An Open Letter to John McCain:

In the course of your career you have demonstrated an ability (some might say eagerness) to think and act independently of your colleagues, the idealogues in your party, occasionally of your party itself, and sometimes against your own self-interest when you felt the nation’s needs required it. 

You now find yourself the presumptive Republican presidential nominee at a time when its members are uncertain about the direction of their party, and Americans are uneasy about the direction of their nation. 

Some might argue, given the lingering reticence of some conservatives, that you must conform to a set of policies to win.  Some will say you must contain your instinct for independent action to garner the passionate support of your party.  Some will tell you there is just one certain path to the presidency you must follow.   Some are wrong.  Embrace the maverick!

As, perhaps, at no other time since the end of the Cold War Americans are eager for both decisive leadership and dramatic action; so eager they have been, for the moment, drawn to the soaring rhetoric of your opponent.  Actions speak louder than words, and as charasmatic as he may be, he has not demonstrated an ability to turn his words into actions.  To the consternation of some, you have. 

The prevailing mood in the nation can’t be attributed solely to a protracted war or terror or a weakening in the economy.  If the cynicism that exists is allowed to flourish it will have a life beyond these important but otherwise manageable problems.  Action is the antidote to cynicism.  Americans need a reassurance that government is responsive and effective, but making it so will require a president with a singular focus on the most critical issues and the independence to act.  In short, America needs the maverick you are. 

Ninety days remain for you to demonstrate the independent thought and action you would bring to the presidency.  Here are some steps you might consider:

• Select Mitt Romney for Vice President — As a maverick you have been unconcerned with how others viewed you.  The selection of your chief primary opponent would tell the world you are unconcerned with appearing to choose a partner whose strengths expose your weaknesses because bringing those strengths to the nation’s critical needs is more important.
• Commit to Critical Needs – As a maverick you have put America first and invested completely in achieving policy outcomes you thought were necessary.  Rather than posture on policies meant only to achieve election, invest again in the nation’s critical needs.  Define an agenda that puts America first.  It could be argued that the long-term interests of America could be condensed to these 11 words:  Improve Economic Competitiveness; Stop Radical Islam; Prevent Illegal Immigration; Reform Entitlements. 
• Use All Presidential Power — As a maverick you have used every resource at your disposal in support of your proposals.  If elected you have the authority to address the Congress in joint session at least once annually, to propose and veto legislation, and to convene the Congress in special session.  Be prepared to use any and all of these tools to maintain the government’s focus on the achievement of the four needs outlined above.
• One and Done — As a maverick you have often defied convention.  The modern expectation that every president would automatically seek re-election can lessen the imperative to see action taken on critical needs.  Historically the average president serves just over five years.  At 72 years of age, four years may be all that can be reasonably expected.  Rather than deny this, use it.  Pledge not to seek re-election unless, working in concert with the Congress, action has been taken on the four needs outlined above.  Such a pledge would demonstrate your seriousness and, if elected, create the imperative to act that may otherwise be missing.

 

Americans want decisive leadership and dramatic action, but voters respond to authenticity.  Your reputation as a maverick is well-established.  Conforming to standard practice or containing this instinct would be recognized as false and rejected by voters.  To realize your amitions for yourself and the nation you love, embrace the maverick.