The statement is the only one of its kind that I have seen attributed to McCain throughout this campaign. When asked about his chances on Super Tuesday, and whether he thinks he will capture the nomination on that day, he said:
“Do I think the race will be over on Tuesday? Not often do I ask for divine intercession, but I have asked for that. Yes,” he told reporters on a campaign flight to Chicago...Throughout our history as a nation, presidents rise to greatness whenever they invoke the blessings of heaven. George Bush, whatever else people may think of him, has been a man of faith and recognizes the benefits of faith in the citizens of this nation. His faith has helped him weather a situation that no president should have to face — a direct attack on American soil by an implacable foreign enemy. His admittedly controversial "faith-based initiatives" have raised many eyebrows, but he has the right idea. When the people of the United States embrace the higher laws of heaven, they have an enriching influence on the nation as a whole. Not in wealth, per se, but in a higher standard of mutual welfare and respect. When we choose to ignore the higher law, we suffer accordingly.
To have McCain indicate that he doesn't "often ask for divine intercession" is a troubling thought. How will a President McCain handle the next national crisis? Will he seek for divine guidance and wisdom, or will he arrogantly assume that he and his advisors already have all the answers?
I would love to see this statement enlarged and amplified upon by the candidate. If I could somehow get a sense that he has at least some recognition of his own mortal limitations and a need for divine assistance, I might be tempted to give the man a second look.
But only if I could also see that happen without feeling that he was making such statements strictly out of political expedience. During an election year, voters can smell insincerity a mile away.
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