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The Real McCain: Why Conservatives Don't Trust Him and Why Independents Shouldn't
A political hit piece written for the 2008 presidential election.
- GenresPoliticsNonfiction
200 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 14, 2009
Every poltical season spews up books similar to this pile of crap. Like Unfit for Command (which libeled John Kerry's military service) or Obama Nation (which accuses Barack Obama of being a Muslim with terrorist sympathies), this book uses the trappings of objective scholarship to cloak a partisan smear job.
Of course, partisan smear jobs have a long pedigree in American politics. The Federalists tarred Jefferson as a dangerous anarchist. Jefferson's people accused John Adams of being a Trojan Horse for monarchy. Lincoln was called a baboon, and worse, by people both in and outside of his party. Much ink was expended portraying both Roosevelts as threats to the country.
Granted, not all of Schechter's claims about McCain have at least some basis. For example, McCain's "maverick" status is as much a cultivated stance as the earned reputation of a principled independent. One of the criticisms McCain receives from his colleagues is that he takes positions in opposition to his party's leadership, and even attracts support from fellow Senators; then, when the final vote is taken, McCain votes with the leadership.
Still, Schechter's book demonstrates how one can "prove" anything, depending on what information is included, what is ignored, and which quotes are taken out of context. This book also shows how, once an allegation is made against someone's character, it sticks around, even when it is exaggerated or baseless. There is a lot in this book that was spread around by the Bush campaign during the 2000 Republican primary in South Carolina.
If you must read this (or any of the "insta-books" that come out every four years), don't waste your money. Go to the library. You can pick up the newest Danielle Steele while you're there.
Of course, partisan smear jobs have a long pedigree in American politics. The Federalists tarred Jefferson as a dangerous anarchist. Jefferson's people accused John Adams of being a Trojan Horse for monarchy. Lincoln was called a baboon, and worse, by people both in and outside of his party. Much ink was expended portraying both Roosevelts as threats to the country.
Granted, not all of Schechter's claims about McCain have at least some basis. For example, McCain's "maverick" status is as much a cultivated stance as the earned reputation of a principled independent. One of the criticisms McCain receives from his colleagues is that he takes positions in opposition to his party's leadership, and even attracts support from fellow Senators; then, when the final vote is taken, McCain votes with the leadership.
Still, Schechter's book demonstrates how one can "prove" anything, depending on what information is included, what is ignored, and which quotes are taken out of context. This book also shows how, once an allegation is made against someone's character, it sticks around, even when it is exaggerated or baseless. There is a lot in this book that was spread around by the Bush campaign during the 2000 Republican primary in South Carolina.
If you must read this (or any of the "insta-books" that come out every four years), don't waste your money. Go to the library. You can pick up the newest Danielle Steele while you're there.
May 28, 2008
Short, well documented book about the different versions of McCain. The early one who left his crippled wife for the beer baroness who financed his entry into politics (The book actually talks very little about McCain's personal life and the failings within it - it's very focused on his policy, perception and voting record, but it's impossible to ignore his divorce and marriage to the heiress 17 years his junior whose money, connections, and private jet have helped him in his rise to power.)
Some talk about his involvement in the Keating Savings & Loan scandal, in which he took money in exchange for favors in regulation, which led to a taxpayer bill costing billions.
Lots of details of his various shifting positions on political issues, the dicey friends he keeps, who are mostly lobbyists, how his short temper has led people to mistrust him, and how the media continues to buy in to the perception that this McCain is the same guy with the same principals espoused in 2000.
In fact they bare little resemblance.
I'd like to read a more in depth book about McCain's life, but this one is a very fast, thorough look at the policies and practices of the man up to April 2008.
Some talk about his involvement in the Keating Savings & Loan scandal, in which he took money in exchange for favors in regulation, which led to a taxpayer bill costing billions.
Lots of details of his various shifting positions on political issues, the dicey friends he keeps, who are mostly lobbyists, how his short temper has led people to mistrust him, and how the media continues to buy in to the perception that this McCain is the same guy with the same principals espoused in 2000.
In fact they bare little resemblance.
I'd like to read a more in depth book about McCain's life, but this one is a very fast, thorough look at the policies and practices of the man up to April 2008.
July 1, 2008
I decided to read this to prepare myself for my conservative father's visit in late July. I knew most of the repulsive facts in here about Mr. Flip-Flopper from obsessivly reading politcal news on a daily basis. But Cliff Schecter does a nice job of compiling the confusing ethical twists and turns of John McCain's politcal career. The book is refreshingly free of gossipy news and instead focuses on John McCain's ever-changing positions in his quest for political fame and fortune. It's scary to think that - with the aid and abetting of the corporate media - John McCain actually has a chance of becoming our 44th president. Voters shouldn't have to think twice this November, but unfortunately many voters don't even bother to think the first time. Reading this book would be a good start to becoming an educated voter.
September 5, 2008
Well written detailed information on the zig-zag political and moral path of John McCain. The straight talker neither walks or talks a straight line. Also exposes McCain's ruthless ambition and his ability to lie about any issue if it will further his political career. His lack of integrity and core moral principles have given me nightmares since finishing this book. Also illustrates how McCain conveniently became a reformer after his neck deep involvement in the Charles Keating S&L scandal. McCain has been able to use all of his fuck-ups as evidence that he's a maverick - ala George W.
Highlights many instances of the volatile temper and battle hungry persona that we should all fear.
Highlights many instances of the volatile temper and battle hungry persona that we should all fear.
May 6, 2008
A very fast read, and one that John McCain's campaign would probably rather you don't read. Author Schecter has laid out (with voluminous documentation) a case that the "straight talker" is anything but, having changed his positions on key issues more often than any other major candidate for the presidency.
Conclusion: if you like George W. Bush (I don't), then you'll just LOVE John McSame.
Conclusion: if you like George W. Bush (I don't), then you'll just LOVE John McSame.
Currently Reading
May 22, 2008author argues McCain is hypocritical, undisciplined and often, just plain nasty
July 21, 2008
I thought this book was creatively written and although it was definitely an anti-McCain book written by a democrat it seems to portray an honest reflection of one man's views on McCain and how he has abandoned his convictions to satisfy his desire to serve a the next US President.
I am happy that it does not encourage folks to vote for a democratic candidate, but more that if you were thinking of voting for McCain you should really take a hard look before doing so!
I am happy that it does not encourage folks to vote for a democratic candidate, but more that if you were thinking of voting for McCain you should really take a hard look before doing so!
January 3, 2009
I found the book well researched and documented and for me, it was a good read, just the right length and humorous enough to keep me interested. I really didn't have a good opinion about McCain before the book and reading it just helped me figure out why the prospect of having him as president scared me. I would, however, pick a "friendlier" cover in hope that more people would pick it up, regardless of their party affiliation.
June 13, 2008
McCain is a real lier who has temper tantrums all of the time. He consistently votes against any laws that help veterans.
Everyone who is interested in the future of the United States of America, or the world for that matter, should read this book.
Everyone who is interested in the future of the United States of America, or the world for that matter, should read this book.
June 13, 2008
Definately not coming from some objective, fair place. But it has the most damning/unfair and yet hilarious cover photo. The cover photo is equivalent of notes you use to write in 7th grade health class.
May 6, 2009
A pretty well documented account of how Mccain truly is a politician, flip-flopping left and right depending on the wind.
The book felt a little rushed, so as to get everyone a chance to read it in time for the election. A lot packed into a short quick read.
The book felt a little rushed, so as to get everyone a chance to read it in time for the election. A lot packed into a short quick read.
May 12, 2008
An expose on McCain and his political career. Highlights his exessive flip flopping.
May 13, 2008
Boy, I learned a lot more about John McCain! Cliff Schecter is a friend of mine, and I think he did a really good job with this book.
May 14, 2009
While this book had many interesting facts about the Senator, it is written with an overwhelming and often rude bias, which made my wary of trusting the author completely
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews