John McCain 1958
John McCain's is calling himself "The Original Maverick" but many people and media outlets have understandably misinterpreted this slogan. The word "Maverick" can be defined many different ways and take on many forms. There are four common definitions for Maverick today: an unbranded range animal, one who does not abide by rules, one who creates or uses unconventional and/or controversial ideas or practice, and a queen and jack as the starting hand in Texas hold'em poker. Furthermore, Maverick has been the name of a popular comedy-western TV series, a 1994 Academy Award nominate movie, an album by George Thorogood and the Destroyers, a book by Ricardo Semler, and the cocky naval aviator played by Tom Cruise in the hit movie "Top Gun".
In the 1840's a Texas rancher named Samuel A. Maverick did not brand his calves although it was practiced among his fellow peers. Thus the word maverick became a meaning for unbranded range animals. "Maverick" then derived into representing one who doesn't follow the common herd; someone who exhibits great independence in thought and action. John McCain displays such maverick individuality and it began as an adolescent.
Lt. John McCain 1967
In high school McCain excelled in wrestling. He then attended the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. There McCain was a leader among his peers, often found conflict with higher-ranks, did not always obey the rules, and graduated 894 out of 899. After Annapolis he attended flight school and became a naval pilot of ground-attack aircraft. McCain was assigned to the USS Forrestal aircraft carrier where he flew the A-4 Skyhawk. In October 1967 his plane was shot down over North Vietnam and for the next five and half years he became a prisoner of war where endured much torture. McCain could have been released early but refused until every prisoner was released before him. After his release he began treatment for his injuries. McCain rehabilitated and had his flight status reinstated. He would become a commanding officer and a liaison for the Navy. Upon his retirement from the Navy in 1981 he had accumulated seventeen awards and decorations for his service and honor: the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and Navy Commendation Medal.
Senator McCain 2008
John McCain has been on Capital Hill since 1982. He started in Congress as a representative from Arizona and in 1986 he was elected to the U.S. Senate and has been serving the past 22 years. During his career he took on the media given nickname "maverick" for differing with the Republican Party on key issues. As John McCain's political ad says he "has taken on big tobacco, drug companies, and fought corruption in both parties."
Taking a glimpse at John McCain's life one can begin to understand why "he's the original maverick"; he was an "unbranded calve" in school, "top gun" in the Navy, and nonconformist leader in government. Other variations of McCain's maverick persona include: "Arizona's Maverick Senator", "Maverick Republican", and "America's Maverick".
source: wikipedia
