Appearing "Presidential" ... or not

Speaking at Murrells Inlet VFW Hall in South Carolina, Senator McCain was asked when he thought the US Military might "send an air mail message to Tehran." Mr. McCain began his answer by singing the first lines of a popular Beach Boys song, which he renamed "Bomb Iran." A clip of the exchange can be viewed here. The good senator has gone from "straight shooter" to "eccentric uncle." His decline, precipitated by his lust for the presidency, is sad to watch, but not surprising; this is very reminiscent of Bob Dole ("I'll be whatever you want me to be.")

The office of the presidency has become like Tolkien's Ring of Power -- it corrupts everything and everyone who comes into contact with it. Some fall sooner than others, but all fall eventually. Lord Acton's observation on power is perhaps cliche, but it is as accurate as it ever was and we do well to consider its ramifications as the campaign for the Ring--er, presidency--heats up (no pun intended.)