Senator McCain closed the convention with his acceptance speech. He outlined the road that took him from a naval aviator to a POW then to Congress and now to our nominee for President. Without bragging or self- aggrandizement, he demonstrated his commitment to serving our nation, a commitment of love of nation burnished and strengthened through his torture and confinement in Hanoi.
As a veteran, I understand the hardships and sacrifice of military service, but it is only in my imagination that I can appreciate what John McCain endured and overcame. This man’s life has been dedicated to service from his days at the Naval Academy until this very day. That is why he can say, “I have that record, and the scars to prove it. Senator Obama does not.”
Along with his genuine commitment to public service, he, along with his running mate Governor Palin, an agent of change. Together they will provide a powerful force for change, bringing a new view to Washington on how to meet the challenges facing us.
He also reinforced his reputation as someone who works in a bi-partisan fashion to conduct the nation’s business. I believe that parts of his agenda will find critics on both sides, but it also will foster agreements on both sides.
John McCain is a known quantity; the American people do not need to ask -- Who is this man? He has a record of service and of accomplishments, and the scars to prove it.
