Civility in Politics: The McCain Perspective

Opinion Column

By Alicia M. Phidd, Esq.

Tampa, Florida- The University of South Florida’s campus is no stranger to me due to my affiliations but on October 20, 2010 I did not know what to expect. As I entered the auditorium and observed the young minds waiting eagerly on the University Lecture Series guest speaker, Ms. Meghan McCain, I wondered if it would be an informative night or just the continued political rhetoric.

Although I was not impressed by her entrance or the delivery of her speech for an intellectual forum, I was impressed by her honesty and willingness to stand on her principles. She emphasized her support for gay rights and marriage equality and interspersed throughout the speech was the promoting of her book. She laid out for the young people that she believes that the Republican Party needs new ideas while being guided by old ones. She took us through what she deems her evolution into a Republican. She admits that she rebelled against her father and registered as an Independent 8 yrs ago upon turning 18 yrs old and later voted for John Kerry. Her claim is that her opportunity on the campaign trail gave her new insight into the Party and lead her to be a card carrying Republican. Here’s the thing, Ms. McCain somehow convinced herself that she wasn’t always a Republican at heart despite being born and raised by Senator John McCain. As I sat there listening, I wanted to shout “you were always a Republican, so it is not an evolution but more of an acceptance.” I’m glad I did not because as I listened more she became more apparent.

Her candor was astounding. When asked about her political aspirations, she said she was too honest for that profession. Needless to say, if you did not know who Christine O’Donnell was before meeting Ms. McCain last night, you certainly left knowing that McCain thinks O’Donnell does not belong anywhere in the political arena. If O’Donnell’s parapraxis is demonstrative that she does not know or understand the first amendment, then Ms. McCain’s opinion of her may be well placed.

Ms. McCain’s message was current for our times because she appealed to the Republican Party to “stop being stubborn and closed minded.” She pointed out that the MSNBC’s Keith Oberman and Talk Radio Show Host Rush Limbaugh were equally doing damage for each major political party to their respective listeners. A point I believe most citizens would agree is an accurate perception. I applaud her to tell Republicans not to be racist and even more so respect her for espousing that the Arizona Immigration Bill although it might protect her immediate borders from terrorists, it is racists as it currently stands.

Ms. McCain described herself as a “Progressive Republican” and after listening to her views on the NY Mosque, immigration, women being civil to other women and her support of Charlie Crist for the U.S. Senate, I have concluded that she is an “Independent.” After all, if you are not an extremist, you are moderate and if you are a moderate, more likely than not, you have supported issues for each major party and if that is the case, I pronounce you an independent. Side Bar: I believe most of us are independents but we are not carrying the Political Card to prove it.

Good luck Ms. McCain with your book and your tour, while you are a card carrying Republican it is good for that Party because the world knows they need a voice of reason such as yours albeit the mask of an Independent which I predict is the moniker for the next generation of voters.