Felons as role models
I just watched McCain's song and dance with Katie Couric after she asked him about his inability to remember how many homes he owns.
In addition to talking about his POW experience, he brings up his late father-in-law, Jim Hensley and his wealth:
"I am proud and grateful for that, and I think he (Hensley) is a role model to many young Americans who serve in the military and come back and succeed."
Does McCain really want to go there? Offering up Hensley as a role model?
Hensley's start in Arizona's liquor business included being convicted of a felony in 1948 for falsifying liquor records. He received a one year suspended sentence. In 1953, he was charged again, but was acquitted, after being defended by lawyer William Rehnquist - yes, that William Rehnquist.
Now I don't think McCain should be held responsible for his father-in-law's shaky legal path and unsavory connections, and I would be fine with never mentioning it if McCain doesn't bring him up. But if McCain is going to be holding him up as role model?! That's just absurd, and it needs to be explored.
In addition to talking about his POW experience, he brings up his late father-in-law, Jim Hensley and his wealth:
"I am proud and grateful for that, and I think he (Hensley) is a role model to many young Americans who serve in the military and come back and succeed."
Does McCain really want to go there? Offering up Hensley as a role model?
Hensley's start in Arizona's liquor business included being convicted of a felony in 1948 for falsifying liquor records. He received a one year suspended sentence. In 1953, he was charged again, but was acquitted, after being defended by lawyer William Rehnquist - yes, that William Rehnquist.
Now I don't think McCain should be held responsible for his father-in-law's shaky legal path and unsavory connections, and I would be fine with never mentioning it if McCain doesn't bring him up. But if McCain is going to be holding him up as role model?! That's just absurd, and it needs to be explored.
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You are absolutely right, McCain shouldn't be tied to his father-in-laws past; but since he offered him as a role model then it is not only a fair line of attack but a necessary one. Especially when McCain says he was "blessed with opportunities" which doesn't mean that he was blessed with a chance to carve out his own wealth but to simply ditch his wife and marry the daughter of a multi-millionaire.
August 25, 2008 12:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, the American dream - marry a rich heiress. Of course, I would then only be allowed to pursue the American dream in California and Massachusetts. ;-)
August 25, 2008 1:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
My feelings exactly! Can you even imagine the Republican feeding frenzy if Michelle Obama's father was the convicted felon (instead of the hardworking city worker that he was?)
And yes, they were both decorated veterans, but do they really want to bring up that other uncomfortable similarity, namely, they each left their first wives and child/children abruptly to marry better prospects.
Lastly, what may be their most tone deaf accusation, the allegation made by McCain spokesman Brian Rogers that the Obamas bought their "mansion" with help of a "convicted felon".
I'm not so sure of that but I do know for a fact that without a certain "convicted felon" there would be no Hensley-McCain family fortune and hence no multiple mansions and condominiums.
The lack of self awareness of this bunch truly boggles the mind.
August 25, 2008 1:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
These are the same people who, with a straight face, said we don't invade sovereign nations in the 21st century. Hypocrisy is as natural to them as breathing.
August 25, 2008 1:25 PM | Reply | Permalink