McCain Says Play Nice With New Videos

John McCain seems to be laying down the markers for the tone of this year's general election campaign with a new video, while doing more to define himself before Democrats do it for him.

Two key passages:

"We have our disagreements, we Americans. We contend regularly and enthusiastically over many questions. Over the size and purposes of our government. Over the social responsibilities we accept in accord with the dictates of our conscience. Over our role in the world, and how to defend our security interests and values in places where they are threatened.

"We should contend though with one another. It is more than appropriate, it is necessary that even in times of crisis, especially in times of crisis, we fight among ourselves for the things we believe in. It is not just our right, it is our civic and moral obligation. But we deserve more than tolerance from one another. We deserve each other's respect."

This video of course follows months of petty bickering between campaign surrogates, and calls from the candidates to keep it clean. Thoughts?

Meanwhile "Service" is a video version of McCain's recent "Service to America Tour":

"...ultimately he learned, he grew to understand the honor of serving a cause greater than his self interest. And when the calamity of fate delivered him to North Vietnam, it was an understanding of honor that changed his life forever. He found his cause. Citizenship in the greatest nation on earth."

-- Ed O'Keefe

By washingtonpost.com Editors |  April 11, 2008; 4:28 PM ET John McCain
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Posted by: MarkInAustin | April 13, 2008 10:50 AM