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An increasingly desperate John McCain, with the rationale for his candidacy crumbling around him, has this to say:
This is a clear choice that the American people have. I had the courage and the judgment to say I would rather lose a political campaign than lose a war. It seems to me that Obama would rather lose a war in order to win a political campaign.
Joe Klein, well known for a radical agenda that sits far to the left of Noam Chomsky’s, notes: “This is the ninth presidential campaign I’ve covered. I can’t remember a more scurrilous statement by a major party candidate.” Klein’s observation raises an interesting question: is there recent precedent for a major-party candidate for the presidency suggesting that his opponent wants to lose a war? I’m guessing there must be. But nothing leaps to mind.
Via publius at ObWi. And thanks to Eric for the graphic.
The Edge of the American West 
14 comments
July 23, 2008 at 2:22 am
JP Stormcrow
I suspect that this construction will become a staple of the whole GOP apparatus from now until November. As noted it is different when the candidate says it, but McCain is so used to saying whatever he wants with impunity. Interesting to see if others join McCain in their analysis. I suspect many in the media will not.
July 23, 2008 at 5:21 am
silbey
What’s impressive is that McCain’s (clearly pre-planned) sound bite doesn’t even parse well. “would rather lose…in order to” just sails trippingly off the tongue, doesn’t it?
July 23, 2008 at 5:49 am
neocynic
One of the comments in the Joe Klein thread cracked me up:
I can see the debate now. Obama gets in a zinger and McCain runs across the stage saying “come here you skinny little…..”
Posted by GySgt213 | July 22, 2008 7:17 PM
I can see that, too. Accompanied by the music that played every time the Gilligan’s Island cast moved in fast-forward.
July 23, 2008 at 6:01 am
JP Stormcrow
I meant to say see if others in the media join Klein in their analysis.
July 23, 2008 at 6:13 am
asl
I would rather lose a political campaign than lose a war.
A little ironic, isn’t it? Hopefully, at least.
July 23, 2008 at 7:24 am
politicalfootball
It should be noted that this still doesn’t get J. Klein off the hook for being a dupe and a dope. Says Klein, in an update amending the linked post:
So you see, Klein doesn’t really have a big problem with scurrilous politics. His gripe is that McCain allowed the comment to be associated directly with him. Per Klein, it would be more “presidential” to leave this stuff to the Swift Boat Vets.
July 23, 2008 at 7:35 am
SomeCallMeTim
At some point in McCain’s traveling incompetence show, I get to start questioning the patriotism of those who are planning to vote for him.
July 23, 2008 at 7:54 am
politicalfootball
Why wait, Tim? McCain clearly wants to continue Bush’s near-explicit alliance with al Qaeda.
Not too long ago, Charlie Black, one of McCain’s mouthpieces, was sending out feelers to bin Laden, publicly suggesting that a little terrorism could give McCain a boost.
Do we doubt whom bin Laden favors in this election? The CIA certainly wasn’t confused about who bin Laden was backing in 2004?
July 23, 2008 at 7:55 am
Walt
My neighbor, who is the very definition of Swing Voter (he voted for Gore and Kerry, but didn’t much like them), has gone in the course of two months from thinking McCain is the most liberal Republican to thinking McCain is a nut.
July 23, 2008 at 9:04 am
ari
At some point in McCain’s traveling incompetence show, I get to start questioning the patriotism of those who are planning to vote for him.
I started feeling this way when Kerry got Swiftboated. And now, I’m beginning to feel that way again.
My neighbor, who is the very definition of Swing Voter (he voted for Gore and Kerry, but didn’t much like them), has gone in the course of two months from thinking McCain is the most liberal Republican to thinking McCain is a nut.
I’m in Ohio now, have been with some interruptions for a bit more than a month now. And I’ve got some observations like the above to share later today or tomorrow. In fact, I’ve got quite the collection of anecdata I’ve been saving for a post.
July 23, 2008 at 9:34 am
TF Smith
As far as anecdotes go, my mother is an octogenarian who has been a Republican since Ike and she is going to vote for Obama.
She lived through Korea (my father was recalled for two years, despite being a WW II vet with a wife and two kids at the time) and Vietnam (where she lost a nephew); and so has, I think, just about had it with Land Wars in Asia.(TM)
I’d bet there are more than a few in her generation who think the same way.
July 25, 2008 at 7:23 am
Stephen
Wasn’t the entire 2004 Presidential campaign based on the idea that Democrats were all America-haters who wanted to lose every war? Maybe the only difference is that Bush didn’t technically say that himself, thereby saving himself from Joe Klein’s wrath.
July 25, 2008 at 8:41 am
ari
Yes, Stephen, that was the difference. And it’s a pretty big one, if you ask me. But this goes back to the question of the importance of civility.
July 25, 2008 at 9:20 am
Vance Maverick
In the linked post, Klein writes:
I might draw a distinction between statements by allies and statements by aides, spokesmen and other explicit delegates. But for Klein, what’s important is just that it not be the candidate himself.