McCain v. Trump: There’s more to the story

Trump has engaged Republicans weary of the establishment control of the GOP

The Washington Post’s Dan Balz is apoplectic in describing what he terms GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump’s “attack” on John McCain in questioning his heroism. In a report on the fray, littered with quotes from unnamed presidential candidates, one used the word “lethal” and another expected “a complete cratering” of Trump’s support. “Still another,” Balz writes, “predicted Trump would become ‘a niche candidate’ and a “sideshow to the main event.”

In fact, just the opposite is true. Recent polling shows outspoken businessman Donald Trump leading the pack with 18%. Recently announced Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker jumped in at 15% and Jeb Bush stands at 14%. None of the other GOP candidates reach double digits.

McCain, it should be remembered, began the slugfest with his comments in reaction to Trump’s Phoenix appearance last week which drew 5,000 attendees. McCain not only denounced Trump as “firing up the crazies,“ he arrogantly gave a back of the hand to the Republicans and registered Independent “crazies” who stood in line in the blazing Phoenix 106° heat for hours to attend the ticket admission event.

The war of words ramped up as Trump retaliated by calling McCain, who graduated at the bottom of his USNA class, a “dummy.”

McCain’s disparaging remark was not solely aimed at Trump. He has long been in a death grip with conservative stalwarts who finally had their fill and censured McCain at the AZ GOP state meeting in 2014. His response was to turn his operatives loose on the elected precinct committeemen, in an attempt to purge the party activists from the Republican ranks. Additionally, he urged the IRS to target conservatives. At the 2015 state meeting, both McCain and Jeff Flake were greeted with boos and turned backs.

Wisely, Gov. Scott Walker has stayed on message, and refused to attack Trump, as did Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. But Marco Rubio, who was integral to McCain’s Gang of Eight amnesty coalition, jumped on the anti-Trump brigade.

John McCain’s hero status can’t be questioned, but these are the facts: On veterans’ issues, John McCain talks out of both sides of his mouth. This list of key votes unequivocally shows McCain has either not voted or often voted in opposition to legislation affecting veterans, troops, reservists and their families. John McCain has done everything in his power to block the release of information on American Vietnam era MIAs as evident in this shocking video by Vietnam Veterans Against McCain. It features veterans, U.S. Congressmen and knowledgeable staff.

This video shows John McCain walking out of a congressional hearing after insulting Delores Alfond, chair of the National Alliance of Families, who spent her life seeking information after her brother was shot down over North Vietnam. McCain intentionally made sure all information was classified and made unavailable.

Lost in the melee is the fact that McCain is also a candidate. Running for a sixth six-year senate term, he will be 80 by Election Day. He was first elected to the U.S. House in 1982 —- long before many voters were born. The intemperate man is clearly past his prime, but is unable to relinquish his lavish D.C. lifestyle.

Fortunately, we have the ability to help him.