorismo y vendió credenciales de comandante en jefe. Pero la crisis financiera le alteró el guión, convirtiéndole en el mal menor de quienes rechazan el cambio «socialista» de Obama. Y resistirse al cambio en tiempos de crisis, dicen las encuestas, no da para ganar unas elecciones.
«Mac is back» (Mac ha vuelto). «Luchemos juntos para llegar a la Casa Blanca».
Principios generales
El Gobierno debe intervenir lo menos posible en la vida de los ciudadanos y en las actividades de las empresas. Acusa a Obama de pretender redistribuir la riqueza, lo que lo hace sospechoso de «socialismo», palabra tabú en EE UU.
Impuestos
Se opone a las subidas. Quiere renovar los recortes de impuestos de Bush a empresas y grandes fortunas, que expiran en 2011.
Gasto público
Congelarlo. Los beneficiarios de los vigentes programas gubernamentales se mantienen.
Sanidad
Exención fiscal de 5.000 dólares para que cada ciudadano se pague el seguro que quiera. El coste medio de un seguro son 12.000 dólares.
Política exterior
Mantener las tropas en Irak hasta la victoria. Atacar a Irán si es preciso. Crear una «liga de las democracias» como alternativa a la ONU.
«Sí, podemos». «Quiero cambiar el mundo».
Principios generales
El Gobierno debe intervenir allí donde sea necesario para corregir las desigualdades y luchar contra la injusticia.
Impuestos
Subida de impuestos para grandes empresas y grandes fortunas. Los ingresos menores de 250.000 euros tendrán rebajas fiscales.
Gasto público
Eliminar todos los programas que no funcionan e invertir más en educación, sanidad y reducción de la dependencia energética.
Sanidad
Reducir las primas de los seguros privados. Cobertura universal de la Seguridad Social.
Política exterior
Tras proponer la retirada de las tropas de Irak, moderó su discurso y defiende una retirada escalonada. Reforzar la lucha en Afganistán. No se niega atacar a Irán, pero también quiere dialogar. Multilateralismo, sin aceptar vetos.
http://www.lne.es/secciones/noticia.jsp?pRef=2008110300_44_692236__Internacional-fenix-contra-acero
Mostrando las entradas con la etiqueta John McCain. Mostrar todas las entradas
Mostrando las entradas con la etiqueta John McCain. Mostrar todas las entradas
lunes, noviembre 03, 2008
viernes, septiembre 05, 2008
“El cambio está llegando a Washington”, afirma McCain
Saint Paul, 4 de septiembre. “El cambio está llegando”, sostuvo esta noche el republicano John McCain al hacer un llamado a sus compatriotas a “luchar” con él para “hacer historia”, al tiempo que prometió reducir impuestos y crear millones de empleos con el desarrollo de nuevas fuentes de energía, al aceptar su nominación como candidato a la presidencia de Estados Unidos.
Con un discurso, en el que varias veces empleó la palabra “cambio”, caballito de batalla de su rival Barack Obama, el senador por Arizona, de 72 años, intentó mostrarse como un reformista, y aseveró que gobernará de forma bipartidista y guiará a la nación más allá de “un rencor partidista”.
Aunque sin la fuerza oratoria del demócrata, McCain se esforzó por buscar la unidad en el partido y distanciarse de George W. Bush, cuya popularidad está en picada con apenas 30 por ciento de respaldo. Sin embargo, si bien no lo mencionó por su nombre, le rindió un homenaje. “Agradezco al presidente de Estados Unidos por guiarnos en esos días oscuros que siguieron al peor ataque en la histioria de Estados Unidos”, señaló en alusión al 11-S.
Protestas antibélicas
La coronación de McCain como candidato a la elección presidencial del 4 de noviembre se vio opacada por protestas antibélicas en el mismo estadio de hockey sobre hielo Xcel Energy Center, en el que se deasarrolló la Convención Nacional Republicana.
Hasta en tres ocasiones el senador tuvo que detener su alocución. Las dos primeras fueron debido a los gritos de un joven en las alturas del Xcel Energy Center que vestía una camiseta de la agrupación “Veteranos contra la guerra”. La tercera fue por una mujer en la parte baja del pabellón que gritaba consignas y fue retirada por los servicios de seguridad.
McCain se vio especialmente molesto esta última vez. El público reaccionó con abucheos y gritos de “¡U-S-A!”.
Sólo entonces McCain se salió del guión intentando una broma: “Por favor, no se distraigan con el ruido de fondo”.
Ante las 20 mil personas congregadas en el cierre del coreografiado cónclave, McCain se refirió en varias ocasiones a su rival y dijo que le tiene “respeto y admiración, a pesar de las diferencias”, para más tarde marcar las distancias entre sus respectivos programas.
También defendió haber elegido a Sarah Palin como su compañera de fórmula, al señalar que es “la socia correcta”, y que tiene “experiencia ejecutiva”, en un intento por salir al paso de los reiterados cuestionamientos a posturas de la gobernadora de Alaska.
“Estoy orgulloso de haber presentado a nuestra próxima vicepresidenta al país. Y estoy impaciente de presentarla en Washington. Y déjenme darle una advertencia al Washington derrochador, que no hace nada, que dice ‘yo primero, el país segundo’: el cambio está llegando”, dijo McCain, al arrebatarle el lema de campaña a Obama entre aplausos.
El legislador indicó que trabaja desde hace décadas en política para resolver problemas, en un intento por diferenciarse con su rival demócrata y líder en las encuestas, al cual los republicanos acusan de no tener experiencia.
“Como presidente gobernaré así: extenderé mi mano a cualquiera que me ayude a poner este país en marcha de nuevo.
“Una y otra vez trabajé con miembros de ambos partidos para solucionar problemas. Así gobernaré como presidente.
“Tengo el historial y las cicatrices para probarlo. El senador Obama, no”, indicó.
McCain destacó que luchó “por la estrategia y por enviar más tropas a Irak cuando era la cosa más impopular de hacer”, y agradeció al general David Petraus “la estrategia que ha tenido éxito y nos rescató de una desmoralización”.
Agregó: “lucho por restaurar el orgullo y los principios de nuestro partido. Fuimos electos para cambiar a Washington”, además, admitió que “perdimos la confianza de los estadunidenses cuando algunos republicanos cayeron en las tentaciones de la corrupción”.
Al referirse a su programa económico, McCain prometió eliminar el gasto excesivo, bajar los impuestos y recortar la tasa fiscal que, dijo, “ayudará a competir a nuestro país y evitará que las empresas se vayan al extranjero”.
Además, dijo que “vamos a detener el gasto de 700 mil millones de dólares al año en países que no nos quieren”, aunque no especificó cuáles.
Va por los “independientes”
En otro punto de su discurso, el abanderado externó su intención de “seducir” a los independientes.
Al hablar sobre la política internacional, el abanderado republicano dijo que “se ha dado un duro golpe a Al Qaeda, pero no hay que bajar la guardia”.
Indicó que Irán es el principal promotor del terrorismo y que no se puede permitir que se dote de armas nucleares.
Se refirió a Rusia y dijo que trabajará para establecer buenos lazos, “para que no tengamos que temer una vuelta a la guerra fría”, pero indicó que Estados Unidos no puede “cerrar los ojos” ante “la agresión” contra Georgia que amenaza la paz y la estabilidad del mundo, y la seguridad del pueblo estadunidense”.
Recordó sus épocas de oficial de la aviación naval y como prisionero de guerra en Vietnam, un antecedente que no podía ofrecer su rival demócrata, y que le valió ser condecorado como héroe.
Dijo que en esas circunstancias “se enamoró” de su país, “amé más a mi patria” no sólo por las comodidades que ofrece, sino “por su decencia, su fe en la sabiduría, la justicia y el bienestar de su pueblo”.
Finalmente, instó a los estadunidenses a luchar con él por lo que es correcto y por los ideales y “nunca claudiquemos, no nos escondamos de la historia, porque nosotros hacemos la historia”.
“Voy a luchar por mi causa todos los días como su presidente. Voy a luchar para que cada estadunidense tenga razones qué agradecer a Dios, como yo lo hago de ser estadunidense, un orgulloso ciudadano del país más grande de la Tierra. Luchen conmigo, luchen”.
Previo al discurso del senador por Arizona, su esposa, Cindy, habló ante los presentes en el cónclave republicano y lo describió como un “hombre que ha servido a Washington”. Posteriormente habló la senadora Lindsey Graham, quien criticó a Obama al decir que él y el “grupo liberal MoveOn.org, fueron los únicos que no entendieron que la decisión de enviar más tropas a Irak el año pasado tuvo éxito”.
Es más de lo mismo: demócratas
Del lado demócrata no perdieron el tiempo para fustigar a McCain. El vocero de Obama, Bill Burton, calificó el discurso de McCain como “más de lo mismo” de las políticas que han sido “desastrosas” para Estados Unidos.
“Esta noche, John McCain dijo que su partido fue elegido para cambiar a Washington, pero que dejaron que Washington los cambiara”, resaltó el portavoz.
“Está en lo correcto, reprendió a la ‘vieja gente que no hace nada’ en Washington, pero ignoró el hecho de que ha formado parte de esa gente por 26 años”, indicó Burton.
“Desea continuar con las políticas exteriores y económicas desastrosas por otros cuatro años, con John McCain, es más de lo mismo”, insistió.
Y es que esta noche arrancó oficialmente el duelo entre Obama y McCain.
http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2008/09/05/index.php?section=mundo&article=033n1mun
Con un discurso, en el que varias veces empleó la palabra “cambio”, caballito de batalla de su rival Barack Obama, el senador por Arizona, de 72 años, intentó mostrarse como un reformista, y aseveró que gobernará de forma bipartidista y guiará a la nación más allá de “un rencor partidista”.
Aunque sin la fuerza oratoria del demócrata, McCain se esforzó por buscar la unidad en el partido y distanciarse de George W. Bush, cuya popularidad está en picada con apenas 30 por ciento de respaldo. Sin embargo, si bien no lo mencionó por su nombre, le rindió un homenaje. “Agradezco al presidente de Estados Unidos por guiarnos en esos días oscuros que siguieron al peor ataque en la histioria de Estados Unidos”, señaló en alusión al 11-S.
Protestas antibélicas
La coronación de McCain como candidato a la elección presidencial del 4 de noviembre se vio opacada por protestas antibélicas en el mismo estadio de hockey sobre hielo Xcel Energy Center, en el que se deasarrolló la Convención Nacional Republicana.
Hasta en tres ocasiones el senador tuvo que detener su alocución. Las dos primeras fueron debido a los gritos de un joven en las alturas del Xcel Energy Center que vestía una camiseta de la agrupación “Veteranos contra la guerra”. La tercera fue por una mujer en la parte baja del pabellón que gritaba consignas y fue retirada por los servicios de seguridad.
McCain se vio especialmente molesto esta última vez. El público reaccionó con abucheos y gritos de “¡U-S-A!”.
Sólo entonces McCain se salió del guión intentando una broma: “Por favor, no se distraigan con el ruido de fondo”.
Ante las 20 mil personas congregadas en el cierre del coreografiado cónclave, McCain se refirió en varias ocasiones a su rival y dijo que le tiene “respeto y admiración, a pesar de las diferencias”, para más tarde marcar las distancias entre sus respectivos programas.
También defendió haber elegido a Sarah Palin como su compañera de fórmula, al señalar que es “la socia correcta”, y que tiene “experiencia ejecutiva”, en un intento por salir al paso de los reiterados cuestionamientos a posturas de la gobernadora de Alaska.
“Estoy orgulloso de haber presentado a nuestra próxima vicepresidenta al país. Y estoy impaciente de presentarla en Washington. Y déjenme darle una advertencia al Washington derrochador, que no hace nada, que dice ‘yo primero, el país segundo’: el cambio está llegando”, dijo McCain, al arrebatarle el lema de campaña a Obama entre aplausos.
El legislador indicó que trabaja desde hace décadas en política para resolver problemas, en un intento por diferenciarse con su rival demócrata y líder en las encuestas, al cual los republicanos acusan de no tener experiencia.
“Como presidente gobernaré así: extenderé mi mano a cualquiera que me ayude a poner este país en marcha de nuevo.
“Una y otra vez trabajé con miembros de ambos partidos para solucionar problemas. Así gobernaré como presidente.
“Tengo el historial y las cicatrices para probarlo. El senador Obama, no”, indicó.
McCain destacó que luchó “por la estrategia y por enviar más tropas a Irak cuando era la cosa más impopular de hacer”, y agradeció al general David Petraus “la estrategia que ha tenido éxito y nos rescató de una desmoralización”.
Agregó: “lucho por restaurar el orgullo y los principios de nuestro partido. Fuimos electos para cambiar a Washington”, además, admitió que “perdimos la confianza de los estadunidenses cuando algunos republicanos cayeron en las tentaciones de la corrupción”.
Al referirse a su programa económico, McCain prometió eliminar el gasto excesivo, bajar los impuestos y recortar la tasa fiscal que, dijo, “ayudará a competir a nuestro país y evitará que las empresas se vayan al extranjero”.
Además, dijo que “vamos a detener el gasto de 700 mil millones de dólares al año en países que no nos quieren”, aunque no especificó cuáles.
Va por los “independientes”
En otro punto de su discurso, el abanderado externó su intención de “seducir” a los independientes.
Al hablar sobre la política internacional, el abanderado republicano dijo que “se ha dado un duro golpe a Al Qaeda, pero no hay que bajar la guardia”.
Indicó que Irán es el principal promotor del terrorismo y que no se puede permitir que se dote de armas nucleares.
Se refirió a Rusia y dijo que trabajará para establecer buenos lazos, “para que no tengamos que temer una vuelta a la guerra fría”, pero indicó que Estados Unidos no puede “cerrar los ojos” ante “la agresión” contra Georgia que amenaza la paz y la estabilidad del mundo, y la seguridad del pueblo estadunidense”.
Recordó sus épocas de oficial de la aviación naval y como prisionero de guerra en Vietnam, un antecedente que no podía ofrecer su rival demócrata, y que le valió ser condecorado como héroe.
Dijo que en esas circunstancias “se enamoró” de su país, “amé más a mi patria” no sólo por las comodidades que ofrece, sino “por su decencia, su fe en la sabiduría, la justicia y el bienestar de su pueblo”.
Finalmente, instó a los estadunidenses a luchar con él por lo que es correcto y por los ideales y “nunca claudiquemos, no nos escondamos de la historia, porque nosotros hacemos la historia”.
“Voy a luchar por mi causa todos los días como su presidente. Voy a luchar para que cada estadunidense tenga razones qué agradecer a Dios, como yo lo hago de ser estadunidense, un orgulloso ciudadano del país más grande de la Tierra. Luchen conmigo, luchen”.
Previo al discurso del senador por Arizona, su esposa, Cindy, habló ante los presentes en el cónclave republicano y lo describió como un “hombre que ha servido a Washington”. Posteriormente habló la senadora Lindsey Graham, quien criticó a Obama al decir que él y el “grupo liberal MoveOn.org, fueron los únicos que no entendieron que la decisión de enviar más tropas a Irak el año pasado tuvo éxito”.
Es más de lo mismo: demócratas
Del lado demócrata no perdieron el tiempo para fustigar a McCain. El vocero de Obama, Bill Burton, calificó el discurso de McCain como “más de lo mismo” de las políticas que han sido “desastrosas” para Estados Unidos.
“Esta noche, John McCain dijo que su partido fue elegido para cambiar a Washington, pero que dejaron que Washington los cambiara”, resaltó el portavoz.
“Está en lo correcto, reprendió a la ‘vieja gente que no hace nada’ en Washington, pero ignoró el hecho de que ha formado parte de esa gente por 26 años”, indicó Burton.
“Desea continuar con las políticas exteriores y económicas desastrosas por otros cuatro años, con John McCain, es más de lo mismo”, insistió.
Y es que esta noche arrancó oficialmente el duelo entre Obama y McCain.
http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2008/09/05/index.php?section=mundo&article=033n1mun
John McCain's Acceptance Speech
By John McCain
September 5, 2008
Thank you all very much. Tonight, I have a privilege given few Americans -- the privilege of accepting our party's nomination for President of the United States. And I accept it with gratitude, humility and confidence.
In my life, no success has come without a good fight, and this nomination wasn't any different. That's a tribute to the candidates who opposed me and their supporters. They're leaders of great ability, who love our country, and wished to lead it to better days. Their support is an honor I won't forget.
I'm grateful to the President for leading us in those dark days following the worst attack on American soil in our history, and keeping us safe from another attack many thought was inevitable; and to the First Lady, Laura Bush, a model of grace and kindness in public and in private. And I'm grateful to the 41st President and his bride of 63 years, and for their outstanding example of honorable service to our country.
As always, I'm indebted to my wife, Cindy, and my seven children. The pleasures of family life can seem like a brief holiday from the crowded calendar of our nation's business. But I have treasured them all the more, and can't imagine a life without the happiness you give me. Cindy said a lot of nice things about me tonight. But, in truth, she's more my inspiration than I am hers. Her concern for those less blessed than we are -- victims of land mines, children born in poverty and with birth defects -- shows the measure of her humanity. I know she will make a great First Lady.
When I was growing up, my father was often at sea, and the job of raising my brother, sister and me would fall to my mother alone. Roberta McCain gave us her love of life, her deep interest in the world, her strength, and her belief we are all meant to use our opportunities to make ourselves useful to our country. I wouldn't be here tonight but for the strength of her character.
My heartfelt thanks to all of you, who helped me win this nomination, and stood by me when the odds were long. I won't let you down. To Americans who have yet to decide who to vote for, thank you for your consideration and the opportunity to win your trust. I intend to earn it.
Finally, a word to Senator Obama and his supporters. We'll go at it over the next two months. That's the nature of these contests, and there are big differences between us. But you have my respect and admiration. Despite our differences, much more unites us than divides us. We are fellow Americans, an association that means more to me than any other. We're dedicated to the proposition that all people are created equal and endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights. No country ever had a greater cause than that. And I wouldn't be an American worthy of the name if I didn't honor Senator Obama and his supporters for their achievement.
But let there be no doubt, my friends, we're going to win this election. And after we've won, we're going to reach out our hand to any willing patriot, make this government start working for you again, and get this country back on the road to prosperity and peace.
These are tough times for many of you. You're worried about keeping your job or finding a new one, and are struggling to put food on the table and stay in your home. All you ever asked of government is to stand on your side, not in your way. And that's just what I intend to do: stand on your side and fight for your future.
And I've found just the right partner to help me shake up Washington, Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska. She has executive experience and a real record of accomplishment. She's tackled tough problems like energy independence and corruption. She's balanced a budget, cut taxes, and taken on the special interests. She's reached across the aisle and asked Republicans, Democrats and Independents to serve in her administration. She's the mother of five children. She's helped run a small business, worked with her hands and knows what it's like to worry about mortgage payments and health care and the cost of gasoline and groceries.
She knows where she comes from and she knows who she works for. She stands up for what's right, and she doesn't let anyone tell her to sit down. I'm very proud to have introduced our next Vice President to the country. But I can't wait until I introduce her to Washington. And let me offer an advance warning to the old, big spending, do nothing, me first, country second Washington crowd: change is coming.
I'm not in the habit of breaking promises to my country and neither is Governor Palin. And when we tell you we're going to change Washington, and stop leaving our country's problems for some unluckier generation to fix, you can count on it. We've got a record of doing just that, and the strength, experience, judgment and backbone to keep our word to you.
You know, I've been called a maverick; someone who marches to the beat of his own drum. Sometimes it's meant as a compliment and sometimes it's not. What it really means is I understand who I work for. I don't work for a party. I don't work for a special interest. I don't work for myself. I work for you.
I've fought corruption, and it didn't matter if the culprits were Democrats or Republicans. They violated their public trust, and had to be held accountable. I've fought big spenders in both parties, who waste your money on things you neither need nor want, while you struggle to buy groceries, fill your gas tank and make your mortgage payment. I've fought to get million dollar checks out of our elections. I've fought lobbyists who stole from Indian tribes. I fought crooked deals in the Pentagon. I fought tobacco companies and trial lawyers, drug companies and union bosses.
I fought for the right strategy and more troops in Iraq, when it wasn't a popular thing to do. And when the pundits said my campaign was finished, I said I'd rather lose an election than see my country lose a war.
Thanks to the leadership of a brilliant general, David Petreaus, and the brave men and women he has the honor to command, that strategy succeeded and rescued us from a defeat that would have demoralized our military, risked a wider war and threatened the security of all Americans.
I don't mind a good fight. For reasons known only to God, I've had quite a few tough ones in my life. But I learned an important lesson along the way. In the end, it matters less that you can fight. What you fight for is the real test.
I fight for Americans. I fight for you. I fight for Bill and Sue Nebe from Farmington Hills, Michigan, who lost their real estate investments in the bad housing market. Bill got a temporary job after he was out of work for seven months. Sue works three jobs to help pay the bills.
I fight for Jake and Toni Wimmer of Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Jake works on a loading dock; coaches Little League, and raises money for the mentally and physically disabled. Toni is a schoolteacher, working toward her Master's Degree. They have two sons, the youngest, Luke, has been diagnosed with autism. Their lives should matter to the people they elect to office. They matter to me.
I fight for the family of Matthew Stanley of Wolfboro, New Hampshire, who died serving our country in Iraq. I wear his bracelet and think of him every day. I intend to honor their sacrifice by making sure the country their son loved so well and never returned to, remains safe from its enemies.
I fight to restore the pride and principles of our party. We were elected to change Washington, and we let Washington change us. We lost the trust of the American people when some Republicans gave in to the temptations of corruption. We lost their trust when rather than reform government, both parties made it bigger. We lost their trust when instead of freeing ourselves from a dangerous dependence on foreign oil, both parties and Senator Obama passed another corporate welfare bill for oil companies. We lost their trust, when we valued our power over our principles.
We're going to change that. We're going to recover the people's trust by standing up again for the values Americans admire. The party of Lincoln, Roosevelt and Reagan is going to get back to basics.
We believe everyone has something to contribute and deserves the opportunity to reach their God-given potential from the boy whose descendents arrived on the Mayflower to the Latina daughter of migrant workers. We're all God's children and we're all Americans.
We believe in low taxes; spending discipline, and open markets. We believe in rewarding hard work and risk takers and letting people keep the fruits of their labor.
We believe in a strong defense, work, faith, service, a culture of life, personal responsibility, the rule of law, and judges who dispense justice impartially and don't legislate from the bench. We believe in the values of families, neighborhoods and communities.
We believe in a government that unleashes the creativity and initiative of Americans. Government that doesn't make your choices for you, but works to make sure you have more choices to make for yourself.
I will keep taxes low and cut them where I can. My opponent will raise them. I will open new markets to our goods and services. My opponent will close them. I will cut government spending. He will increase it.
My tax cuts will create jobs. His tax increases will eliminate them. My health care plan will make it easier for more Americans to find and keep good health care insurance. His plan will force small businesses to cut jobs, reduce wages, and force families into a government run health care system where a bureaucrat stands between you and your doctor.
Keeping taxes low helps small businesses grow and create new jobs. Cutting the second highest business tax rate in the world will help American companies compete and keep jobs from moving overseas. Doubling the child tax exemption from $3500 to $7000 will improve the lives of millions of American families. Reducing government spending and getting rid of failed programs will let you keep more of your own money to save, spend and invest as you see fit. Opening new markets and preparing workers to compete in the world economy is essential to our future prosperity.
I know some of you have been left behind in the changing economy and it often seems your government hasn't even noticed. Government assistance for unemployed workers was designed for the economy of the 1950s. That's going to change on my watch. My opponent promises to bring back old jobs by wishing away the global economy. We're going to help workers who've lost a job that won't come back, find a new one that won't go away.
We will prepare them for the jobs of today. We will use our community colleges to help train people for new opportunities in their communities. For workers in industries that have been hard hit, we'll help make up part of the difference in wages between their old job and a temporary, lower paid one while they receive retraining that will help them find secure new employment at a decent wage.
Education is the civil rights issue of this century. Equal access to public education has been gained. But what is the value of access to a failing school? We need to shake up failed school bureaucracies with competition, empower parents with choice, remove barriers to qualified instructors, attract and reward good teachers, and help bad teachers find another line of work.
When a public school fails to meet its obligations to students, parents deserve a choice in the education of their children. And I intend to give it to them. Some may choose a better public school. Some may choose a private one. Many will choose a charter school. But they will have that choice and their children will have that opportunity.
Senator Obama wants our schools to answer to unions and entrenched bureaucracies. I want schools to answer to parents and students. And when I'm President, they will.
My fellow Americans, when I'm President, we're going to embark on the most ambitious national project in decades. We are going to stop sending $700 billion a year to countries that don't like us very much. We will attack the problem on every front. We will produce more energy at home. We will drill new wells offshore, and we'll drill them now. We will build more nuclear power plants. We will develop clean coal technology. We will increase the use of wind, tide, solar and natural gas. We will encourage the development and use of flex fuel, hybrid and electric automobiles.
Senator Obama thinks we can achieve energy independence without more drilling and without more nuclear power. But Americans know better than that. We must use all resources and develop all technologies necessary to rescue our economy from the damage caused by rising oil prices and to restore the health of our planet. It's an ambitious plan, but Americans are ambitious by nature, and we have faced greater challenges. It's time for us to show the world again how Americans lead.
This great national cause will create millions of new jobs, many in industries that will be the engine of our future prosperity; jobs that will be there when your children enter the workforce.
Today, the prospect of a better world remains within our reach. But we must see the threats to peace and liberty in our time clearly and face them, as Americans before us did, with confidence, wisdom and resolve.
We have dealt a serious blow to al Qaeda in recent years. But they are not defeated, and they'll strike us again if they can. Iran remains the chief state sponsor of terrorism and on the path to acquiring nuclear weapons. Russia's leaders, rich with oil wealth and corrupt with power, have rejected democratic ideals and the obligations of a responsible power. They invaded a small, democratic neighbor to gain more control over the world's oil supply, intimidate other neighbors, and further their ambitions of reassembling the Russian empire. And the brave people of Georgia need our solidarity and prayers. As President I will work to establish good relations with Russia so we need not fear a return of the Cold War. But we can't turn a blind eye to aggression and international lawlessness that threatens the peace and stability of the world and the security of the American people.
We face many threats in this dangerous world, but I'm not afraid of them. I'm prepared for them. I know how the military works, what it can do, what it can do better, and what it should not do. I know how the world works. I know the good and the evil in it. I know how to work with leaders who share our dreams of a freer, safer and more prosperous world, and how to stand up to those who don't. I know how to secure the peace.
When I was five years old, a car pulled up in front of our house. A Navy officer rolled down the window, and shouted at my father that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor. I rarely saw my father again for four years. My grandfather came home from that same war exhausted from the burdens he had borne, and died the next day. In Vietnam, where I formed the closest friendships of my life, some of those friends never came home with me. I hate war. It is terrible beyond imagination.
I'm running for President to keep the country I love safe, and prevent other families from risking their loved ones in war as my family has. I will draw on all my experience with the world and its leaders, and all the tools at our disposal -- diplomatic, economic, military and the power of our ideals -- to build the foundations for a stable and enduring peace.
In America, we change things that need to be changed. Each generation makes its contribution to our greatness. The work that is ours to do is plainly before us. We don't need to search for it.
We need to change the way government does almost everything: from the way we protect our security to the way we compete in the world economy; from the way we respond to disasters to the way we fuel our transportation network; from the way we train our workers to the way we educate our children. All these functions of government were designed before the rise of the global economy, the information technology revolution and the end of the Cold War. We have to catch up to history, and we have to change the way we do business in Washington.
The constant partisan rancor that stops us from solving these problems isn't a cause, it's a symptom. It's what happens when people go to Washington to work for themselves and not you.
Again and again, I've worked with members of both parties to fix problems that need to be fixed. That's how I will govern as President. I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again. I have that record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not.
Instead of rejecting good ideas because we didn't think of them first, let's use the best ideas from both sides. Instead of fighting over who gets the credit, let's try sharing it. This amazing country can do anything we put our minds to. I will ask Democrats and Independents to serve with me. And my administration will set a new standard for transparency and accountability.
We're going to finally start getting things done for the people who are counting on us, and I won't care who gets the credit.
I've been an imperfect servant of my country for many years. But I have been her servant first, last and always. And I've never lived a day, in good times or bad, that I didn't thank God for the privilege.
Long ago, something unusual happened to me that taught me the most valuable lesson of my life. I was blessed by misfortune. I mean that sincerely. I was blessed because I served in the company of heroes, and I witnessed a thousand acts of courage, compassion and love.
On an October morning, in the Gulf of Tonkin, I prepared for my 23rd mission over North Vietnam. I hadn't any worry I wouldn't come back safe and sound. I thought I was tougher than anyone. I was pretty independent then, too. I liked to bend a few rules, and pick a few fights for the fun of it. But I did it for my own pleasure; my own pride. I didn't think there was a cause more important than me.
Then I found myself falling toward the middle of a small lake in the city of Hanoi, with two broken arms, a broken leg, and an angry crowd waiting to greet me. I was dumped in a dark cell, and left to die. I didn't feel so tough anymore. When they discovered my father was an admiral, they took me to a hospital. They couldn't set my bones properly, so they just slapped a cast on me. When I didn't get better, and was down to about a hundred pounds, they put me in a cell with two other Americans. I couldn't do anything. I couldn't even feed myself. They did it for me. I was beginning to learn the limits of my selfish independence. Those men saved my life.
I was in solitary confinement when my captors offered to release me. I knew why. If I went home, they would use it as propaganda to demoralize my fellow prisoners. Our Code said we could only go home in the order of our capture, and there were men who had been shot down before me. I thought about it, though. I wasn't in great shape, and I missed everything about America. But I turned it down.
A lot of prisoners had it worse than I did. I'd been mistreated before, but not as badly as others. I always liked to strut a little after I'd been roughed up to show the other guys I was tough enough to take it. But after I turned down their offer, they worked me over harder than they ever had before. For a long time. And they broke me.
When they brought me back to my cell, I was hurt and ashamed, and I didn't know how I could face my fellow prisoners. The good man in the cell next door, my friend, Bob Craner, saved me. Through taps on a wall he told me I had fought as hard as I could. No man can always stand alone. And then he told me to get back up and fight again for our country and for the men I had the honor to serve with. Because every day they fought for me.
I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else's. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency; for its faith in the wisdom, justice and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again. I wasn't my own man anymore. I was my country's.
I'm not running for president because I think I'm blessed with such personal greatness that history has anointed me to save our country in its hour of need. My country saved me. My country saved me, and I cannot forget it. And I will fight for her for as long as I draw breath, so help me God.
If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you're disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them. Enlist in our Armed Forces. Become a teacher. Enter the ministry. Run for public office. Feed a hungry child. Teach an illiterate adult to read. Comfort the afflicted. Defend the rights of the oppressed. Our country will be the better, and you will be the happier. Because nothing brings greater happiness in life than to serve a cause greater than yourself.
I'm going to fight for my cause every day as your President. I'm going to fight to make sure every American has every reason to thank God, as I thank Him: that I'm an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on earth, and with hard work, strong faith and a little courage, great things are always within our reach. Fight with me. Fight with me.
Fight for what's right for our country.
Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.
Fight for our children's future.
Fight for justice and opportunity for all.
Stand up to defend our country from its enemies.
Stand up for each other; for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.
Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. Nothing is inevitable here. We're Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history.
Thank you, and God Bless you.
http://www.johnmccain.com/informing/news/Speeches/ef046a10-706a-4dd5-bd01-b93b36b054bc.htm
September 5, 2008
Thank you all very much. Tonight, I have a privilege given few Americans -- the privilege of accepting our party's nomination for President of the United States. And I accept it with gratitude, humility and confidence.
In my life, no success has come without a good fight, and this nomination wasn't any different. That's a tribute to the candidates who opposed me and their supporters. They're leaders of great ability, who love our country, and wished to lead it to better days. Their support is an honor I won't forget.
I'm grateful to the President for leading us in those dark days following the worst attack on American soil in our history, and keeping us safe from another attack many thought was inevitable; and to the First Lady, Laura Bush, a model of grace and kindness in public and in private. And I'm grateful to the 41st President and his bride of 63 years, and for their outstanding example of honorable service to our country.
As always, I'm indebted to my wife, Cindy, and my seven children. The pleasures of family life can seem like a brief holiday from the crowded calendar of our nation's business. But I have treasured them all the more, and can't imagine a life without the happiness you give me. Cindy said a lot of nice things about me tonight. But, in truth, she's more my inspiration than I am hers. Her concern for those less blessed than we are -- victims of land mines, children born in poverty and with birth defects -- shows the measure of her humanity. I know she will make a great First Lady.
When I was growing up, my father was often at sea, and the job of raising my brother, sister and me would fall to my mother alone. Roberta McCain gave us her love of life, her deep interest in the world, her strength, and her belief we are all meant to use our opportunities to make ourselves useful to our country. I wouldn't be here tonight but for the strength of her character.
My heartfelt thanks to all of you, who helped me win this nomination, and stood by me when the odds were long. I won't let you down. To Americans who have yet to decide who to vote for, thank you for your consideration and the opportunity to win your trust. I intend to earn it.
Finally, a word to Senator Obama and his supporters. We'll go at it over the next two months. That's the nature of these contests, and there are big differences between us. But you have my respect and admiration. Despite our differences, much more unites us than divides us. We are fellow Americans, an association that means more to me than any other. We're dedicated to the proposition that all people are created equal and endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights. No country ever had a greater cause than that. And I wouldn't be an American worthy of the name if I didn't honor Senator Obama and his supporters for their achievement.
But let there be no doubt, my friends, we're going to win this election. And after we've won, we're going to reach out our hand to any willing patriot, make this government start working for you again, and get this country back on the road to prosperity and peace.
These are tough times for many of you. You're worried about keeping your job or finding a new one, and are struggling to put food on the table and stay in your home. All you ever asked of government is to stand on your side, not in your way. And that's just what I intend to do: stand on your side and fight for your future.
And I've found just the right partner to help me shake up Washington, Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska. She has executive experience and a real record of accomplishment. She's tackled tough problems like energy independence and corruption. She's balanced a budget, cut taxes, and taken on the special interests. She's reached across the aisle and asked Republicans, Democrats and Independents to serve in her administration. She's the mother of five children. She's helped run a small business, worked with her hands and knows what it's like to worry about mortgage payments and health care and the cost of gasoline and groceries.
She knows where she comes from and she knows who she works for. She stands up for what's right, and she doesn't let anyone tell her to sit down. I'm very proud to have introduced our next Vice President to the country. But I can't wait until I introduce her to Washington. And let me offer an advance warning to the old, big spending, do nothing, me first, country second Washington crowd: change is coming.
I'm not in the habit of breaking promises to my country and neither is Governor Palin. And when we tell you we're going to change Washington, and stop leaving our country's problems for some unluckier generation to fix, you can count on it. We've got a record of doing just that, and the strength, experience, judgment and backbone to keep our word to you.
You know, I've been called a maverick; someone who marches to the beat of his own drum. Sometimes it's meant as a compliment and sometimes it's not. What it really means is I understand who I work for. I don't work for a party. I don't work for a special interest. I don't work for myself. I work for you.
I've fought corruption, and it didn't matter if the culprits were Democrats or Republicans. They violated their public trust, and had to be held accountable. I've fought big spenders in both parties, who waste your money on things you neither need nor want, while you struggle to buy groceries, fill your gas tank and make your mortgage payment. I've fought to get million dollar checks out of our elections. I've fought lobbyists who stole from Indian tribes. I fought crooked deals in the Pentagon. I fought tobacco companies and trial lawyers, drug companies and union bosses.
I fought for the right strategy and more troops in Iraq, when it wasn't a popular thing to do. And when the pundits said my campaign was finished, I said I'd rather lose an election than see my country lose a war.
Thanks to the leadership of a brilliant general, David Petreaus, and the brave men and women he has the honor to command, that strategy succeeded and rescued us from a defeat that would have demoralized our military, risked a wider war and threatened the security of all Americans.
I don't mind a good fight. For reasons known only to God, I've had quite a few tough ones in my life. But I learned an important lesson along the way. In the end, it matters less that you can fight. What you fight for is the real test.
I fight for Americans. I fight for you. I fight for Bill and Sue Nebe from Farmington Hills, Michigan, who lost their real estate investments in the bad housing market. Bill got a temporary job after he was out of work for seven months. Sue works three jobs to help pay the bills.
I fight for Jake and Toni Wimmer of Franklin County, Pennsylvania. Jake works on a loading dock; coaches Little League, and raises money for the mentally and physically disabled. Toni is a schoolteacher, working toward her Master's Degree. They have two sons, the youngest, Luke, has been diagnosed with autism. Their lives should matter to the people they elect to office. They matter to me.
I fight for the family of Matthew Stanley of Wolfboro, New Hampshire, who died serving our country in Iraq. I wear his bracelet and think of him every day. I intend to honor their sacrifice by making sure the country their son loved so well and never returned to, remains safe from its enemies.
I fight to restore the pride and principles of our party. We were elected to change Washington, and we let Washington change us. We lost the trust of the American people when some Republicans gave in to the temptations of corruption. We lost their trust when rather than reform government, both parties made it bigger. We lost their trust when instead of freeing ourselves from a dangerous dependence on foreign oil, both parties and Senator Obama passed another corporate welfare bill for oil companies. We lost their trust, when we valued our power over our principles.
We're going to change that. We're going to recover the people's trust by standing up again for the values Americans admire. The party of Lincoln, Roosevelt and Reagan is going to get back to basics.
We believe everyone has something to contribute and deserves the opportunity to reach their God-given potential from the boy whose descendents arrived on the Mayflower to the Latina daughter of migrant workers. We're all God's children and we're all Americans.
We believe in low taxes; spending discipline, and open markets. We believe in rewarding hard work and risk takers and letting people keep the fruits of their labor.
We believe in a strong defense, work, faith, service, a culture of life, personal responsibility, the rule of law, and judges who dispense justice impartially and don't legislate from the bench. We believe in the values of families, neighborhoods and communities.
We believe in a government that unleashes the creativity and initiative of Americans. Government that doesn't make your choices for you, but works to make sure you have more choices to make for yourself.
I will keep taxes low and cut them where I can. My opponent will raise them. I will open new markets to our goods and services. My opponent will close them. I will cut government spending. He will increase it.
My tax cuts will create jobs. His tax increases will eliminate them. My health care plan will make it easier for more Americans to find and keep good health care insurance. His plan will force small businesses to cut jobs, reduce wages, and force families into a government run health care system where a bureaucrat stands between you and your doctor.
Keeping taxes low helps small businesses grow and create new jobs. Cutting the second highest business tax rate in the world will help American companies compete and keep jobs from moving overseas. Doubling the child tax exemption from $3500 to $7000 will improve the lives of millions of American families. Reducing government spending and getting rid of failed programs will let you keep more of your own money to save, spend and invest as you see fit. Opening new markets and preparing workers to compete in the world economy is essential to our future prosperity.
I know some of you have been left behind in the changing economy and it often seems your government hasn't even noticed. Government assistance for unemployed workers was designed for the economy of the 1950s. That's going to change on my watch. My opponent promises to bring back old jobs by wishing away the global economy. We're going to help workers who've lost a job that won't come back, find a new one that won't go away.
We will prepare them for the jobs of today. We will use our community colleges to help train people for new opportunities in their communities. For workers in industries that have been hard hit, we'll help make up part of the difference in wages between their old job and a temporary, lower paid one while they receive retraining that will help them find secure new employment at a decent wage.
Education is the civil rights issue of this century. Equal access to public education has been gained. But what is the value of access to a failing school? We need to shake up failed school bureaucracies with competition, empower parents with choice, remove barriers to qualified instructors, attract and reward good teachers, and help bad teachers find another line of work.
When a public school fails to meet its obligations to students, parents deserve a choice in the education of their children. And I intend to give it to them. Some may choose a better public school. Some may choose a private one. Many will choose a charter school. But they will have that choice and their children will have that opportunity.
Senator Obama wants our schools to answer to unions and entrenched bureaucracies. I want schools to answer to parents and students. And when I'm President, they will.
My fellow Americans, when I'm President, we're going to embark on the most ambitious national project in decades. We are going to stop sending $700 billion a year to countries that don't like us very much. We will attack the problem on every front. We will produce more energy at home. We will drill new wells offshore, and we'll drill them now. We will build more nuclear power plants. We will develop clean coal technology. We will increase the use of wind, tide, solar and natural gas. We will encourage the development and use of flex fuel, hybrid and electric automobiles.
Senator Obama thinks we can achieve energy independence without more drilling and without more nuclear power. But Americans know better than that. We must use all resources and develop all technologies necessary to rescue our economy from the damage caused by rising oil prices and to restore the health of our planet. It's an ambitious plan, but Americans are ambitious by nature, and we have faced greater challenges. It's time for us to show the world again how Americans lead.
This great national cause will create millions of new jobs, many in industries that will be the engine of our future prosperity; jobs that will be there when your children enter the workforce.
Today, the prospect of a better world remains within our reach. But we must see the threats to peace and liberty in our time clearly and face them, as Americans before us did, with confidence, wisdom and resolve.
We have dealt a serious blow to al Qaeda in recent years. But they are not defeated, and they'll strike us again if they can. Iran remains the chief state sponsor of terrorism and on the path to acquiring nuclear weapons. Russia's leaders, rich with oil wealth and corrupt with power, have rejected democratic ideals and the obligations of a responsible power. They invaded a small, democratic neighbor to gain more control over the world's oil supply, intimidate other neighbors, and further their ambitions of reassembling the Russian empire. And the brave people of Georgia need our solidarity and prayers. As President I will work to establish good relations with Russia so we need not fear a return of the Cold War. But we can't turn a blind eye to aggression and international lawlessness that threatens the peace and stability of the world and the security of the American people.
We face many threats in this dangerous world, but I'm not afraid of them. I'm prepared for them. I know how the military works, what it can do, what it can do better, and what it should not do. I know how the world works. I know the good and the evil in it. I know how to work with leaders who share our dreams of a freer, safer and more prosperous world, and how to stand up to those who don't. I know how to secure the peace.
When I was five years old, a car pulled up in front of our house. A Navy officer rolled down the window, and shouted at my father that the Japanese had bombed Pearl Harbor. I rarely saw my father again for four years. My grandfather came home from that same war exhausted from the burdens he had borne, and died the next day. In Vietnam, where I formed the closest friendships of my life, some of those friends never came home with me. I hate war. It is terrible beyond imagination.
I'm running for President to keep the country I love safe, and prevent other families from risking their loved ones in war as my family has. I will draw on all my experience with the world and its leaders, and all the tools at our disposal -- diplomatic, economic, military and the power of our ideals -- to build the foundations for a stable and enduring peace.
In America, we change things that need to be changed. Each generation makes its contribution to our greatness. The work that is ours to do is plainly before us. We don't need to search for it.
We need to change the way government does almost everything: from the way we protect our security to the way we compete in the world economy; from the way we respond to disasters to the way we fuel our transportation network; from the way we train our workers to the way we educate our children. All these functions of government were designed before the rise of the global economy, the information technology revolution and the end of the Cold War. We have to catch up to history, and we have to change the way we do business in Washington.
The constant partisan rancor that stops us from solving these problems isn't a cause, it's a symptom. It's what happens when people go to Washington to work for themselves and not you.
Again and again, I've worked with members of both parties to fix problems that need to be fixed. That's how I will govern as President. I will reach out my hand to anyone to help me get this country moving again. I have that record and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not.
Instead of rejecting good ideas because we didn't think of them first, let's use the best ideas from both sides. Instead of fighting over who gets the credit, let's try sharing it. This amazing country can do anything we put our minds to. I will ask Democrats and Independents to serve with me. And my administration will set a new standard for transparency and accountability.
We're going to finally start getting things done for the people who are counting on us, and I won't care who gets the credit.
I've been an imperfect servant of my country for many years. But I have been her servant first, last and always. And I've never lived a day, in good times or bad, that I didn't thank God for the privilege.
Long ago, something unusual happened to me that taught me the most valuable lesson of my life. I was blessed by misfortune. I mean that sincerely. I was blessed because I served in the company of heroes, and I witnessed a thousand acts of courage, compassion and love.
On an October morning, in the Gulf of Tonkin, I prepared for my 23rd mission over North Vietnam. I hadn't any worry I wouldn't come back safe and sound. I thought I was tougher than anyone. I was pretty independent then, too. I liked to bend a few rules, and pick a few fights for the fun of it. But I did it for my own pleasure; my own pride. I didn't think there was a cause more important than me.
Then I found myself falling toward the middle of a small lake in the city of Hanoi, with two broken arms, a broken leg, and an angry crowd waiting to greet me. I was dumped in a dark cell, and left to die. I didn't feel so tough anymore. When they discovered my father was an admiral, they took me to a hospital. They couldn't set my bones properly, so they just slapped a cast on me. When I didn't get better, and was down to about a hundred pounds, they put me in a cell with two other Americans. I couldn't do anything. I couldn't even feed myself. They did it for me. I was beginning to learn the limits of my selfish independence. Those men saved my life.
I was in solitary confinement when my captors offered to release me. I knew why. If I went home, they would use it as propaganda to demoralize my fellow prisoners. Our Code said we could only go home in the order of our capture, and there were men who had been shot down before me. I thought about it, though. I wasn't in great shape, and I missed everything about America. But I turned it down.
A lot of prisoners had it worse than I did. I'd been mistreated before, but not as badly as others. I always liked to strut a little after I'd been roughed up to show the other guys I was tough enough to take it. But after I turned down their offer, they worked me over harder than they ever had before. For a long time. And they broke me.
When they brought me back to my cell, I was hurt and ashamed, and I didn't know how I could face my fellow prisoners. The good man in the cell next door, my friend, Bob Craner, saved me. Through taps on a wall he told me I had fought as hard as I could. No man can always stand alone. And then he told me to get back up and fight again for our country and for the men I had the honor to serve with. Because every day they fought for me.
I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else's. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency; for its faith in the wisdom, justice and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again. I wasn't my own man anymore. I was my country's.
I'm not running for president because I think I'm blessed with such personal greatness that history has anointed me to save our country in its hour of need. My country saved me. My country saved me, and I cannot forget it. And I will fight for her for as long as I draw breath, so help me God.
If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you're disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them. Enlist in our Armed Forces. Become a teacher. Enter the ministry. Run for public office. Feed a hungry child. Teach an illiterate adult to read. Comfort the afflicted. Defend the rights of the oppressed. Our country will be the better, and you will be the happier. Because nothing brings greater happiness in life than to serve a cause greater than yourself.
I'm going to fight for my cause every day as your President. I'm going to fight to make sure every American has every reason to thank God, as I thank Him: that I'm an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on earth, and with hard work, strong faith and a little courage, great things are always within our reach. Fight with me. Fight with me.
Fight for what's right for our country.
Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.
Fight for our children's future.
Fight for justice and opportunity for all.
Stand up to defend our country from its enemies.
Stand up for each other; for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.
Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. Nothing is inevitable here. We're Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history.
Thank you, and God Bless you.
http://www.johnmccain.com/informing/news/Speeches/ef046a10-706a-4dd5-bd01-b93b36b054bc.htm
viernes, agosto 29, 2008
McCain presenta a Sara Palin como candidata de formula del partido republicano
John McCain anuncia a Sarah Palin como su candidata a la vicepresidencia de EEUU
RICARD GONZÁLEZ
WASHINGTON.- John McCain dio toda una sorpresa al elegir como aspirante a la vicepresidencia a Sarah Palin, la joven gobernadora de Alaska, en un movimiento que se interpreta como una opa hostil a las seguidoras de Hillary Clinton, muchas de las cuales se muestran renuentes a votar por Obama.
El aspirante republicano presentó a Palin ante las bases republicanas en un acto en Dayton, Ohio, ante unas de 10.000 seguidores. "He encontrado a alguien con una impresionante reputación para enfrentarse a los grupos de interés", dijo McCain a la hora de presentar a su flamante compañera de ticket. "Sarah Palin me ayudará a luchar contra la vieja forma de hacer política en Washington de poner mi interés primero, y el país después", añadió.
A continuación, Palin subió al escenario acompañada de sus cinco hijos, y su marido, Todd Palin. Al igual que McCain, la gobernadora de Alaska también centró su discurso en la necesidad de trasnformar Washington. "En política es más seguro no ir contra el status quo..., pero hace falta desafiarlo para servir el bien público", afirmó Palin, antes de añadir "si quereis un cambio para América, os pedimos vuestro voto".
La joven gobernadora aprovechó para recordar que esta semana se cumple el aniversario de la consecución del derecho a voto de las mujeres, y mencionó a Geraldine Ferraro, la primera mujer en aspirar a la vicepresidencia del país el año 1984, y a Hillary Clinton. Palin robó una frase a la ex primera dama cuando aseguró que ella "ha introducido 18 millones de grietas en el techo de cristal". "Ahora podemos destrozar ese techo de una vez por todas", proclamó en una apelación directa al voto de las seguidoras feministas de Hillary, cruciales para el futuro de esta elección.
La audaz elección de Palin supone, sin duda, un golpe de efecto a la campaña, y puede permitir al candidato republicano recuperar la iniciativa tras la convención demócrata, finalizada ayer con el discurso de aceptación de Obama, y considerada por la mayoría de medios como todo un éxito.
Si bien el nombre de Palin había sonado entre los futuribles mencionados en las cábalas de la prensa, no figuraba entre los favoritos, que eran sobre todo el ex gobernador de Massachusetts, Mitt Romney, y el gobernador de Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty.
Además de apelar a las feministas decepcionadas por la derrota de Hillary, Palin, de 44 años, aportará frescura a la candidatura de McCain que, de ser elegido, sería el presidente entrante más longevo de la historia.
Después de haber ejercido como alcaldesa de Wasilia durante 10 años, Palin venció en las elecciones del 2006 con un mensaje de reforma y cambio en un partido, el republicano en Alaska, afectado por varios escándalos de nepotismo y corrupción. Por lo tanto, Palin puede reforzar el perfil de reformador que trata de trasladar McCain, e impedir que Obama se apropie del mensaje de cambio.
La gobernadora también le ayudará a cimentar su apoyo entre las bases republicanas más conservadoras, pues es una ferviente oponente al aborto que decidió dar a luz a pesar de saber que su hijo sufriría de síndrome de Down.
Sin embargo, su elección presenta también riesgos. Palin apenas lleva dos años ejerciendo de gobernadora en un estado que está a cientos de kilómetros del resto del país. Si la campaña de McCain ha centrado hasta ahora sus ataques en la falta de experiencia de Obama para ser presidente, sobre todo en relaciones internacioanles, es difícil argumentar a la vez que Palin sí lo está.
Teniendo en cuenta la avanzada edad de McCain, que precisamente hoy cumple 72 años, y sus pasadas batallas con el cáncer, no es un escenario descartable que se deba retirar a media presidencia. Entonces, tal como establece la Constitución, debería ser Palin quien asumiera la presidencia del país.
De hecho, el propio McCain siempre dijo que su principal criterio para elegir vicepresidente sería que estuviera a punto de tomar las riendas del país en cualquier momento.
http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2008/08/29/internacional/1220021081.html
RICARD GONZÁLEZ
WASHINGTON.- John McCain dio toda una sorpresa al elegir como aspirante a la vicepresidencia a Sarah Palin, la joven gobernadora de Alaska, en un movimiento que se interpreta como una opa hostil a las seguidoras de Hillary Clinton, muchas de las cuales se muestran renuentes a votar por Obama.
El aspirante republicano presentó a Palin ante las bases republicanas en un acto en Dayton, Ohio, ante unas de 10.000 seguidores. "He encontrado a alguien con una impresionante reputación para enfrentarse a los grupos de interés", dijo McCain a la hora de presentar a su flamante compañera de ticket. "Sarah Palin me ayudará a luchar contra la vieja forma de hacer política en Washington de poner mi interés primero, y el país después", añadió.
A continuación, Palin subió al escenario acompañada de sus cinco hijos, y su marido, Todd Palin. Al igual que McCain, la gobernadora de Alaska también centró su discurso en la necesidad de trasnformar Washington. "En política es más seguro no ir contra el status quo..., pero hace falta desafiarlo para servir el bien público", afirmó Palin, antes de añadir "si quereis un cambio para América, os pedimos vuestro voto".
La joven gobernadora aprovechó para recordar que esta semana se cumple el aniversario de la consecución del derecho a voto de las mujeres, y mencionó a Geraldine Ferraro, la primera mujer en aspirar a la vicepresidencia del país el año 1984, y a Hillary Clinton. Palin robó una frase a la ex primera dama cuando aseguró que ella "ha introducido 18 millones de grietas en el techo de cristal". "Ahora podemos destrozar ese techo de una vez por todas", proclamó en una apelación directa al voto de las seguidoras feministas de Hillary, cruciales para el futuro de esta elección.
La audaz elección de Palin supone, sin duda, un golpe de efecto a la campaña, y puede permitir al candidato republicano recuperar la iniciativa tras la convención demócrata, finalizada ayer con el discurso de aceptación de Obama, y considerada por la mayoría de medios como todo un éxito.
Si bien el nombre de Palin había sonado entre los futuribles mencionados en las cábalas de la prensa, no figuraba entre los favoritos, que eran sobre todo el ex gobernador de Massachusetts, Mitt Romney, y el gobernador de Minnesota, Tim Pawlenty.
Además de apelar a las feministas decepcionadas por la derrota de Hillary, Palin, de 44 años, aportará frescura a la candidatura de McCain que, de ser elegido, sería el presidente entrante más longevo de la historia.
Después de haber ejercido como alcaldesa de Wasilia durante 10 años, Palin venció en las elecciones del 2006 con un mensaje de reforma y cambio en un partido, el republicano en Alaska, afectado por varios escándalos de nepotismo y corrupción. Por lo tanto, Palin puede reforzar el perfil de reformador que trata de trasladar McCain, e impedir que Obama se apropie del mensaje de cambio.
La gobernadora también le ayudará a cimentar su apoyo entre las bases republicanas más conservadoras, pues es una ferviente oponente al aborto que decidió dar a luz a pesar de saber que su hijo sufriría de síndrome de Down.
Sin embargo, su elección presenta también riesgos. Palin apenas lleva dos años ejerciendo de gobernadora en un estado que está a cientos de kilómetros del resto del país. Si la campaña de McCain ha centrado hasta ahora sus ataques en la falta de experiencia de Obama para ser presidente, sobre todo en relaciones internacioanles, es difícil argumentar a la vez que Palin sí lo está.
Teniendo en cuenta la avanzada edad de McCain, que precisamente hoy cumple 72 años, y sus pasadas batallas con el cáncer, no es un escenario descartable que se deba retirar a media presidencia. Entonces, tal como establece la Constitución, debería ser Palin quien asumiera la presidencia del país.
De hecho, el propio McCain siempre dijo que su principal criterio para elegir vicepresidente sería que estuviera a punto de tomar las riendas del país en cualquier momento.
http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2008/08/29/internacional/1220021081.html
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