Classical Values :: Straight talk? In Beverly Hills?

May 30, 2008

Straight talk? In Beverly Hills?

No, that is not a joke about heteronormativism. Or even homonormativism.

I just didn't know what else to call a post linking B. Daniel Blatt's "McCain's Straight Talk Express Stops in Beverly Hills." And while the subject of gay marriage did come up, that's not the point; I just got a kick out of the title.

If you've heard the claims that McCain is arrogant, aloof and won't listen to people, be sure to read Blatt's account:

Yesterday, while in Los Angeles, his campaign also reached out to bloggers, inviting a number -- including yours truly -- to attend a "press availability" in Beverly Hills. Along with the local media there, we felt a bit out of place, given the camaraderie of the press corps which travels with the campaign. But the candidate treated us no differently.

Indeed, the Arizona senator seemed to relish the exchange. At one point when a staffer said they had time for just one more question, he overruled her, saying he'd take a few more. He responded quickly and deftly to all but one question, only occasionally failing to provide a direct answer. He stammered a bit when replying to a question about cluster bombs, stating that he hadn't looked into the issue, but his decision on whether or not to ban them would "depend on the circumstances."

The Republican candidate wanted to focus on the Iraq war and national security, distinguishing his positions and record from those of his likely Democratic rival, Senator Barack Obama. The press, however, seemed more interested in the revelations from former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan and the Arizona senator's relationship to the incumbent president.

Concludes Blatt,

As a blogger who, unlike the reporters there, acknowledges his bias, I guess it's fair for me to say that I came away impressed with the senator's performance. He was quick on his feet and responded to all but one question promptly, confidently, and very often with good humor. However, the press seems reluctant to give him credit for making himself so readily available, even as he took far more questions than his staff thought he had time to address.

I also see myself as a blogger who, unlike the reporters there, acknowledges his bias. But I guess if reporters did that, there wouldn't be any need for bloggers.

I know he continues to get it from both sides, and I don't agree with him on a lot of things. But John McCain just keeps looking better.

To second what M. Simon said earlier,

You know, I could get to like McCain.

posted by Eric on 05.30.08 at 03:19 PM

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Comments

Eric, I DO like McCain. I didn't really know at first, but the more I read, and see, the more I like. Have you checked out his daughter's blog? He's done a million town meetings and answers gazillions of questions. I like seeing pictures of the family interactions. They genuinely care for each other. Go back to the beginning October 2007. I really like them, and sorry to say, I'm beginning to develop a dislike to Obama and his wife and supporters. His true colors are coming out the longer this goes on. Sadly many people don't care about that.

http://www.mccainblogette.com/

Maggie45 · May 31, 2008 05:51 PM

When will someone compare the hours that McCain spends answering reporters questions with the fleeting moments that Obama spends... If the small tidbits in the news are accurate, Obama is very controlling and manipulative of the press... Much like Young Clinton was... Why does he hide? Why does he come across so inarticulate and confused when speaking extemporaneously-? If he can only deliver crafted speeches in a wonderful manner - WHO - will call the shots once he is President-?

I watch Obama flail and wonder if Letterman will have similar "Great Moments in presidential Speeches" segment...

There is a lot to disagree with in John McCain. However, he is up front and honest. He seems willing to change his mind and position if shown a better path... Obama seems designed to shut down all challenges and control all messages... Is Obama more a Young Clinton than a Young Kennedy-?

AndyJ · May 31, 2008 05:56 PM

I watch Obama flail and wonder if Letterman will have similar "Great Moments in presidential Speeches" segment...

AndyJ · May 31, 2008 05:56 PM

FTA: "He said we must first secure the border and as president he would ask border state governors to certify as much before moving on to other immigration issues."

Unfortunately, he's said something very similar dozens of times before. Which leads me to wonder whether Blatt knew about that, or whether he was simply acting as yet another McCain retailer.

Now, if I'd been there I wouldn't have bothered to point that out, I'd just press him on this.

About the only bloggers invited to speak to McCain are the ones his campaign knows he can handle, and that obviously includes Blatt.

TLB · May 31, 2008 11:10 PM