Back on McCain watch

Remember McCain's last appearance on the Daily Show?

Stewart: You're not freaking out on us? Are you freaking out on us? Because if you're freaking out and you're going into the crazy base world — are you going into crazy base world?

McCain: I'm afraid so.

Stewart: All right, sir. You know we have great regard for you here, and I hope you know what you're doing there, I trust that you do. When you see Falwell, do you feel nervous, do you have vomit in the back of your throat — what does it feel like?

Get the barfbags ready, because that speech is happening tomorrow.

...First, it's not just the appearance, it's what he says while he's there. Ted Kennedy, of all people, appeared at Liberty 20 years ago and delivered a remarkable speech in defense of tolerance and respect for diversity. Will McCain have the courage to do the same? It's unlikely.

In 2000, Bush caused a controversy by appearing at Bob Jones University. At the time, McCain said he does not mind "going any place where people have views that I find hateful" — but "when I go there, I'm going to tell them exactly what I think of them." He added that he would have told the Bob Jones audience that "they ought to get out of the 16th century and into the 21st century."

BJU is not exactly the same as Liberty, but hate is hate. McCain can tell Falwell and his followers "exactly what he thinks of them" tomorrow, but I have a hunch it will be a friendly message...

Good point. If McCain speaks tomorrow of tolerance and respect for diversity I promise a well-deserved apology. Not holding my breath, though.

[UPDATE]: You can check it out for yourself if you have the stomach for it. C-span's taping it:

Sunday, May 14
Road to the White House:
Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)
and Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich
On C-SPAN at 6:30pm/9:30pm ET