Sing, heavenly muse, of the wrath of McCain, Goldwater's son, which brought on the Americans countless agonies...

Tuesday, cigarette #1
Morning Paper cigarette

Peter Johnston turns out not only to be a "debonair vigilante," but an equally debonair turner of phrases:

Dwelling on policy differences will not win the day for Romney. Rather, he must project the character of his candidacy, which differs substantially from that of McCain. McCain is indeed a national hero, a character steeped in an ethic of honor. His experience in the military indelibly structured his self-perception, making clear to himself his position at the top of a hierarchy of public servants. And he considers the progress of national affairs a solemn trust to be directed in accordance with the responsibility imposed by his station. His is a Medieval or even Homeric candidacy, a throwback to a different age.

Romney’s fundamental faith is the American creed — the inalienable rights of the Declaration of Independence — and his life reflects its influence. Like the great revolutionaries and pioneers of American history, he was born into a traditional social order, but subsequently empowered by inalienable rights to throw off convention and pursue his fortune. His defining traits are hard work, know-how and optimism. He is thus deeply in-tune with the American founding myth, the kind of man envisioned by Jefferson to lead the country’s generational revolution without compromising the spirit of progress that animates America again and again.

McCain is a man of integrity because he embodies the virtues appropriate to his character. Though the virtues appropriate to Romney’s character are different, his integrity is just as pronounced. McCain may be more poetic, but Romney is more American. Voters must therefore choose between a leader transcending their own mold and a leader representing the best of it.

This twin portrait inadvertantly answers the charge that "Politics should never be the forum in which we seek to transcend politics — a lesson John McCain would do well to remember." Is it politics that McCain is trying to transcend, or the Enlightenment values (cue theremin!) that we take for granted as the foundation of American politics?

Also: This blog now accepting suggestions for McCain's Homeric epithet.