Is John McCain up to the job?

There's been some talk about McCain being bad on the stump, technologically illiterate, mistaken on basic facts (Iraq, economy), and frequently nonplussed when asked about his positions.

Some have explained this as being the result of McCain having an easy time winning elections in Arizona, and he's therefore rusty on the campaign trail. Some are saying it's because he's old and unprepared for a 21st Century campaign (as are others, e.g. Bill Clinton). Some are saying that's he's more interested in military issues and never studied hard on other policy areas.

Maybe.

Or maybe it's simply that John McCain isn't up to the job of president. That he doesn't have the sharpness of mind or knowledge of facts to tackle critical policy areas. These days, mere professions of good intentions are not enough. Some basic competence is needed, and McCain isn't convincing on that score.

There is a good chance that an emerging theme this year will be McCain's dependence on advisors and his inability to hold his own in a substantial discussion on the issues.


posted by Quiddity at 7/12/2008 11:48:00 PM