A New Way of Doing Politics?

Senator John McCain's speech at the Republican Party's National Convention which formally nominated him as the Republican Party's nominee for the Presidency of the USA, may have signified a departure from the traditional way politics is done in the USA.

Stating that 'Americans want us to stop yelling at each other', Senator McCain pledged that should he be elected as the next US President, he'll 'ask Democrats and Independents to serve with me. And my administration will set a new standard for transparency and accountability.'

At the same time, Senator McCain also departed from the traditional stump-speech modes usually adopted in politics by clearly stating his respect and admiration for his opponent, Senator Barack Obama. In fact, McCain surprised many commentators by his conciliatory attitude when stating that 'and, finally, a word to Senator Obama and his supporters. We’ll go at it — we’ll go at it over the next two months — you know that’s the nature of this business — and there are big differences between us. But you have my respect and my admiration. Despite our differences, much more unites us than divides us. We are fellow Americans, and that’s an association that means more to me than any other. We’re dedicated to the proposition that all people are created equal and endowed by our creator with inalienable rights. No country — no country ever had a greater cause than that. And I wouldn’t be an American worthy of the name if I didn’t honor Senator Obama and his supporters for their achievement.'

Perhaps it would not be amiss for us in Malta to take heed of such wise words and reflect on whether the prevalent political situation on this island is sustainable in the long-term. Perhaps, the time has come for all of us to recognise the fact that although we may have different and at times conflicting opinions, we would be doing a greater service to our country if we focus on what unites us, rather than going out of our way to identify differences.