RIP John McCain

John McCain, US Senator and Presidential- hopeful died.

Cartoon that appeared in the NY Times during the 2008 Election, when 'Maverick' McCain elevated a relative neophyte, Sarah Palin, as his Vice-Presidential running mate.  In hindsight, this was a harbinger of how deeply rooted the 'culture wars' and populism had overtaken the GOP.   Palin was a forerunner for the eventual success of Trump. 

Palin's candidacy gave McCain an initial convention bump but the shine was short-lived.  Reports quickly surfaced of her teenage daughter's pregnancy.  For a party peddling 'family values' and the 'moral high ground' it proved a devastating blow.  

The gun-toting Alaskan uses her shotgun for some couple-counselling while an impatient and desperate McCain waits dignified outside.  

The graphite drawing appeared in the New York Times:

https://campaignstops.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/drawing-the-vp-candidates/

RIP John McCain.