Like my fellow TMV bloggers, I’m glad to see John McCain attempt to confront and unravel some of his supporters’ increasingly worrisome (mis)perceptions about Barack Obama. I agree with those who say that the direction McCain’s campaign has gone was both disappointing and surprising, and I have no trouble understanding why some Republicans and conservatives have withdrawn their support of him as a result.
A few days ago, there was a video from a rally that showed John McCain’s reaction to the crowd when he asked his new thematic question, “Who is Barack Obama?”. Although he didn’t speak directly to the shouted answers of “Terrorist!”, I thought his face reflected both surprise and distaste.
Clearly he, or someone in his campaign, has finally recognized the combustible emotions that have been brought to life. I wish McCain had seen the dangers sooner; this was a profound miscalculation.
The coming days will tell us a lot about John McCain. Will he continue the effort begun, and tell people the truth directly? Or in the face of lower poll numbers, will he succumb to external pressures from an ever-angrier base that’s demanding he ratchet up his attacks?
I truly hope he maintains this latest approach, because what’s been manifesting — however irrational it may seem — is rooted in an exceedingly volatile aspect of human nature: fear.
And to those who are inclined to fire back at the angry McCain supporters, I can only say that dismissing or verbally attacking people who are afraid is an extraordinarily bad idea. Because fear is a very dangerous emotion.
I’ve written more here.