Maverick or Not?

Maybe John McCain used to be a "maverick". Lately he seems to be just another steer. The Obama campaign, which is wisely not spending a lot of money in Red Texas, has this ad out where there are more voters to be found. Take a look:



I keep reading that if Barack Obama does what I thought I wanted him to do, which is to avoid negative campaigning and sticking to the issues, etc, keeping what I see as the moral high ground, that he will likely lose the election.

So what do I want to see more - a candidate who sticks to his principles and loses the election or somebody who does what it takes to get elected?

When I think along those lines I start to hear a high pitched screaming noise in my head.

Somehow I am guessing this is one of those "fooled you!" tricky questions being framed as "either/or" that actually has some sort of more thoughtful "both/and" kind of an answer. I hope so.

Four (or more) years of another theocratic leader (and if McCain isn't one his running mate Palin most certainly is) makes me want to go out and tear stuff in half. Like, say, my voter registration card.

Don't get me wrong - I won't stay home from the polls. Just don't expect me to pay attention to the campaigning. Please. I don't think I've got the stomach for it.