The McCains and the DNC Walk Into the Middle of DADT Repeal …
From the mailbag, Cindy McCain tells us about the tough re-election fight Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) faces — and more:
John never hesitates to step into the forefront when fighting to solve our nation’s most critical issues – especially if he feels that a certain policy is harmful or misguided. Service to his country has always been a driving force in his life – and Arizona and America have greatly benefited from the dedication he brings to his job.
Mrs. McCain chose to bold the text in her email seeking both birthday greetings and campaign donations for her husband.
Apparently, stopping homosexuals — who John McCain acknowledges he served with when in the military — from serving openly is one of “our nation’s most critical issues.” Despite the willingness of Cindy McCain and daughter Meghan to pose for NOH8 photos, neither woman is speaking out against John McCain’s anti-LGBT attack on equal military service.
Before the Senate recessed for the month of August, McCain took to the floor of the Senate on August 5 to decry the amendment — already passed by the Senate Armed Services Committee — that would allow for the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Calling the amendment “disgraceful, McCain said:
I’m not going to allow us to move forward [on the Defense Authorization Bill], and I will be discussing with my leaders and the 41 members of this side of the aisle as to whether we’re going to move forward with a bill that contains the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy repealed before, before a meaningful survey of the impact on battle effectiveness and morale of the men and women who are serving this nation in uniform. It’s again, the chairman of the committee and the majority leader and the other side moving forward with a social agenda on legislation that was intended to ensure this nation’s security.
The Democratic National Committee today told The Advocate‘s Kerry Eleveld of its plans to hit back against McCain on the issue in an email to be sent today to the Organizing for America list. In part, the email reads:
[Sen. John McCain] recently blocked action on the repeal, calling it “a betrayal,” “disgraceful,” and “purely a political promise.”
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” isn’t about politics — it’s about discrimination. And when Republicans defend discrimination of any kind, they need to know that their constituents are watching and ready to respond. If we send Sen. McCain a forceful message, we can make him back down.
The DNC and OFA’s motives — weakening McCain — are clear.
What remains unclear — as she attempts to raise money for her husband’s re-election campagin — is whether Cindy McCain is proud that her husband has stepped to the forefront to oppose DADT repeal.
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