The Best of Both Worlds: McCain as Obama’s Secretary of Defense

I think it would be amazing.
I will say this here and not many other places, and to only very few people. After I saw McCain’s consession speech, I thought–If I’d seen this the entire campaign, I’d probably have voted for McCain.
I hope you don’t mind a little digression:
I have not told anyone who I voted for, nor did I try to convince anyone to vote for one or the other.
The closest I came when I was at the Brewer’s Jam and almost bought some “Beer Brewers for Obama” buttons because I thought they were funny. They were out, so I didn’t.
Over the past few days, I’ve been thinking more about the issues that are important to me, and how that compares to issues that actually will be affected while the president is in office. If John McCain has different ideas on gay marriage and abortion than me, but the states still have the authority to affect that decision at home, should I hold that against him? Will Obama really be able to get all done that he’s promised?
What I find most interesting about my own thoughts is that now I’m focused on more a “futures trading” mentality. What could happen? What do I think will happen? And then, I place my bets. I’ve never had voter’s remorse before, but I’m stil wondering about my choice, and the choice of the American people. Obama is so inspiring, it’s like he took up a sax and got on stage with Fleetwood Mac or something. Maybe he’s got an intern in his senate office, but he’s got hope on his side, and I’m wearing mine, literally, on my sleeve.

Mel, your digressions, little or otherwise, are always welcome.

Yeah, I think his handlers had McCain more crotchety than is natural. The concession speech McCain was there all the while, but the pressures of the campaign and party base expectations warped him, I think. Love to see him involved in the Obama administration. (Others have suggested Secretary of Veterans Affairs? Also a good idea.)

Speculating what might come up is an excellent way to consider a candidate’s strengths. If they’re committed to destroying the Martians, should Martians ever land, but you’re committed to intergalactic peace, that’s not a big deal if you think an invasion is unlikely.

If you noticed, I never endorsed one candidate or the other, and didn’t reveal who I would or did vote for. Part of that’s because I want to maintain the appearance of objectivity with my students, in case one stumbles upon this site. Since I teach political philosophy, contemporary moral issues, business ethics—that sort of thing—I’m always worried that students will tune out up front if they think I’m blinded by ideological allegiances, or that I might look down on them if they don’t share my views. It should be clear that I’m not blinded by any ideology—neither party’s platform is ideologically consistent, and I’m not shy about pointing that out (which I’ve found just pisses off everybody!), and every political philosophy has its problems (even Rawlsian Liberalism). Plus, I’ve been all over the political spectrum in my journey to where I am today (which, since I don’t stop thinking and learning, constantly evolves), so I don’t look down my nose at libertarians, anarchists or communists, let alone Republicans or Democrats. I’ve identified with all five at one time or another! So that’s always a worry, and at any rate, I certainly don’t endorse parties or candidates in class. (Most of the time I’m personally neutral on moral issues too, though just yesterday while discussing the moral arguments for and against the death penalty, I let it slip that I’d execute those scum bags who tortured and killed Christopher Newsom and Channon Christian myself.) The other reason I kept my choice silent is that I really do want everyone to think for themselves, rather than have confidence in the confidence of someone else’s confidence. I reasoned through the issues (and will continue to do so), highlighted the fact that neither candidate had a monopoly on the moral/policy truth, and invited others to join in the conversation. But just to make you feel better, despite the guns, despite the partial birth abortion, despite the foreign policy timidity, I’ll say here and now that I voted for Obama too. I was personally torn—the veteran in me leaned towards McCain, but the academic leaned towards Obama. On the issues they were virtually tied (McCain winning all of the above, but Obama winning economic justice and healthcare). But what gave Obama the edge was his intelligence and apparent willingness to engage in genuine reasoned discussion. Maybe it was all a clever trick and he’ll revert to the typical “must do what party says” ridiculousness in January, but he earned my confidence through thoughtful, nuanced, surprising answers to tough questions, time and again. And plus, I’m very proud to be part of the generation who put the first African-American in the highest office in the land. And not just any African-American for the sake of doing so—a very capable, inspiring, intelligent young leader. Things really do seem different this week compared to last—more possibilities seem open, for everyone. No way I’m going to regret being a part of that. So let’s be optimistic together

Matteson, excellent point. I took that into account too (partial birth abortion is already federally banned, and the gun lobby isn’t going to let him take my babies). And my ballot was split too—went with Alexander and Woodson. I actually met Jamie Woodson at a “Neglected Issues” talk a few weeks ago. I certainly don’t endorse her entire political ideology, but she seemed a really smart and engaging lady—recognized the importance of civic education, and acted like she wanted to make it more in depth (hopefully producing more involved, informed, responsible voters). Did you know state legislators only make $18,000 a year?! I’ve got much respect for anyone who wants to do that!

—Matt—

Thanks for chiming in, Liam!

It’s certainly a looooong shot, but we can dream. (Yes we can?)

The VA job’s been kicked around. It would be a great spot for him, but you’re very right to point out that McCain’s pride would be a factor. I wonder if it’s the sort of post he could handle on the side and keep his day job? Probably not, and even if it were, treating it that way would be a huge PR blunder. But I can’t think of anyone better suited to do it. He’d definitely take better care of our vets than most expect under Democratic administrations.

And nice blog I especially liked the election night predictions. Wish I’d known about it sooner!

—Matt—

you know where i stand on the obama. pass some more kool-aid, i’m still thirsty! i don’t pretend that he’s perfect and can solve all of our problems in one fell swoop, but i think he’s exciting and that dirtiest of all dirty words: intelligent. i don’t have much else to add except that i voted for lamar alexander as well. that plaid shirt is just too sexxxy. well, and his environmental policies (not perfect, but better than most republicans) don’t hurt, either. his spot on the epw committee, which tells tva that they have to adhere to pollution control regulations , means a lot to me, personally.

If McCain was brought in to either of the positions then it would be a great way to show the country that both parties are willing to set aside their differences in order to turn our problems around.