Is John McCain Qualified to Be President?

I’m beginning to think not.

According to the Time’s story today McCain’s Bias Claim: Truth or Tactic? Sarah Palin is not the only candidate hiding and playing hardball with the media. John McCain is too. Why? He’s annoyed with the press for asking policy questions or as he refers to them ‘gotcha’ questions. From the article:

McCain also feels that his inquisitors are consumed with the pursuit of frivolous ‘gotcha’ questions. In two of his last open sessions with reporters this summer, McCain fumbled answers about federal subsidies for Viagra and contraception and whether he approved of one of his campaign messages. Neither question sought answers to significant issues in this election, but the fallout from his responses, in the form of negative coverage, lingered for weeks.

If you haven’t seen the video for this its here:

Its becoming more and more obvious John McCain does not even know his own positions. What’s worse, he’s running for the Presidency of the United States, so called Leader of the Free World. Not only does he not think it necessary to know his positions on critical issues, but he also thinks its rude for to press to ask him what he thinks. Further, if they continue to ask him what he thinks on an issue and he’s not prepared for it, he is not going to play nice with them. 

Are you kidding me? Is he a 72 year old or a 9 year old? He’s certainly acting like he is 9. 

At some point he needs to realize that he’s running for PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.  The following accomplishments does not automatically entitle him to the role:

1. Being a POW
2. Being a congressman for 26 years

Notwithstanding his unique accomplishments, he still needs to interview for the job. Besides the obvious constitutional responsibilities – commander-in-chief, executive and judicial branch appointments, etc, before I give him/her my vote this candidate must have:

• proven record as a leader of large complex organizations
• excellent communication skills
• excellent planning, organizational, and executive skils
• fiscal discipline
• a realistic, practical, inclusive vision of where they want to take this country
• a realistic understanding of and vision for America’s role in the world
• an excellent understanding of current events and their historical context 
• a sincere faith in, compassion for, and respect for all of our citizens, their culture, and their religion 
• a consensus builder
• an astute diplomat to represent and promote our interests abroad

As far as I can tell, John McCain does not meet any of these qualifications. And if he continues with this childish media strategy, no one will ever be able to judge him fairly.