The Solution to Hillary’s Integrity Problem (Take a Lesson from John McCain)

Admittedly, I would make a lousy political strategist.

I have no patience with idiocy.  I have no concept of how to appeal to the “average voter.”  I have no clue as to why the dopes and dummies of the broad electorate continue electing politicians who consistently act against the best interests of the American working class.  Call me an elitist — at least, I’ll admit it.

Anytime I hear a candidate — any candidate of either party — saying, “let’s make America great again,” I scream at the television, “HOW?”  That’s not a plan you ass jokers, “making America great again” — that’s pandering to the lowest common jingoistic denominator.  Pandering, patronizing, and frankly pathetic.  Yet, dip shit voters lap up contrived campaign patriotism like thirsty basset hounds.

That said, I have some powerful advice for Hillary Clinton, who’s currently embroiled in a political scandal that may come to define what remains of her career as a public servant.  What I’m about to say might just save her career.  She better follow this advice, because otherwise, she’s going to continue to sink in the polls quicker than the second-week box office receipts of a new Adam Sandler movie.  She’s a few dismissive shrugs away from becoming political toast.

Now, I have no idea if Mrs. Clinton broke any federal laws, or even violated State Department protocols.  And, for the purposes of this strictly campaign-oriented discussion, I don’t care.  What advice I’m giving is the boilerplate response for solving just about every political scandal.  Yet, it’s almost never put into action.  Time and time again, politicians never learn.

Mrs. Clinton’s so-called press conference yesterday held in Las Vegas should send shudders down the spines of everyone in the Democratic Party.  She was absolutely terrible.  Watching such a usually high-polished and experienced politician handle the questioning in the manner she did was maddening to witness.  She shrugged off the FBI’s entry into the investigation like it was a parking ticket.  She tried to joke about the scandal, which drew about as many laughs in the crowd of reporters as Richard Nixon doing stand-up at the Watergate Improv.  At the rate she’s losing her credibility in the mainstream, she doesn’t just need a makeover.  She needs a new identity.

So, what does any of this have to do with Sen. John McCain?  I’m about to explain.

Back in 1992, Sen. John McCain was in serious political trouble.  He was up for re-election in Arizona, yet was facing discipline from his Senate colleagues, rabid criticism from watchdog groups, scrutiny within his own constituency back at home, not to mention a possible federal indictment including possible prison time for his alleged role as one of the “Keating Five,” which had to do with the Savings and Loan crisis and scandal of the 1980s.

Evidence now shows McCain was probably guilty of more than he paid the price for.  He got off with little more than a slap on the wrist in the Senate.  That was it.  No charges were ever filed.  The public didn’t seem to care.  McCain not only recovered politically, but he also won re-election multiple times, ran as a Republican maverick in the 2000 presidential race, and ended up as the G.O.P. nominee in 2008.  He also became something of a media darling during much of his career, somehow managing to turn the scandal into a political asset, ultimately using his affection within the press corps to his advantage.

How did he manage to do that?  Listen up, Hillary — this is where you should be taking notes.

At the height of the Keating Five scandal, McCain called a press conference at a hotel in Downtown Phoenix.  He invited anyone to attend, not just members of the press, but voters, as well.  McCain stood up in front of a microphone and answered every single question anyone had until there were no more questions.  Read that again, please:

McCain stood up in front of a microphone and answered every single question anyone had until there were no more questions.

According to reports, McCain stood at the podium for more than eight hours, fielding every single question that was tossed his way.  Nothing was off the table.  No question was dismissed or shrugged away.  McCain, to his credit, took each and every question seriously and answered everything as best he could.  Ultimately, there were no more questions.  There was nothing more to ask.  McCain didn’t just face the fire.  He jumped into it, risking the prospect of getting burned.  Instead, McCain came out of that press conference with renewed integrity, his image to a large extent, restored with voters.  That moment certainly led to the bonding of a strong and cordial relationship with much of the press, which had to respect McCain’s willingness to stand there for an entire day and take responsibility for his actions.

McCain continued his open-door policy on the Keating Five mess.  Over the course of that campaign, and long afterward, McCain always was willing to answer any question about his role in the scandal, and not dismiss inquires as an annoyance.  Whether or not you like or agree with McCain’s politics (I don’t mostly), you have to respect the way he handled his crisis.

Hillary Clinton needs to do exactly the same thing.  She needs to call a press conference immediately.  She needs to stand there for as many hours as it takes, days if necessary, and respectfully answer every question tossed at her.  About emails.  About Benghazi.  About Whitewater.  About the Chicago Bears.  About ANYTHING they want to ask.  Anything at all.  She needs to understand these questions aren’t just baseless charges hurled by haters.  These are now issues that cut the core of her integrity.  She must do this now.  Not next week or next month, as suspicions continue to mount.  But right now.

Call the press conference.  Stand there.  Face the fire.  Be brave.  Be a leader.  This crisis isn’t necessarily a career killer, although it will be if she continues to pull the stunt she showed yesterday in Las Vegas.  Indeed, the crisis could be a tremendous opportunity to restore integrity and renew faith.  At the very least, she’s pick up some respect, from allies and critics alike.

Hillary Clinton must do what John McCain did.  It’s time to stand up and answer serious questions — now.