Ok, this is a shout out to all of you maverick supporters of the Master Maverick to keep on message, and remember that if anyone asks, John McCain is an independent.
Therefore, to assist in this issue, I’m going to list a few things you should avoid, so you can help the Master Maverick maintain this particular fiction.
Don’t remind anyone that McCain is technically a Republican. This might lead those who are currently deluded about his independence to wonder things such as ‘If McCain constantly feels the need to take bold stances so he can obstruct evil Republicans, why is he still a Republican?‘
If they ask this question, they might also ask things like ‘Is it because he wanted to keep his seniority and committee assignments?‘ and ‘If it is, how is he a bold and principled independent?‘
Don’t remind anyone that McCain considered joining the Democrats in 2001, was considered as a running mate for John Kerry in 2004, and appears to prefer the Democrat’s company and their philosophy. If they remember this, people might wonder why John McCain simply didn’t join them. It could lead them to wonder if his refusal to do so has to do with the puff press he obsessively craves and rightfully deserves.
It would be unthinkable if his ordinary supporters started asking questions along the lines of ‘If McCain changed parties, he might have been just an ordinary junior Democrat instead of a newsworthy Republican maverick, and it would have cost him puff press.‘ Or, ‘Does Mr. Bold and Principled Independent know if he behaved the same way in the Democratic Party as he does in the Republican Party, they would have slapped him into submission long ago?‘
Most certainly don’t remind anyone of the McCain’s long-term friendship with the mainstream press. Otherwise, someone might determine that because of McCain’s overriding interest in gaining the mainstream media’s graces, he would bear no practical difference from his Democrat opponent once he’s elected, and certainly wouldn’t be an independent.
It’s election season, fellow maverick supporters, so keep these tips in mind. In fact, you should link to them, so everyone else supporting McCain can get this lie right too.