McCain sells legacy of military heroism to the voters

Published on Monday 31 March 2008 22:18

JOHN McCain has begun a campaign to woo voters with his military legacy, defining himself as the presidential candidate who has national security experience lacking in his Democratic rivals.

He emerged victorious in the Republican nomination contest weeks ago. And with seven months remaining before the November presidential election, polls indicate a tight race with either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton.

Mr McCain mentioned neither of his potential opponents in his speech yesterday, nor did he discuss the war in Iraq or the weakening economy and spike in home repossessions – issues on which he will be hammered by either Democrat.

Instead he portrayed himself as a patriot who was born into a family of warriors.

"I am the son and grandson of admirals," Mr McCain said. "They were my first heroes, and their respect for me has been one of the most lasting ambitions of my life. They showed me how to love my country, and that has made all the difference for me."

A prisoner of war in Vietnam at a time his own father commanded all US forces in the Pacific, Mr McCain said, "He prayed on his knees every night for my safe return. Yet, when duty required it, he gave the order for B-52s to bomb Hanoi, in close proximity to my prison."