Friendly Fire: United for McCain for Obama: part 2

This much is clear: John McCain knows that only one man can put this country on the right track, and that man is Barack Obama. The odds that McCain will endorse Obama before the election are extremely good. One question remains- when will he announce?

Yes, JD, the October surprise is a fun political tradition, and an October endorsement would fit the McCain campaign’s reputation for improvisation. But if McCain wants his endorsement to make a grand, unifying impact, he needs to roll out the endorsement formally and with care.

That’s why McCain should endorse Obama on his largest stage- the Republican National Convention in September.

The party Convention is a venerated political tradition. Many Conventions have siezed the nation’s attention and entered the history books; for instance, the turbulent 1968 Chicago Democratic Convention, or the 2004 Convention speech that put Obama on the map.

At this year’s DNC, Obama will deliver his acceptance speech on the 45-year anniversary of King’s I Have a Dream speech.

Now, we know that McCain is a proud man, and although he clearly wants to endorse Obama, he still has a sense of humor and a competitive streak to him. So of course McCain should make his Obama endorsement in his convention speech, because it’s the only way he can upstage Obama’s speech while still paying proper respect to our next President.

Imagine: Thousands of Republicans at the convention, clapping their hands, cheering, the buzz in the air growing as they eagerly anticipate a speech by their favorite candidate. Instead, John McCain takes the stage. At first there is a disappointed hum in the room, until McCain announces:

I know that, in addition to my demeanor and mannerisms, my policies have distressed many American families. Well, I hope to change the change that you believe in:

And as Obama emerges from behind the curtain and greets McCain with a hearty handshake, the crowd cheers uproariously.

Such a move will spare McCain millions in campaign expenses over the fall, and ensures that the remaining debates between himself and Obama will be fun and breezy, rather than ugly and facty. Plus, by making his endorsement as smoothly and early as possible, McCain puts himself in prime consideration for a cabinet position or perhaps an ambassadorship.

Vote McCain voting Obama at the Republican National Convention.

Friendly Fire: United for McCain for Obama

Editor's Note: This is the first post in what we hope will become a beloved and, more importantly, venerated Kool Kat Sez tradition. The ground rules are simple: One editor posts an opinion on a topic, and all of the other editors are encouraged to respond with their own opinions in separate posts (Note: Editor=Everyone who writes for this blog). When no one feels like arguing anymore, we'll have a concluding post.

The question of the week is: When should McCain endorse Obama?

Background:
The United for McCain for Obama movement started back in June '08 with a Facebook group that quickly shattered recruitment expectations as students all over America joined the movement. Their message was simple: McCain must stand up for what is right: his opponent. As McCain himself has admitted, he supports "Reform. Prosperity. Peace." By now even he knows that he is ill-suited in terms of temperament, personal belief and intellect to accomplish any of those goals. But now he has a once-in-a-lifetime chance to show true leadership by following the candidate who has actually pledged to bring America any of those three things.

Actual Argument:
At this point, the only question facing McCain is, "When?" Some say as soon as possible, to unite this country and maybe heal it a little. Others say during the convention. Well as far as I am concerned, there is only one choice here: McCain should endorse Obama in October.

The October Surprise is a cherished tradition in U.S. politics. For instance, in 1972 Republican Dick Nixon announced in October that he would end the Vietnam War. The he surprised several guards at the Watergate hotel by committing various crimes that helped him clinch the win. In 1980, during October, Republican Dick Ronald Regan made a deal with Iranians to hang onto their surprised hostages until after he was elected. In 2004 Osama bin Laden helped Republican Dick Cheney become Vice President again when he released a surprising video on October 29.

As heir to this legacy, McCain should take advantage of the October Surprise to help Republicans win again, except this time what they will win is the opportunity to avoid living in a failed state. Picture this: It's October 18th or something. America is divided between the majority, who support Obama, and the minority, angry mountain people selling individual cans of beans and Manwich back and forth to each other, pausing only to hate black people. Analysts warn that Obama's lead is actually a deficit for some reason. Suddenly, an American Hero rises from the mist. It is John McCain, and he says,

I know that, in addition to my demeanor and mannerisms, my policies have distressed many American families. Well, I hope to change the change that you believe in:"

At that point Obama walks out on stage. Billions of Americans instantly switch their votes to Obama, who, after all, now has the endorsement of the best military hero in America. Meanwhile, the Republicans will have no time to elect another candidate, so too many of them will run. I project these results for the popular vote:

Obama: 89%
McCain: 1% (write-ins)
Barr: 2%
Nader: Did not get on ballot
Romney: 1%
Huckabee: 2%
Giuliani: .5%
Paul: .25%
Keyes: .2%
Fred Thompson: .05%
Other: 3%

McCain has been through Hell for America. This is easy compared to that. And it will help the country a lot more. Vote McCain voting Obama in October.