Obama & McCain, Together, Smiling? I Don’t Get It.
EmailABC’s Stu Schutzman from New York: Upon seeing the photo-op of John McCain and Barack Obama earlier today, I asked myself "what’s wrong with this picture"? How many times have I asked this same question during this seemingly endless election cycle. Answer — a lot. There was Barack Obama next to his recent bitter rival John McCain, posing for the press like two old pals re-living fond memories. But how fond are those memories? Answer — not very. Only weeks after the two candidates pilloried each other during the campaign as in "McCain’s erratic," or "Obama’s a socialist," there they are, all smiles as if this kick boxing match which masquerades as a Presidential campaign never happened. I don’t get it. But then there was Obama with President Bush the other day walking arm-in-arm down the White House Colonnade — how did they look each other in the eye. I couldn’t. Remember the smiley-face photos of Bush and McCain in 2004 not that long after the Bush Campaign bulldozed John Mccain’s hopes of a run for the White House. Shortly after the Iran-Iraq War, in which the two sides beat each other to a pulp for eight years, there were the two foreign ministers hugging and kissing each other in the driveway of Baghdad’s Al Rashid Hotel. I witnessed it first hand and thought then–How can they do that? Answer–easy when it’s in their own best interest and occasionally as a bonus, in everyone’s best interest. Although the old saw obviously rings true–politics makes strange bedfellows, I still don’t get it.
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It’s all politics and posturing. Politicians move on quickly for the most part while their supporters keep the grudges, hate and bitterness alive. The politicians attack each other as part of their strategy while their followers attack each other believing in their leaders words. That’s why politicians should be careful in how they use the words during the campaign, some of those words and actions stay forever in peoples minds no matter how many times the politicians smile afterward their followers won’t let go the divisions and hate.
Posted by: Carol | November 17, 2008, 6:14 pm 6:14 pm
This article is very sad. When in America did it became inappropriate for people to vigorously disagree about politics, while, at the same time, remain cordial with one another?
Posted by: John Futrell | November 17, 2008, 6:18 pm 6:18 pm
100 years from now we’ll all be dead. All of us human beings are in on this together. We should ALL get along and love one another. I’m super happy McCain will be helping Obama. Thumbs up!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Anna | November 17, 2008, 6:29 pm 6:29 pm
Only in America you can find the level of civility and grace in politics, even though it is after the elections. McCain has earned my highest respect in his defeat then he had before loosing the election. He has a lot to contribute to making an Obama administration a better one by supporting it when he thinks it is right and opposing it tooth and nail when it is heading in the wrong direction. With McCain it is clear where he stands and he can be trusted. I don’t think that one can say the same of his side kick Joe Lieberman. I see that there is CNN news about Joe being able to continue on the chairmanship of key congressional committees like the homeland security. Some people are like kids no matter how much they mischief they play and indiscipline they display they get their way and they laugh all the way to the bank. Now that is sickening and the power in Washington just continues to be in the same chosen few for decades, while the rest of the country is going to dogs in terms of the economy, no one is held responsible for their actions and the tax payers continue to pay for the mistakes of a few. I have still to see one bold move towards change but maybe it is too early.
Posted by: gjkotw01 | November 17, 2008, 6:31 pm 6:31 pm
Politicians by their own natures are not real people, they spend so much time campaigning that they lose their real selves and become plastic, artificial caricatures of what they once were.
Posted by: JR | November 17, 2008, 6:41 pm 6:41 pm
Huckabee could take some lessons. He’s getting some venting in on his old foes on the campaign trail. His new book takes digs at Romney and Fred Thompson. If he can’t let go, his supporters are going to nurse their grudges and the GOP divisiveness grows.
Posted by: Tracy Lynn | November 17, 2008, 7:16 pm 7:16 pm
a quote to remember, though I don’t have it exact, the meaning behind it is whats important. I may bitterly oppose your views, but I will defend your right to speak them with my last breath. We are a country that allows and encourages differing opinions; we should not hate someone who disagrees with us, no matter how opposed our views may be.
Posted by: xcedra | November 17, 2008, 7:46 pm 7:46 pm
Together we stand, divide we fall!!!!
We need everybody to work together!!!!
Hurrah!!!!
Posted by: sisterdearest09 | November 17, 2008, 7:52 pm 7:52 pm
Pretty simple…keep your friend close, your enemies closer
Posted by: samhiguchi | November 17, 2008, 7:55 pm 7:55 pm
Whats not to be happy about?
Posted by: Keep Hope Alive | November 17, 2008, 8:59 pm 8:59 pm
“meet the new boss same as the old boss…”
“…and I get on my knees and pray, we don’t get fooled again”
Real change, we shall see….
Posted by: Kelronica | November 17, 2008, 9:02 pm 9:02 pm
The heat of the campaign is over. Obama needs support in the Senate and McCain needs support in the Whitehouse. That’s just politics. It’s all part of the game.
Posted by: twain2008 | November 17, 2008, 9:22 pm 9:22 pm
It would be nice to see them work together especailly on the subject of energy. think we best be getting on with the promise of making America energy independent.Iran just asked OPEC to reduce production by yet another 1.5 million barrels per day.This past year and the record gas prices played a huge part in our economic meltdown and seriously damaged our society.We keep planning to spend BILLIONS on bailouts and stimulus plans.Bail us out of our dependence on foreign oil. Make electric plug in car technology more affordable. It cost the equivalent of 60 cents a gallon to drive an electric plug in car. The electric could be generated from wind or solar. Get with it! Utilize free sources such as wind and solar. Stop throwing away money on things that don’t work. Invest in America and it’s energy independence. Create cheap clean energy, create millions of badly needed green collar jobs. Put America back to work. It is a win-win situation. We have to become more poractive citizens, educate ourselves and demand our elected officials move this country forward into the era of energy independence. Jeff Wilson’s new book The Manhattan Project of 2009 Energy Independence NOW outlines a plan for America to wean itself off oil. We need a plan and we need it now!
Posted by: Harry | November 17, 2008, 9:48 pm 9:48 pm
McCain is now and has always been… a Democrat. Every Republican knows this, that’s why we stayed home.
Posted by: hmn | November 17, 2008, 10:02 pm 10:02 pm
ATTN VOTERS:
Always remember, we have elections so MSM can use controversy to make money. And you thought it was to choose new leaders to solve problems.
Posted by: B. Bear | November 17, 2008, 10:30 pm 10:30 pm
We, candidates and voters, all have been put through the wringer of almost 2 years of campaigning for the office of President of the United States. We voters have had to listen to candidates all sing their own praises, but to make sure WE recognize their sterling qualities, the game of politics requires the candidates to tear each other down. The fireworks are all over and we,the people have spoken. Every one of the presidential candidates who put themselves forward for our
inspection in the primaries, and the two left standing after the primaries are Americans who, every one of them, wants the best for our country and our people. There could only be one person to win the office of president. The people have chosen. The time for rhetorical bombast has ended and because the other candidates continue to want the best for the U.S.A. and its citizens, they are willing to do whatever they can irrespective of who finally won the election.
Posted by: nanameow | November 17, 2008, 11:09 pm 11:09 pm
I agree with everything above. So now it’s time to hide your money and move forward.
Posted by: Jimmy | November 18, 2008, 12:03 am 12:03 am
supporters of the winning party always seem to believe that the guy (MAN PERSON) who does not win gets fed to the lions.
these guys all belong to the same club. their are no good guys, or bad guys, they all do the bidding of the power elite regardless of who wins. different suits that’s all.
and us, the extras, we get a few scraps thrown our way if our guy wins.
Posted by: stella | November 18, 2008, 12:07 am 12:07 am
Just because Obama got everyone to hate McCain, does not mean McCain is not a nice person or would be a Fantastic President. He did it to get ahead.
Obama ran on a speech and advertising.
Now he is gathering people who know what they are doing for help.
Posted by: seah | November 18, 2008, 12:10 am 12:10 am
I don’t get it either. Obama needs to get on with his administration, and stop the posing. McCain is just another senator now.
Posted by: bugg | November 18, 2008, 12:10 am 12:10 am
McCain doesn’t know squat. Otherwise, he would have run on issues instead of fearmongering. Congress is a great place to hide out and do little.
Posted by: bugg | November 18, 2008, 12:11 am 12:11 am
Contrary to many posts here, the author is neither suggesting there be a fight or that McCain be “thrown to the lions”. That is just the hyperbole of the posters.
The author is pointing out the obvious. That McCain lost and has no say in the next administration.
Posted by: bugg | November 18, 2008, 12:17 am 12:17 am
bugg well yeah in every election their is one winner and one loser-no mystery there.
and they all go back to their very affluent lifestyles, loving families, and jobs in d.c when it is over.
we don’t elect kings we hire politicians and if they do our bidding we may keep them for 4 more years if not we show them the door.
Posted by: stella | November 18, 2008, 12:32 am 12:32 am
stella:
No kidding. I missed your point.
Posted by: bugg | November 18, 2008, 12:36 am 12:36 am
obama is surrounding himself with the clinton machine-we could have just elected the real thing instead.
but it was the dems turn to win one after being losers for so long. and as an independent i wish him well.
goodnight for now
Posted by: stella | November 18, 2008, 12:39 am 12:39 am
This is how we do things here. We fight it out with words and speeches. When it’s all over, it’s business as usual.
It may be a letdown for a lot of people, but what did you expect?
Posted by: tcb | November 18, 2008, 12:55 am 12:55 am
all in the interest of the country. When the boat is sinking all hands are needed who are on board in a spirit of cooperative to save the boat. Haven’ you seen trial lawyers shake hands after the judgment is in?
Posted by: Samantha | November 18, 2008, 4:20 am 4:20 am
Politicians seem to turn off the normal “repulse” mechanism that most of us ordinary human beings have to protect us from enemies and harm in order to advance themselves and their agendas.
McCain’s legislative and defense expertise will be useful to advance Obama’s change agenda and, more importantly, to America.
McCain is being given a chance for relevance as he is being viciously attacked by some Republicans.
It is a win, win for both.
But it is still hard to understand how they can stand each other.
Posted by: susan | November 18, 2008, 4:48 am 4:48 am
I think many democrats always secretly liked McCain as a nice man (which did not help him a lot because a) they voted for Obama anyway b) they hated Sarah Palin enough for both of them
Posted by: Alex | November 18, 2008, 5:38 am 5:38 am
It doesn’t make me “feel good” when I see Obama posing with his former rivals. I just begin imagining what they talk about. I think Obama is privately issuing threats, saying that now that he’s in charge, he’ll take them (Hillary or McCain) down if they don’t cooperate. What else makes sense? McCain actually looks uncomfortable in this photograph. This isn’t a win-win. At least with Hillary, I’m sure he’s aiming to get rid of her somehow.
Posted by: tina | November 18, 2008, 7:10 am 7:10 am
We live in the present and the future.
What has gone, has gone.
Those who stick to live in past, never prosper!
Posted by: FM | November 18, 2008, 7:20 am 7:20 am
Senator McCain is a good man.
When it comes to electioneering campaign, it is the survival of the fittest.
All those horrible stump speeches were what they were – Politics. Nothing personal.
Posted by: Dare Nigeria | November 18, 2008, 7:40 am 7:40 am
HAIL TO THE CHIEFS!!!
Never did I ever think I would say this: Mr. McCain you’re a fine American and I have deep feelings for you. In my heart, I’m calling you the “Minister of Graciousness.” This could have been a real cut-throat, gutter-trashy run for the White House but it wasn’t because of you. YOU stopped the pigs at the door and I am forever proud of you as a warrior and a soldier for our country. Your service to our country is still ongoing and great. I said it the moment you finished your receding speech, when YOU so graciously gave ground to Mr. Obama. You could have been nasty then or torn and caused a bad spell to fall over America but you didn’t. I think there could not have been an Obama in the White House without a John McCain as the opposing candidate. These men (and men like them) make America’s greatness!
I hope Mac does become a cabinet member; I hope you will be an advisor; I hope you will be a watchdog; I hope you will be an ambassador that goes around the world and talk to other men about war…about when to use it and when not…because it is hell on earth.
And, to Mr. Obama, thank you for not going dirty too. It would not have paid off. The one thing that will always be great about The Obama Brand is its ability to pull everyone together for America.
THANKS GENTLEMEN.
Posted by: Margaret Opine | November 18, 2008, 8:18 am 8:18 am
Maybe now we can see the McCain we knew before the election. Before he turned so negative and nasty, employing the politics of personal destruction in order to get elected. It will take me a long time before I can trust McCain again.
Posted by: William J. LePetomaine | November 18, 2008, 9:37 am 9:37 am
The election is over.
Life goes on.
What did you expect?
Posted by: great expectations? | November 18, 2008, 9:37 am 9:37 am
Okay, okay, picture this…. Cindy gets fed up with John and kicks him out of the house… errr, houses. Despondant, he starts wearing sweatshirts and baseball caps and smoking cigars. Meanwhile, Michelle takes the girls and leaves Barack, who reacts by becoming fussy and neurotic. John comes knocking on the Barack’s door looking for a place to crash. Can two bachelors share the White House without driving each other crazy?
(cue jaunty theme music)
(roll opening titles: The Odd Couple 2008)
Posted by: Yukon Sam | November 18, 2008, 10:07 am 10:07 am
No doubt about it. Schutzman “don’t get it.” Have a look at some videotape when our Vice President-elect was a candidate for president.
Posted by: Dan | November 18, 2008, 10:16 am 10:16 am
With Michelle’s mother living in the White House, Obama will wish that he was never elected.
Did you see Obama’s reaction when he was asked about his mother-in-law?
Priceless.
Posted by: hen-pecked Barack | November 18, 2008, 10:47 am 10:47 am
Mature adults can agree to disagree and work for the good of the country….sad that you cannot fathom that!
Posted by: silvercreeklady | November 18, 2008, 12:15 pm 12:15 pm