Fighting Talk From Maverick McCain

Republicans and Democrats have hit the campaign trail, with the race for the White House now in its final weeks. And old-timer McCain is spoiling for a fight.

With the election all about timing, it was McCain who gained the high ground, delivering the last of the big set-piece convention speeches.

"Let me offer an advance warning to the old, big-spending, do-nothing, me-first, country-second Washington crowd," MccCain said in his speech to Republican delegates. "Change is coming."

The straight-talking guy was back in town but this was no 'electrifying' speech like Sarah Palin. And it didn't need to be. But he did need to be McCain and connect with delegates and voters. And show he is still a fighter.

Unlike Obama's speech a week ago, McCain offered no rousing oratory until the end of his speech.

He was the one in the spotlight, running for president and McCain made the best of it, as noted here by the Washington Post.

The POW turned political maverick, vowed to vanquish the "constant partisan rancor" that grips Washington. And, to repeated cheers from delegates, McCain made only a passing reference to Bush. 

As for Obama, he said, "I will keep taxes low and cut them where I can. My opponent will raise them. I will cut government spending. He will increase it."

As predicted here, as part of the strategy, McCain's life story was the theme of the speech.

A naval career, including capture by the Vietcong, a harrowing five years in a North Vietnamese prison and refusing to leave when his captors offered a deal that he said would dishonor his service. 

And a history of political independence that he said required him to cross Republican colleagues and presidents when he felt they were wrong. 

As if to dispel any doubts over the 72 year-old, McCain ended by showing there was a lot of life left in the 'white-haired dude'.

"Fight with me. Fight with me. Fight with me. Fight for what's right for our country," he said in a convention crescendo.

Then, with his crowd cheering and in McCain style, he stepped off the stage, plunged into the audience and out onto that campaign trail.