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As we head into the final hours of the 2008 presidential campaign, millions of voters will make the final decision as to whether they should cast their ballot for president for Senator McCain or Barack Obama. For me, the decision has been easy: I’m supporting Senator McCain, because I believe that he is best prepared to lead our country through the tremendous challenges we face, both at home and abroad.
I have known Senator McCain for a long time, and one of the things I most admire about him is his track record, built up over many years, of consistently putting his country first. That can be a tough thing to accomplish in politics, where party loyalty is often regarded as the greatest virtue and self-serving ambition is exceedingly common, but his record of doing so is all the more noteworthy for it. Whether it be in advocating for lower taxes and less wasteful spending, campaign finance reform, legislation to combat climate change, compromise on judicial appointments, or the implementation of the surge strategy in Iraq, as an elected official and a candidate, Senator McCain has always done what he has thought best for America. Moreover, he has done so when his positions were not necessarily popular, and throughout, he has exhibited an eagerness to cross the aisle to deliver solutions on the most important issues of the day for the American people. Barack Obama, while an inspiring figure in American politics, simply has not done the same. In his time in the U.S. Senate (just under four years), he has largely towed his party’s line — this year, earning the title of most liberal senator from the non-partisan National Journal — and has introduced just two bills that have made it into law. It’s a record that may work for the junior senator from Illinois, but exemplifies his insufficient experience, both in terms of quantity and quality, where the position of commander in chief is concerned. It leaves the contrast between him and Senator McCain looking especially stark, in a time where America needs a leader ready to go on Day One, equipped with the demonstrated skills required to bring Americans together and move this country forward.
Senator McCain has always put his country first, has the résumé to prove it, and is ready to lead in confronting America’s greatest challenges. That is why I believe he should be our next president.
Jane Swift is the former Governor of Massachusetts
