Sen. John McCain Accepts Republican Nomination

By Broadside Correspondent David Pierce

Senator John McCain (R.-Ariz.) proudly accepted the Republican Presidential nomination last Thursday night at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
McCain thanked his family and supporters, and made it clear that he respected his Democratic running mates, Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.), and Senator Joe Biden (D-Del.). “There are big differences between us,” McCain said, “but you have my respect and my admiration.”

Pro-choice protestors interrupted McCain as he introduced his running mate, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. “Please, my dear friends,” McCain said, “don’t be diverted by the ground noise and the static!” He defended Palin’s experience, amid growing skepticism, by noting she ended corruption and balanced the state budget in Alaska.

McCain had harsh words for his own party, claiming that Americans lost trust in the Republican Party due to corruption, and promised a new party future. “The party of Lincoln, Roosevelt and Reagan,” McCain said, “is going back to basics.” He said he’d veto pork barrel earmarks and reveal its author. “I will make them famous,” McCain said, adding “you’ll know their names.”

He promised to lower taxes, cut government spending and to develop a better healthcare system, while claiming that Obama will do the opposite. The crowd applauded as McCain announced his energy plan, which included immediate offshore oil drilling, more nuclear power plants and alternative energy sources. “Senator Obama thinks we can achieve energy independence without more drilling and without more nuclear power, but Americans know better than that.”

Foreign policy was also a major issue in McCain’s speech. “I know how to work with leaders who share our dreams,” McCain said. “And I know how to stand up to those who don’t.” McCain explained that he hated war, and that he would use his experience to build an enduring peace.

McCain recalled his experience as a prisoner of war and praised his fellow American prisoners, explaining that they fought for him every day.

“My country saved me and I cannot forget it,” McCain said. “I will fight for her as long as I draw a breath, so help me God.”

At the conclusion of his speech, both nominees’ families joined them on the stage. An endless sea of patriotic-colored confetti, balloons and beach balls fell from above. McCain passed Palin a beach ball after it bounced off of her head.

George Mason University students had an immediate, but mixed reaction to McCain’s acceptance speech on Thursday night. Most of the people who watched the speech coverage in the Johnson Center focused on general issues in the election rather than what McCain actually said during his speech.

Jeffrey Brobbey, an independent, felt that McCain’s speech was perfect. However, he had some concerns with the choice of Palin as Vice President.

“I was a big supporter of McCain until Palin was chosen.” Jeffrey said. He also expressed concern regarding presidential succession if McCain were to die while in office, stating that he didn’t feel Palin was the right person for the job.

A self-proclaimed staunch republican, Roger Easton, III, felt that McCain did a great job of showcasing his military and political experience in his speech. He didn’t feel that McCain’s speech sealed the election; however, he was confident but concerned that McCain will win. When asked about Obama’s plan for the economy, Roger immediately responded “The Obama approach is the No-Bama approach.”

Ian Brown, an independent and libertarian, agreed with Easton, III, that McCain’s acceptance speech did not hand him the election. Brown still thinks that either Obama or McCain could win in November.