Mccain: ‘Maverick Reformer’, Or Former Maverick?

McCain voted with George W. Bush 95% of the time through 2007, and a full 100 percent of the time in 2008. McCain: ‘Maverick Reformer’, Or Former Maverick?By Cliff Montgomery – Sept. 7th, 2008Senator and GOP Presidential Nominee John McCain (R-AZ) has been around Washington, DC long enough to know that he cannot proclaim himself a neo-conservative in today’s political climate. To do so would be to hand over the presidency to Democratic Presidential Nominee Barack Obama (D-IL).That is why McCain’s worked hard to remind voters of the ‘maverick’ senator he was in 2000, who at that time often questioned his party’s leadership and who worked with Democratic and Independent senators to pass much-needed legislation.But as the saying goes, “That was then; this is now.”The John McCain who now stands before voters is a far cry from the senator he was years ago. In this era of change, he of course will deny that fact. His political future depends on such staunch denials. But his voting record in recent years cannot be denied–and it tells the real story.McCain voted with George W. Bush 95% of the time through 2007 and a full 100 percent of the time in 2008, according to Congressional Quarterly‘s Presidential Support Studies, which determines how often a lawmaker’s vote matches the position of the person in the White House.And it’s a lawmaker’s voting record which tells you who he or she is now, not the career politician’s fading past and now-empty promises. has noticed that even McCain’s rhetoric is daily sounding closer to the false claims George W. Bush made in 2000 during his road to the White House. That itself may give thoughtful voters something to consider.McCain still calls himself a “maverick” and a proven reformer, even though that clearly is no longer the case. By comparison, George W. Bush called himself a “compassionate conservative” who didn’t always tow the party line, and a “reformer with results.”It becomes even more clear when we compare other empty promises George W. Bush gave to Americans back in 2000, to the promises John McCain recently gave to Americans during his acceptance speech as the formal Republican presidential nominee for 2008:Bush: “I want to change the tone of Washington.”McCain: “We have to change the way we do business in Washington.”Bush: “I will lead our nation toward a culture that values life.”McCain: “[America needs] a culture of life.”Bush: “When a school district receives federal funds to teach poor children, we expect them to learn.”McCain: “We need to shake up failed school bureaucracies with competition.”Bush: “We will reduce tax rates.”McCain: “We believe in low taxes.”Bush: “I’ll work with Republicans and Democrats to get things done.”McCain: “I will ask Democrats and Independents to serve with me.”Bush: “I won’t deserve all the credit.”McCain: “I don’t care who gets the credit.”Boy, it sounds like this John McCain is set to give America all the change it needs.Like what you’re reading so far? Then why not order a full year (52 issues) of thee-newsletter for only $15? A major article covering an story not being told in the Corporate Press will be delivered to your email every Monday morning for a full year, for less than 30 cents an issue. Order Now!