Before I ran for California state assembly in 2006, I was what you might call a “political fan.” I wore my team’s colors, cheered in the stands, and never missed a game/debate on TV. I knew the stats on all my team’s players, and the stats of the players on the opposing team. Every Election Day was a Superbowl.
When I ran for office, I got to get down on the field a little bit. I got to know some of the players up close, heard them talking away from the press and the fans, and in some cases, became disillusioned and disappointed by what I saw behind the scenes.
Since that experience, it’s been much more difficult for me to feel that same heady rush when I see something good happen in politics, because I am suspicious that there is some selfish motivation behind what I see. However, today, I let myself be thoroughly inspired again. I let myself believe that our country still has people in politics that care more about our nation than themselves. I let myself see real leadership in politics, leadership that is timeless in its sincerity to serve.
Senator Lieberman’s speech in New Hampshire today was simultaneously from the heart, the soul and the intellect. It stirred the deepest core of my pride in America, the land of the free and the home of the brave. I truly hope his speech endorsing John McCain for President will be taken to heart, even by those supporting another candidate, because it outlines the measuring stick by which all candidates for President should be measured. And if they are measured accordingly, only one measures up to the task: John McCain.
Here is an excerpt of Senator Lieberman’s speech:
"You may not agree with John McCain on every issue, but you can always count on him to be honest with you about where he stands, you can always count on him to stand for what he believes is right for our country — regardless of pressure from politicians or vested interests…As President, John McCain will bring America together again. He will inspire a new American unity and a new American patriotism. He will push all of us to work together to solve our biggest problems, and defeat our most dangerous enemies…There are many fine people running for President. Many of them are good friends of mine. But I have concluded — and I hope you will, as well — that John McCain is the candidate who can best reunite our country and lead us to victory in the war against Islamist terrorism…We desperately need our next President to break through the reflexive partisanship that is poisoning our politics and stopping us from getting things done. We need a President who can reunite our country, restore faith in our government, and rebuild confidence in America’s future…My friend John McCain is that candidate, and that is why I am so proud to be standing by his side today.”
For the full speech, visit: www.johnmccain.com