(Inspired by a Turner Classic Movie showing of “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.”)
Minneapolis, Sept 4, 2008–In a Capraesque moment for the 21st century, John Sidney McCain III told a stunned Republican Convention tonight:
“I accept your nomination for president of the United States but, in all good conscience, must reject the tactics that are being used to win that office for myself and my party.”
To the bewildered, buzzing audience, McCain declared, “I take my text tonight from a source familiar to us all but too easily forgotten in the heat of political battle: ‘For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?’
“My friends, I have tried to serve my country all my life with honor, and I will not trade that accomplishment for any office, no matter how exalted.
“In the past months, I have given in to the temptation to allow people who speak for me to paint my opponent as dishonest, deceitful and untrustworthy. From my own experience as his Senate colleague, I know that is simply not true.
“From this moment, all that will stop. In my heart, I believe I am better qualified to lead this country, and I will make my case to anyone who will listen. But I will not be part of a process that demeans others for my own advantage and damages the civilized American dialogue that has been the glory of our democracy for more than two centuries.”
Sources close to McCain reveal that, prior to delivering his acceptance speech, the text of which was not made available in advance, the Republican candidate had dismissed all members of his staff associated with Karl Rove and the Bush campaigns of 2000 and 2004.