Yesterday, the New York Times published a story about GOP presidential candidate ("presumptive nominee") Sen. John McCain praising the heroism of Georgia congressman, and Obama supporter, Rep. John Lewis. It may have seemed a strangely non-partisan thing to do on the campaign trail, but it was typically McCainian in its candor: In reference to the African-American community, McCain said "there will be many people who will not vote for me." Today, Lewis responded as graciously to McCain as McCain had been to him.
From the Times: "In his speech in Selma, Mr. McCain spoke highly of Representative John Lewis of Georgia, an Obama supporter, who was one of those marchers beaten by police on the crest of the bridge in 1965.
'John Lewis took the first blow, a baton thrust to the stomach that shoved him back on the marchers behind him,' Mr. McCain said. 'He took the second blow, too, a hard swung club to his head, leaving a permanent scar where it struck. Blood poured from the wound, darkening his raincoat. He tried to struggle to his feet, and then collapsed unconscious, his skull fractured.'
In conclusion, Mr. McCain said, 'I’ve seen courage in action on many occasions in my life, but none any greater or used for any better purpose than the courage shown by John Lewis and the good people who marched for justice with him.'"
Today, Lewis responded in a statement:
“I am gratified that Sen. John McCain would take the opportunity to recognize what happened 43 years ago on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Bloody Sunday was a turning point in the struggle for voting rights and equal justice in America. President Lyndon Johnson was right when he compared what happened in Selma on March 7, 1965, to the crossroads this country faced at Appomattox, Lexington, and Concord. These seminal events cut to the core of American democracy. Their significance to all Americans is much bigger, much larger, and much more profound than partisan politics.”
Such gallant exchanges in an election season are rare indeed. But so far, the rather slim communiques between the Obama and McCain campaigns have been marked by a "kill 'em with kindness" approach. Even the jabs have been stately. It will be interesting to see if that continues when Obama no longer has to keep Dem opponent Hillary in the crosshairs.