McCain Takes Opportunity to Speak Truth

In a follow-up post to my post here, CNN's Ed Henry and Ed Hornick report that McCain has been taking his opportunities on the campaign trail recently. They write,

Later in Minnesota, a woman told McCain: "I don't trust Obama. I have read about him and he's an Arab."

McCain shook his head and said, "No ma'am, no ma'am. He's a decent family man...[a] citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues. That's what this campaign is all about."

...

McCain urged his supporters to be respectful of Obama.

"We want to fight and I will fight. But we will be respectful," he said. "I admire Sen. Obama and his accomplishments. I will respect him and I want everyone to be respectful, and let's make sure we are."

I could not agree more. Candidates need to take the lead in setting a tone of respect in their own campaigns and for their parties. But it's not enough just to make these statements. This responsibility ought to continue with the kind of attacks candidates attempt to make on their rivals and the kinds of ad campaigns that they endorse and launch. Finally, candidates also need to be responsible for taking the lead in making sure that the same standard of respect is upheld by their own running mates, spouses, and campaign representatives.