Thursday, April 10, 2008

McCain and Mo and the Elevator Test

Slate recycles a wonderful story about John McCain and his affection for--and attention to--Mo Udall, his adversary and friend, particularly when Udall was dying, and was long past the point where he could do McCain any good (link). It's an affecting yarn, worth repeating, a good reminder of why you can't help but like McCain even if you think--I certainly do--that he could be a calamatous president. It reflects well on McCain, but it's worth recalling that it also reflects well on Udall--one of the last genuine human beings to serve in Congress. In my journalism days, I had the great good fortune to cross paths with Mo Udall, and I'd rank him at the head of the short list of those who actually pass the Underbelly elevator test.

[Does McCain, pass, you ask? Hm. I won't say no, but what are the chances that McCain, frustrated with the slow response to his calls for help, would start ripping the roof off the elevator?]

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