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# McCain the magician
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/mccain-the-magician-editor/
- Published: 2008-09-04T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T20:55:23.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Paul Bergman Santa Monica*

John McCain betrayed his claim to the presidency by selecting Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate. Not only because Palin has zero relevant experience. And certainly not because Palin’s teenage daughter is pregnant; the latter is a personal matter that shouldn’t concern anyone other than the family. What is truly alarming is that McCain saw fit only to consult himself before choosing her. True, ultimately the buck stops with presidents. But in this dangerous world I’ll feel a lot more secure with a president who will conduct thorough investigations before making crucial decisions, and that requires consultation. If McCain’s experience has taught him that pulling rabbits out of hats is as acceptable for presidents as for magicians, then experience is a sorry teacher indeed.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 4, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/090408.pdf?ref=smdp.com)