McCain to Stand and Fight for America

As I predicted in my pre-speech entry, John McCain delivered a solid acceptance speech to the Republican National Convention last night - solid, but not spectacular.

As Tom the Redhunter says in the comments, "McCain's speech was good but not great. In other words, typically him."

Typical, in this case, is why McCain is the right man for the times.

The speech began haltingly, punctuated by the unwelcomed drama of Code Pink protesters disrupting the proceedings. But as he continued, McCain built up to his trademark story of personal sacrifice to a cause greater than one's self:

I'm not running for president because I think I'm blessed with such personal greatness that history has anointed me to save our country in its hour of need. My country saved me. My country saved me, and I cannot forget it. And I will fight for her for as long as I draw breath, so help me God.

If you find faults with our country, make it a better one. If you're disappointed with the mistakes of government, join its ranks and work to correct them. Enlist in our Armed Forces. Become a teacher. Enter the ministry. Run for public office. Feed a hungry child. Teach an illiterate adult to read. Comfort the afflicted. Defend the rights of the oppressed. Our country will be the better, and you will be the happier. Because nothing brings greater happiness in life than to serve a cause greater than yourself.

I'm going to fight for my cause every day as your President. I'm going to fight to make sure every American has every reason to thank God, as I thank Him: that I'm an American, a proud citizen of the greatest country on earth, and with hard work, strong faith and a little courage, great things are always within our reach. Fight with me. Fight with me.

Fight for what's right for our country.

Fight for the ideals and character of a free people.

Fight for our children's future.

Fight for justice and opportunity for all.

Stand up to defend our country from its enemies.

Stand up for each other; for beautiful, blessed, bountiful America.

Stand up, stand up, stand up and fight. Nothing is inevitable here. We're Americans, and we never give up. We never quit. We never hide from history. We make history.

Thank you, and God Bless you.

As some readers may recall, I've been excited about McCain's candidacy since he announced the formation of his presidential exploratory committee in November 2006.

For me, a McCain presidency has always been about standing up for goodness in the world, and goodness in one's heart. McCain's stalwart backing of the Iraq war was right from the beginning, and has shown the trueness of his character and judgment. And this week's sensational rollout of Sarah Palin as vice-presidential running mate has rekindled the enthusiasm of McCain's campaign that's been frequently lost in the long slog following the primaries.

McCain was down for the count this time last year, losing his frontrunner status to more exciting competitors. But the excitement's back, and while the Democrats and leftists will attack McCain's speech as wooden and recycled, that's the man the GOP nominated - sure and steady - and that's the man who's now got a surprisingly good chance to win on November 4.