McCain's Erratic Judgment

It is possible that some media outlets will eschew the story of John McCain's erraticism because they fear accusations of ageism. Evidence, however, exist that John McCain's erratic behavior does not reflect his advanced age but, rather, his character.

The Los Angeles Times this morning tells the story of how John McCain's erratic behavior as a young pilot led to a pattern of dangerous mishaps, including three crashes in his early career. The Los Angeles Times indicates that McCain might have avoided his vaunted stint as a POW if he had not flown recklessly in the skies over North Vietnam:

Three months later, McCain was on his 23rd bombing mission over North Vietnam when a surface-to-air missile struck his A-4 attack jet. He was flying 3,000 feet above Hanoi.

A then-secret report issued in 1967 by McCain's squadron said the aviators had learned to stay at an altitude of 4,000 to 10,000 feet in heavy surface-to-air missile environments and look for approaching missiles.

John McCain is incautious. He makes snap judgments that often end in disaster. Even in this campaign, we have seen him select a completely unqualified and morally-compromised vice presidential pick and then precipitously insert himself into the resolution of the financial crisis.

John McCain is erratic. His judgment is suspect. There is a trail of evidence that stretches back across decade that suggests his temperament makes him unfit to serve as president.