The Republican convention is a tale of the twin cities. It is also a tale of the twin McCains. Over John McCain’s career and the presidential nomination process two John McCains have emerged: the moderate reformer who has worked on both sides of the isle to pass laws that benefit the people of this country, and the presidential politician who has sided with President Bush 90% of the time.

Tonight Bush W. Bush, Fred Thompson, Joe Lieberman all emphasize the first John McCain in their speeches, with President Bush calling him an “independent man” who is honest and speaks from the heart.  No doubt, all the speakers emphasized his brave and valiant service as a soldier and POW. That part of McCain’s character deserves to be honored and praised to the highest accord. 

What doesn’t deserve praise but rather censure, is McCain’s change of heart on his policies. As the speakers emphasize the reformer of the first John McCain, they also emphasize the second John McCain as being a champion of conservatism. What all these speakers do not say though, is that both of these McCains did not operate concurrently, but rather consecutively. As soon as McCain decides to run for presidential office, the first McCain disappears behind a cloud of straight-talking smoke.

Now while the Republicans use their traditional scare tactics of higher taxes and corrupt morals to persuade Americans not to vote for Obama, the question all voters should be asking themselves is, which McCain will we get if he is elected in November? The reformer? Or the man who says whatever he needs to stay in Washington? Kind of sounds like the last Republican in office doesn’t it?