Thank you for a great piece, Allan. I write this from Australia, as an Australian citizen, which means that I have no right or compunction to vote in your elections and perhaps, therefore, no right to comment on US politics. That said I will say anyway that reading of how Sen. McCain handled that situation gives me hope. I see hope in the fact that a political candidate would take the time to correct the record even when it’s about his opponent and even in the face of boos and jeers from his own supporters. That seems to be a rare thing anywhere in the world.
I see hope, too, in reading an article by a person who states that he didn’t and wouldn’t vote for that politician but who is able to acknowledge the person’s strengths and qualities of character. My father was staunchly supportive of one side of Australian politics and just as staunchly opposed to every person and every policy associated with “the other side”. He had no ability to acknowledge any good done by any other “brand” of politician. Either by good fortune or by intent I have sought to face and live out the reality of life that for the most part nobody is all good or all bad and that credit should be given where credit is due.
Having lost a family friend to brain cancer several years ago I join with you in saying to Sen. McCain “get well”.