Here is some advice for John McCain as he goes into the debate tonight: Show your wisdom.
Don’t show your passion. Don’t show your anger. Don’t show your contempt for Barack Obama. Show your wisdom.
You have seen really dark days. You have seen the worst that humanity can offer. You lived in a hellhole for close to a decade. You were beaten and abused by your captors.
You escaped death in Vietnam, but that is not the only wisdom you have gained in your career.
You have also witnessed the worst that the political process can yield. You have seen back-room deals that have screwed the taxpayers. You have seen rank political corruption. You have seen money wasted and power abused.
From all of that experience, you have gained wisdom.
Let the American people know that you will use it, and use it calmly.
Explain with great clarity and great humanity how you will use that wisdom you have gained to guide this country back to greatness.
Explain how you appreciate the service of President Bush, but not his legacy.
Explain how you can see the best and the worst in people and how you will work to bring out the best, not the worst.
Explain how you believe that this crisis requires a national solution, not a partisan solution.
Explain how you don’t have all the answers, but that you know how to ask the right questions and how to get the right people in the right places to get the right solutions.
Explain how the failures of the past don’t mean that we will fail in the future.
Explain how the truth shall set us free, and how you will always speak truth to power.
Explain why torture doesn’t work, why lies don’t work, why there are no fast and easy solutions, and why, at the end of the day, all you have is your credibility and your word.
Explain why honor is important. Express your appreciation for your opponent’s historic run for president, and why he symbolizes the greatness and goodness of America.
Let America know that you can lead this country with wisdom and with honor.
For God’s sake, take the high road. Show wisdom. Be gracious. Smile.
Let us know, as you quote Abraham Lincoln, that this too shall pass.
Wisdom. America wants a healthy dose of wisdom. Give it to them.
Visit www.thefeeherytheory.com.