The concept of change is one that has been used to great lengths by Senator Barack Obama and the Democratic party. Whether calling for a change of the status quo or a change from 8 years of Republican leadership, Senator Obama's ability to shape his personal image and narrative around change has played a large role in political success. Given his success, it should come as no surprise that John McCain, and his Republican advisors attempted to construct a counternarrative that questioned Senator Obama’s message for change and anointed Senator McCain as the true “change candidate”
At the Republican National Convention in September, John McCain assured his audience that “change is coming” and that he possessed the maverick personality to light the metaphorical fire under Washington to pursue drastic measures of change. However, as it became evident that Senator McCain trailed Senator Obama in opinion polls, Senator McCain has looked more and more like the Presidential candidates that have preceded him. While he does call for change when speaking to audiences, Senator McCain has failed to truly construct a powerful counternarrative because the blaring volume of his actions have muted the volume of his words. Although he considers himself a maverick who defies popular conventions, the fact that Senator McCain has resorted to name-calling and the tactless questioning of Senator Obama’s character and associations shows how truly attached Senator McCain is to the archaic political maneuvering that lies at the heart public’s distrust of government.
With 72 years of age and 26 years in national office, Senator John McCain certainly has the knowledge and experience to become the next President of the United States. While he has tried to convey a positive image in regards to change, however, his years in public office will ultimately prevent him from advocating the movement that he is trying to represent. In hard times such as these, change is the optimistically vague concept that the masses can cling to and stand behind. It offers hope when all signs of hope appear to be disappearing. Having flaws of his own, it can be asserted that Senator Obama is not prepared to lead the United States of America. Given his status as a minority and his education in modern politics and Senator McCain’s connection to the past, however, there can be no question as to who the real “change candidate” is in this election. The only questions that remain are how much of an impact the concept of change will have on the election and how that impact will translate into who is elected to office.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/04/mccain.transcript/index.html
1 comment:
I think the assessment here of McCain's true nature (in terms of being the "change candidate") are right on point. It's pretty clear at this point that Obama has a very tight and well-deserved hold on this particular aspect of the campaign. In addition to his status as a black man and a democract, Barack Obama has the ability to truly incite change in politics were he to win the election. I think the reason this election is so important is becuase people are finally ready for change and hopefully this drive for a new political environment and a new international reputation will prevail tomorrow on election day. If Obama is elected, this change concept will be THE factor for those who are undecided (not those who are responsible for the Bradley Effect mentioned in another post).
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