In a great column today in the Wall Street Journal, former Bush political guru Karl Rove, who I knew in College Republicans in the late 1960s, had a tremendous collection of advice for John McCain. Hopefully it will not fall on deaf ears.
The main point is that McCain needs to let down his natural guard and reserve, and let the American people know the more intimate details of his life, particularly of his time in captivity in North Vietnam,
Col. Bud Day, McCain's roommate in the Hanoi Hilton, tells Rove amazing tales of McCain's strength, character and courage during his capitvity. He tells of McCain's refusal to sell out himself or America to his North Vietnamese captors, just for his personal comfort and safety. He tells of McCain sharing Bible stories to the other American captives, learned in his Episcopal childhood, urging them to be of good courage and cheer.
Rove also details the touching story of McCain's wife Cindy bringing two orphans in need of medical attention home to the U.S. from Asia. Ultimately, the McCain's adopted one, who is his teenage daughter today, and his chief aide and his wife adopted the other. The caring and compassion these young girls have been shown is heartwarming.
Rove observes that McCain is the most reserved and circumspect candidate for president that he has ever observed. He believes that if the American people knew the extent of his patriotism and service to this great country, he would be an irrestible candidate. He points out that rarely has such a humble and sacrificial man run for president, so totally unwilling to shine the spotlight on his personal life and values.
The Straight Talk Express, and McCain's well-know independent streak, have brought him this far. To get his candidacy over the top, he needs to let people look inside and get to know him better. Let's hope he does--for he certainly has nothing to hide.
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