I'll start by saying I do not believe that John McCain is Benito Mussolini. Benito, after all, could win elections. I'm also not comparing McCain to Hitler. Hitler is essentially the "go-to" nasty Fascist reference, and no, McCain is not an unhinged megalomaniac.
It did strike me, however that the McCain campaign as a whole, given the recent bailout voting has a lot more to with Benito's Doctrine of Fascism than he might like to admit.
Unabridged quotes of the fundamentals of Facism by Benito Mussolini.
Emphasis and references(#) mine.
The Fascist conception of the State is all-embracing; outside of it no human or spiritual values can exist, much less have value (1). Thus understood, Fascism is totalitarian, and the Fascist State—a synthesis and a unit inclusive of all values—interprets, develops, and potentiates the whole life of a people. (p. 14)
Fascism is therefore opposed to Socialism (2) to which unity within the State (which amalgamates classes into a single economic and ethical reality) is unknown, and which sees in history nothing but the class struggle (2). Fascism is likewise opposed to trade unionism as a class weapon. But when brought within the orbit of the State, Fascism recognises the real needs which gave rise to socialism and trade-unionism, giving them due weight in the guild or corporative system in which divergent interests are coordinated and harmonised in the unity of the State. (p.15)
Yet if anyone cares to read over the now crumbling minutes giving an account of the meetings at which the Italian Fasci di Combattimento were founded, he will find not a doctrine but a series of pointers... (p. 23)
It may be objected that this program implies a return to the guilds (corporazioni). No matter!... I therefore hope this assembly will accept the economic claims advanced by national syndicalism (3). (p. 24)
Fascism [is] the precise negation of that doctrine which formed the basis of the so-called Scientific or Marxian Socialism (2). (p. 30)
After Socialism, Fascism attacks the whole complex of democratic ideologies and rejects them both in their theoretical premises and in their applications or practical manifestations. Fascism denies that the majority, through the mere fact of being a majority, can rule human societies; it denies that this majority can govern by means of a periodical consultation; it affirms the irremediable, fruitful and beneficent inequality of men, who cannot be levelled by such a mechanical and extrinsic fact as universal suffrage. (p. 31)
Fascism is definitely and absolutely opposed to the doctrines of liberalism, both in the political and economic sphere. (4) (p. 32)
The Fascist State lays claim to rule in the economic field no less than in others (3); it makes its action felt throughout the length and breadth of the country by means of its corporate, social, and educational institutions, and all the political, economic, and spiritual forces of the nation, organised in their respective associations, circulate within the State. (p. 41).
—Benito Mussolini, 1935, "The Doctrine of Fascism", Firenze: Vallecchi Editore.
The Labour Charter (Promulgated by the Grand Council for Fascism on April 21, 1927)—(published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale, April 3, 1927) [sic] (p. 133)
The Corporate State and its Organization (p. 133)
The corporate State considers that private enterprise in the sphere of production is the most effective and usefu [sic] instrument in the interest of the nation (3). In view of the fact that private organisation of production is a function of national concern, the organiser of the enterprise is responsible to the State (5) for the direction given to production.
State intervention in economic production arises only when private initiative is lacking or insufficient, or when the political interests of the State are involved. This intervention may take the form of control, assistance or direct management. (3) (pp. 135-136)
—Benito Mussolini, 1935, "Fascism: Doctrine and Institutions", Rome: 'Ardita' Publishers.
(1) Real "Values". The campaign has been talking a lot about "Real America". Just like Mussolini thought only his supporters were "real" compatriots.
(2) Anti Socialism. (Not that McCain really understands socialism too well, but I digress.) McCain and Palin paint Obama as a socialist, which is apparently evil.
(3) National Corporatism. McCain's support was integral to the passage of this bill. We not only plan to buy debt, but also to partially nationalize corporations Which in turn, leads to our nationalist control over corporations. Benito would be proud!
(4) Anti Liberalism. Liberalism, being contrary to McCain's world view, is evil too, I guess.
(5) Business owners are responsible for the state. This was McCain's point about Joe the Plumber. He might as well BE America... thats how American Joe is.