John McCain on Internet gambling

Erin Neff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal got a ten-minute interview with John McCain. (For the pointer, thanks to Pokerati, who, in turn, credited HoldemRadio.) Here's the relevant portion:

I asked McCain about sports betting and Internet gaming, and whether any
Nevada Republicans or gaming industry representatives had approached him about
those issues.

"The issue of college betting is not going anywhere. ... The sports
betting thing, that was over years ago," he added. "I've faced reality. It's
just like with immigration reform. Americans want a secure border."

On Internet gaming, McCain was just off his game. First he tried to
back away from his position because he hasn't been involved in it lately. Then
he said it was really fellow Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl's deal.

Then he tried to find a Nevada-friendly stance. "The economy is what's
hurting the gaming industry in Las Vegas today," McCain said. "It isn't sports
betting or Internet gaming."

Yes, but if the gaming industry could make money online, it could help
the bottom line when tourists balk at spending thousands to fly here or hundreds
to drive here.

"Let me get back to you on it," he said. "I haven't thought about the
issue."

He did say he had concerns about Internet gaming originating in foreign
countries. Of course, this happens because of U.S. policy and restrictions, but
never mind.

McCain also spoke about oversight and making sure the kiddies don't
have access.

"I'll call you back," he added.

Could the position be evolving like so many of his others? We'll have
to wait and see just how much Nevada is in play, as the election grows
nearer.

We know McCain will be back. Maybe he'll have an Internet gaming
proposal by then. For the sake of the gaming industry, we'd better hope it's not
as deeply thought out as his energy plan.

Then again, maybe the gamers wouldn't mind if offshore meant the
Caspian Sea.

As for him calling back, I'll be waiting.

Folks, if a political candidate is asked a question about the legality of online gaming, the only acceptable response is something like this: "Of course Americans should be allowed to gamble online. It's their own money, their own home, and they're not hurting anybody. Russia allows its citizens to do gaming online, for heaven's sake--are our people going to be less free than the Commies?"

If the politician's response is any less clear and definitive and robust than that, he's not the guy for you, if this is an issue you care about. "Let me get back to you on it" and "I haven't thought about the issue" do not cut it.

I don't mean to pick on just McCain here. Obama isn't any more promising on this front, and he's a complete disaster if you care about other issues involving personal freedom (like, e.g., the Second Amendment, or not turning over 99% of your wealth and income to Uncle Sam in rapacious rates of taxation).

If personal liberty generally, or gaming freedom specifically, is at or near the top of your list of litmus tests for political candidates, you cannot in good conscience vote for either of the guys the major parties are shoving at you. They are not your friends or allies.

You will never get what you want by voting for what you don't want.