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McCain Stresses Role as Maverick, War Vet, Makes Bipartisan Appeal in Acceptance Speech

"Nothing brings greater happiness in life than to serve a cause greater than yourself"

By John Jalsevac

September 5, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - In a speech lasting the better part of an hour, Sen. John McCain brought a more circumspect but nevertheless emotionally charged close to a Republican National Convention that was marked by a renewed energy and enthusiasm for the Republican ticket, in large part brought about by McCain's choice of running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin.

McCain's speech was significantly more staid than Palin's performance from the night before and from Barack Obama's rock-star-like acceptance speech at the Democratic Convention. For the most part McCain avoided the more confrontational tone of his running mate, instead emphasizing matters of character and trustworthiness.

At one point only, in passing, did McCain mention a "culture of life" and "faith", labeling them as core components of a Republican world view: "We believe in a strong defense, work, faith, service, a culture of life, personal responsibility, the rule of law, and judges who dispense justice impartially and don't legislate from the bench. We believe in the values of families, neighborhoods and communities," he said.

McCain largely avoided the attacks against the opposition that fired up the crowd during Palin's speech, instead expressing his respect and admiration for Barack Obama and stating his intention to reach out to Democrats and Independents alike.

"We'll go at it over the next two months. That's the nature of these contests," McCain said, addressing Obama. "But you have my respect and admiration. Despite our differences, much more unites us than divides us."

Some commentators observed that McCain appeared in his speech to be distancing himself from his fellow Republican, George Bush, the Bush administration, and some Republicans in Congress. While McCain acknowledged and thanked the president for "leading us in those dark days following the worst attack on American soil in our history" he did not mention Bush by name, and quickly moved on to other subjects.

McCain expressed his belief that the Republican Party had strayed from its roots, with some in the party embracing corruption, and others betraying its core conservative principles - principles that McCain pledged to uphold.  

"We were elected to change Washington, and we let Washington change us," said McCain. "We lost the trust of the American people when some Republicans gave in to the temptations of corruption. We lost their trust when rather than reform government, both parties made it bigger….We lost their trust, when we valued our power over our principles."

Much like Palin's speech from the night before, McCain painted himself as a man who puts principles before party loyalties, and as a fearless reformer who will take on corruption and self-seeking regardless of its source.

"I've fought corruption, and it didn't matter if the culprits were Democrats or Republicans," he said. "They violated their public trust, and had to be held accountable."

While the first half of McCain's remarks were devoted largely to questions of policy and tactics, the latter half was spent drawing a self-portrait of a man who has, through suffering, learned the value of selfless sacrifice in service of his country.

In a rare instance of extended biography, McCain related in detail his experiences as a prisoner of war in a Vietnamese prison camp, an account that brought tears to the eyes of many in the audience. On the day when he was shot down over Hanoi, he said, "I hadn't any worry I wouldn't come back safe and sound. I thought I was tougher than anyone. I was pretty independent then, too. I liked to bend a few rules, and pick a few fights for the fun of it. But I did it for my own pleasure; my own pride. I didn't think there was a cause more important than me."   

As a consequence of his imprisonment and the brutal tortures he suffered, which brought him to the breaking point, he said, he was purged of his youthful selfishness and pride. "I fell in love with my country when I was a prisoner in someone else's. I loved it not just for the many comforts of life here. I loved it for its decency; for its faith in the wisdom, justice and goodness of its people. I loved it because it was not just a place, but an idea, a cause worth fighting for. I was never the same again. I wasn't my own man anymore. I was my country's."

McCain concluded with an appeal to the American grassroots, encouraging individual Americans to step in when they see a problem to fix or a role to be filled.

"If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you're disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them. Enlist in our Armed Forces. Become a teacher. Enter the ministry…Nothing brings greater happiness in life than to serve a cause greater than yourself."

In a final crescendo that brought the crowd to its feet, and during which McCain continued to speak over the cheers, McCain urged, "Fight for what's right for our country. Fight for the ideals and character of a free people. Fight for our children's future. Fight for justice and opportunity for all. Stand up to defend our country from its enemies. Stand up for each other; for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America."

"Thank you, and God bless you and God bless America!"

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