So even though Perot is a "character," to say the least, he's not wrong about everything. And with his choice of the much-mocked Admiral James Stockdale as his running mate in 1992, he showed his love and respect for not only those in the military, but specifically those who were held as prisoners of war. Admiral Stockdale was tortured and severely beaten for seven years in Viet Nam's Hoa La prison. He became a controversial figure long before he wound up a punchline on SNL, too -- he accused two of his fellow prisoners (also officers) of giving aid and comfort to the enemy.
I'd stipulate to anyone that Perot is an eccentric figure, and that may be understating it severely. But given his love of those in the military, and those who sacrificed for the country, one would think he'd have nothing but the highest praise for John McCain.
And yet -- he loathes the man. Being Perot, he doesn't mind saying so, either. The following article is from last January, in the Dallas Morning News. Take it with the usual shaker of salt one should reserve for Perot, and bear in mind that he went on to endorse Mitt Romney in the GOP primary.
Dallas billionaire H. Ross Perot has weighed into the GOP presidential contest with a stinging rebuke of John McCain and an endorsement of Mitt Romney. Mr. Perot told Newsweek magazine that Mr. McCain "is the classic opportunist" who is always reaching for "attention and glory." "Other POWs won't even sit at the same table with him," the article quoted Mr. Perot as saying.
Mr. McCain could not be reached for comment Thursday, and his campaign didn't return telephone calls. But the Arizona senator for years has denied the claims Mr. Perot made in the Newsweek story. Mr. Perot and Mr. McCain have often clashed. Their relationship goes back to when Mr. McCain was a POW in Hanoi. Mr. Perot told Newsweek that at one point he took care of Mr. McCain's family after Mr. McCain's former wife was in a serious car accident.
"After he came home, he walked with a limp, she [Carol McCain] walked with a limp. So he threw her over for a poster girl with big money from Arizona [Cindy McCain, his current wife], and the rest is history," Mr. Perot said.
There's more, and it's hard (at least for me) to side fully with the bizarre Perot.
But he was right about NAFTA. And I think he's right about McCain's character, at the very least.
Come on... won't some talking heads show invite the formerly ubiquitous Ross Perot on to tell us all what he thinks about John McCain? Seems like he's too close to the mark, and the media doesn't like it when people say mean things about their buddy John, even if it is true! (Besides, McCain gives them yummy barbecue!!!)
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