The McCain Manifesto

There are a few previews out today on Senator McCain's (R-AZ) speech in Ohio today.

This is a good start from the first look. Unlike some of the fluff out there, there is some stuff to chew on. I especially think the second and third part of the last bullet would be healthy - and fun.

In particular, he sees a world in which:

_ "The Iraq war has been won. Iraq is a functioning democracy, although still suffering from the lingering effects of decades of tyranny and centuries of sectarian tension. Violence still occurs, but it is spasmodic and much reduced."

_ The Taliban threat in Afghanistan has been greatly reduced.

_ "The increase in actionable intelligence that the counterinsurgency produced led to the capture or death of Osama bin Laden, and his chief lieutenants," McCain said. "There still has not been a major terrorist attack in the United States since Sept. 11, 2001."

_ A "League of Democracies" has supplanted a failed United Nations to apply sanctions to the Sudanese government and halt genocide in Darfur.

_ The United States has had "several years of robust growth," appropriations bills free of lawmakers' pet projects known as "earmarks," public education improved by charter schools, health care improved by expansion of the private market and an energy crisis stemmed through the start of construction on 20 new nuclear reactors.

_ Democrats are asked to serve in his administration, he holds weekly news conferences and, like the British prime minister, answers questions publicly from lawmakers.

I'm not too hot with some parts, but that's ok - I'm not getting perfect this election season, and never will.

Over to you Sen. Obama (D-IL).