Fox News, AP call it for McCain; Update: Huck blames Fred for loss?
posted at 9:19 pm on January 19, 2008 by Allahpundit
He’s the presumptive nominee now, especially with Rudy fading. How do you feel?
Update (Bryan): I feel like it’s hard to see either McCain or Huckabee winning the nomination. Huckabee can’t win in South Carolina, a southern state with a heavy evangelical contingent. McCain won overall but doesn’t appear to have won among conservatives, again. So the top two finishers in SC carry very limited appeal.
The question is, who can unify these voters under the conservative party’s banner?
Update: The good news: Huckabee’s basically done. The breakdown:
He can’t win among non-evangelicals. This makes Florida essentially a three-man race between McCain, Mitt, and Rudy, with Huckabee still around to pull votes from Romney among social cons.
Update: Huckabee’s at the podium now taking veiled digs at Mitt by congratulating McCain on not doing any negative campaigning.
Update: Have a look at the recent Florida polls. What do you think they’ll look like this week? To put it another way, is this the end for Rudy?
Update: A noble defeat:
It’s clear who Huckabee camp is blaming for its squeaker of a loss in South Carolina: Fred Thompson.
After Huckabee’s gracious concession speech — in which he had nothing but kind words for John McCain who he said showed great “civility” — former SC Gov. David Beasley, a Huckabee surrogate, railed against Thompson.
“Fred hurt us in South Carolina,” Beasley began. “He had one goal and one goal only — to distort Mike Huckabee’s record so John McCain could pull it out. No ifs, ands or buts about it….
“One thing about Fred; I love Fred, but Fred’s not stupid….I don’t think he had any intention in South Carolina but to hurt Mike Huckabee…. Had Fred Thompson not been in the race, this would have been an overwhelming, dynamic victory for Mike Huckabee.”
McCain’s team also thinks Fred was the difference.
Blowback
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He was an actor on ‘Law and Order,’
Actually, terryannonline, some of us remember him in the senate, rather fondly.
Despite the fact that some of our younger people were not around, or able to vote at that time, he was a well thought of senator.
MITX on January 19, 2008 at 11:46 PM
I don’t care what you RINO’s think, McCain is NEVER going to be president. There are way too many actual conservatives who will never vote for that party back-stabbing SOB as long as he lives, which is not likely to be two terms from now just going by the odds. He won’t get much of a crossover vote either because he is old and tempermental. McCain has stabbed the republican party in the back time and time again and we keep getting told, it’s for our own good when in reality it was for McCains own good. Bush has done the same thing. In a tug of war, when the other side starts pulling harder, you can’t just ease up and hope that they will too. That’s what you RINO’s are doing. As far as I’m concerned, I’m starting to understand why some think maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to put you RINO asse’s through four years of Hillary in order to remember why we used to run CONSERVATIVES in the REPUBLICAN party to begin with. Personally, I will not vote for a democrat, no matter what party they are running with. I don’t believe any democrat could be that much worse than Huck Fibb or McCain because those two are just as bad. As far as the war, what good is winning a war when you destroy your own land? I live in SoCal where we are overrun with mexicans sucking up labor, welfare, education, healthcare while we have to close our own emergency rooms because nobody pays them. You have any idea how many friends I’ve seen packing up a U-haul and moving anywhere else just so they could find a job. Our construction industry here is almost 100% mexicans. Soon as they’ve closed that up, they will start taking over another job sector. Our wages are dropping, our expenses are rising and our only choice is to move away or live ten to an apartment like mexicans. Do you have any idea what you are doing to this country?? And then to hear you arrogant jack-asses from NYC and the beltway chide us for having a problem with you inviting the entire country of Mexico to come here and get everything free really chaps my ass. The only thing that ‘comprehensive’ immigration bill would have accomplished was to let them stay here on permanently renewable Z visas forever. As far as I’m concerned, I hope the next administration brings as much misery to the rest of the country that RINO Bush has brought here. Maybe Reagan wouldn’t look so lost after all.
Bikerken on January 19, 2008 at 11:47 PM
You’re on to something there. The ‘old fart’ demographic, when properly represented, would show overwhelming support for McCain and Clinton. Call it the AARP bounce.
They don’t get around much, but they do vote in large numbers. ;)
CliffHanger on January 19, 2008 at 11:47 PM
You’re a tool if you think that just because you don’t belong to a faith that you don’t understand it. I’m not a Catholic, but I suffered through 8 years of Catholic school. I’m not a Seventh-Day Adventist, Jehovah’s Witness, Jew, or Wiccan, but I’ve had very close friends of all of those faiths.
Don’t ever make the idiotic presumption that just because someone doesn’t go to a building every day (or avoid doing it) that they can’t comprehend adherence to the tenets.
MadisonConservative on January 19, 2008 at 11:49 PM
Really? Give them a few months of listening to Hillary’s shill voice during the General and then let’s see. He’ll more than make up his losses by adding Independent and conservative Democrats.
TheBigOldDog on January 19, 2008 at 11:52 PM
I don’t denigrate his service in the Senate but it looks Fred supporters want to ignore what he’s been doing the past few years. And if my television has served me right, what’s he’s been doing this past few years has been acting, and a small role at that.
terryannonline on January 19, 2008 at 11:53 PM
Maybe we will start hearing about the AARP vote?
terryannonline on January 19, 2008 at 11:54 PM
Judging from the comments, I think the vast majority of people who preferred Fred would vote for Mitt.
Thanks for the clarification. Sounds like he’s going for the secular progressive vote and couldn’t even get an “Independent” like O’Reilly to vote for him. He may get the anti-Hillary vote, but that’s about it.
Buy Danish on January 19, 2008 at 11:55 PM
Urk. What happened to my retort to Hermes?
Guess I’ll have to type it all over again.
Dang, shoulda copied that one.
Shirotayama on January 19, 2008 at 11:58 PM
Hermes,
You gave me a LOT to respond to:
1) I’m not trying to censor anybody. I simply get VERY scared when I see scripture being quoted or used as the SOLE basis for electing our commander-in-chief, and while I don’t mind faith informing a voting decision, I find it extremely scary to consider people might elect our next president on the basis of FAITH ALONE. I feel far more comfortable when serious, logical discussion of POLICY issues balances that out, since what a President’s job to accomplish is actually, as head of government, to formulate and implement POLICY, not scripture. All I was really doing was PLEADING for people to not focus on one alone. I think policy without faith is heart-less or even soul-less, and voting on faith alone without regard for policy decisions to be mind-less. My comment was not to try to censor. It was a pleading request for reason, for rationality. No more, no less.
2. OH, yes I ABOLUTELY AM a member of one of those two religions. And I’ve read the scriptures of both. If you’re trying to paint me as an atheist, DING! Wrong. I have full belief and faith in God the almighty.
3. Ranting? Geesh. TWO questions come to mind about that:
a. If I’m RANTING, just what the heck are all the other multi-commment regulars here doing?
b. What is a BLOG for, if NOT to RANT GLEEFULLY?
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 12:05 AM
Fred’s mother is ill and either currently in the hospital or just left the hospital. His return to Tennessee is legitimate. If he stays in he will probably skip Florida and go on to Alabama and Georgia. Whether he stays in or not may depend on what happens with his mother.
maxine on January 20, 2008 at 12:07 AM
Thank you for clarifying a presumption that I didn’t make! Conversely…just because someone goes to a building everyday doesn’t mean that they comprehend adherence to the tenets either.
HERMES on January 20, 2008 at 12:07 AM
It has to do with Huckster’s snake oil brand of Christianity which is not authentic. The guy is a fast talker, that is for sure, and there was a time when I found him kind of charming and witty, but having gotten to know him and his despicable tactics I have concluded that he is nothing but a phony, sanctimonious, untrustworthy, shameless opportunist and demagogue.
Be of good cheer though – he is auditioning for the role of McCain’s V.P. as if his life depended on it, and if he succeeds you will have much to rejoice about.
Buy Danish on January 20, 2008 at 12:08 AM
Maxine,
Sure hope that’s the only reason he’s headin’ back to Tennessee.
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 12:09 AM
I still don’t see how or why Fred should exit this. I just don’t see it. It would be a crying shame for him to take this as a reason to leave. I mean, is Duncan Hunter still in? Then why should Fred get out. Because Chris Matthew and Olby laugh at him, and people keep saying it over and over? Why? I mean really, why?
Sultry Beauty on January 20, 2008 at 12:09 AM
AARP is crucial to both Democrats and McCain.
In McCain’s case it is helpful that as some people age they develop poor short term memory (McCain-Kennedy) but may remain perfectly lucid when it comes to events that may have happened decades ago (“Isn’t he that brave young man who refused to get out of that POW camp early?”).
For the Democrats, it is helpful that all of those AARP members who wax nostalgic about the Great Society or even the New Deal seem to really have it out for their kids and grandkids.
Deety on January 20, 2008 at 12:09 AM
STOP DEFEATISM NOW! Whose got the clear nod? Is this a 2 horse game? Comeon!
Sultry Beauty on January 20, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Danish: Took the words right outta my (so-called) ranting mouth.
And if Maverick does become the nominee and if Mac DOES make Huck his Veep, I’m still gonna decide not to vote. And will contemplate a long-term search for new job and life in places like New Zealand or Japan.
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 12:11 AM
Because we need to start narrowing this nomination down and pretty much know now he has no chance of winning.
terryannonline on January 20, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Because what happens is that if a candidate stays in he hurts the cause he represents by splitting the vote. Fred staying in could actually yield a more liberal nominee. I’m not arguing for him to get out, just trying to fairly answer that question.
Spirit of 1776 on January 20, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Didn’t Alec Baldwin threaten to do that if Bush was elected?
Bradky on January 20, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Depressing…drinking…admissions to wrong predictions…departures from HA…I peeked in here a few times today and it simply looked too bloody to stay.
I still want to believe and you still are my home.
How can we be helped? I don’t know.
For now, I agree with this great HA commenter.
But keep your fighting spirit alive boys (and girls).
Entelechy on January 20, 2008 at 12:14 AM
If true, God love ya, Fred.
baldilocks on January 20, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Not meaning to offend, the wording simply reminded me of the Little Hoo girl on Grinch saying “Why, Santy Claus, Why? Why are you taking our Christmas Tree?”
Sultry, the answer is actually pretty simple: MONEY. Moolah. $$$$$$. The fact is, Fred’s running out of ‘em and can’t get enough more $$$$ to come in and replace the ones he’s spent. I remember hearing on the radio about a week ago…Tuesday evening, was it???…he actually told Hannity (or was it Levin? Can’t remember which) live on the air that if he didn’t win SC convincingly, he’d be totally forced into making a decision whether to stay in or not based on the money aspect. His campaign is running out, and I’m thinking maybe he’s not up for asking his staff to slave away with no pay like Rudy’s has been. Just guessing, but he did say money was getting critical to determining whether he’d continue or not.
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 12:18 AM
I WILL NOT VOTE FOR MCCAIN UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
bigbeas on January 20, 2008 at 12:18 AM
Bradky, Alec’s a flaming LIB and I’m just an utterly frustrated, deeply disppointed and even shocked conservative wondering what happened to the Reagan legacy?
I lived through Reagan. I revere Reagan. Not only did his policies totally mirror what I value, but he was also indirectly responsible for the path my work career took since his rebuilding of our military, intelligence, and law enforcement infrastructure took place when, after college, I needed a career. My career interests totally dovetailed with his policies and, frankly, I wish the guy would just freakin’ reincarnate or something because our party SORELY needs his wise, inspirational leadership right now. Most of the people running today? Mere shadows, if even that.
Don’t mistake deep frustration and disppointment for being a liberal. I’m tryin’ to figure out what’s the least of several evils here.
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 12:23 AM
Then RANT on my brother RANT on!
I do appreciate your desire to “feel far more comfortable when serious, logical discussion of POLICY issues balances that out,” however; I haven’t heard too much “serious or logical discussion” concerning Huckabee’s positions on different policies. HotAir has reflected more of a “drive-by” mentality (to quote the Godfather)and a plethora of ad hominem attacks rather than substantive debate (or documentation). I’m not a “kool-aid” candidate for Huck, yet – but I’ve not been impressed with any substantial arguments against Huckabee being a conservative. My fear is that there might be an “anti-evangelical” sentiment to a lot of the postings here. Perhaps I need to do more digging around here – still kinda new -(BTW..I really do love the site and recommend it almost daily)..but I wish someone could direct me to one location that succinctly, seriously, and logically presents their reason why Huck is not a conservative. Is that so hard to ask?
I mean check out this aricle and tell me why this isn’t the voice of a truely conservative candidate.
HERMES on January 20, 2008 at 12:23 AM
Yes, but it’s bitter-sweet because in the process he propelled McCain. If he adds his support to the latter our ‘marriage’ will be so over.
What winning moves are left?
Entelechy on January 20, 2008 at 12:29 AM
OK, Hermes, I appreciate the polite reply.
Wanna go toe-to-toe on Huck’s policies? Go for it. I’m up for about another 20 to 30 min before I tuck in for the night.
I’m dismayed by a number of policy leanings Huck has displayed while Arkansas governor. Mostly involving:
1) Illegal Aliens/Amnesty
2) Clemencies for some criminals I’d question whether deserved it. That worries me.
3) Tax hikes. He defends those by saying he drastically improved Arkansas roads. Other than stimulating the flow of commerce by small and midsize businesses, the obvious main beneficiary of the infrstructure improvement would likely be Wal-Mart, don’tcha think? So, why didn’t he just BILL THEM for a major portion of it and not raise the taxes of Arkansas citizens? Even with the House that Sam Walton built HQ’d in Fayetteville, my understanding is that Arkansas is one of the nation’s most impoverished states…and one whose economy might be crimped by large tax increases.
Hermes, my primary beef with Huck is he sells himself as THE Christian candidate yet engages in a level of deceptive, underhanded dirty political fighting I find totally unbecoming of a disciple of Christ. Which doesn’t lead me to trust him very much. But yes, poltical style and incongruency with Judaeo-Christian values aside, there are policy elements of his history that bother me tremendously.
But throw something out there. Let’s have as substantive a discussion as possible before sleep overtakes my geezer bod.
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 12:31 AM
You must really have no faith in the conservative movement if you think it’s dead because no major viable candidate is “100% conservative” according to Fredhead standards.
I guess conservatism was dead when Clinton won office.
This is why I laugh when Fredheads talk about “clear conservatism.” They identify conservatism as if its based on specific individual people, not ideas. Duncan Hunter bowed out today, guess what he said: “Now everyone is talking about the border fence, all because I brought it up in the race.”
The death of the conservative movement has been greatly overstated.
Real conservatives know that.
People who define conservatism by the candidacy of Fred Thompson don’t.
BKennedy on January 20, 2008 at 12:32 AM
Hermes,
I tried clicking on your link to read what you suggested but got “The page cannot be displayed” instead…unfortunately.
Can you summarize what it said?
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 12:32 AM
Alright, let’s stop panicking. Deep breaths. Thanks for your thoughts, but some need to cool your heads a little. Passion is fine, but lets get a little more level headed here.
Let’s not hit the doomsday button yet. The election is in November.
There’s plenty of opportunity for the Humping Robot (or whatever else Allah comes up with since perhaps H.R. may be exclusive to illegal immigration stuff) to make an appearance.
Weebork on January 20, 2008 at 12:34 AM
↓______________________↓_______________________↓
Someone has to face the valley, but the word is that
Seigneur Fred “triangulated” himself from South Carolina right past Florida and back home to the comfort of his Virginia home.
Sink me.
Percy on January 20, 2008 at 12:36 AM
Hermes,
And by “deceptive, underhanded dirty political fighting” I also mean engaging in direct “politics of personal destruction” tactics that utterly turn my stomach…since again, it doesn’t strike me as behavior rooted in Christ’s teachings. I’ll give a few examples, but will take liberty to add the reactions they spurred in me:
1) “It’s just a BOOKCASE!” (OH, BULLS**T. Quit lyin’.)
2) “Metamucil” (Uncalled for, overly personal Low blow. If you’re gonna say that about Fred, say it for McCain too. He’s 6 years older than Fred is.)
3) “Mormons believe Satan is the brother of..”
I have friends who are LDS who assure me this isn’t the case. I haven’t read enough of the Book of Mormon to determine this for sure yet for myself, so I’ll waver on this one. I still think it was wrong of him to do that. It was a FEAR-based tactic, not a FAITH-based one. And that really bothers me. A LOT.)
4) “I’ll send all illegal aliens home”. (Quit pandering just for votes ya suckup.)
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 12:40 AM
If it walks like a RINO, talks like a RINO and acts like a RINO then it really is a RINO.
SimplyKimberly on January 20, 2008 at 12:48 AM
Dang, I was having Hot Air withdrawals for a few minutes there.
baldilocks on January 20, 2008 at 12:48 AM
Kimberly,
It works.
It also sounds like one of those posters with “Ten Pretty Good Rules”.
And I don’t mean that in a bad way!
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 12:50 AM
Everybody must have gone to sleep.
If I don’t see a reply from Hermes by 1 am EST, I’m out, too.
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 12:52 AM
Sleepng, drinking, giving up…if McCain is nominated, that’s just what’ll happen on election day.
JustTruth101 on January 20, 2008 at 12:57 AM
Hey, if Fred only managed to sink the Huckster, well, it was worth all the donations I sent his way.
Am I excited about McCain? Nope. But I’m not excited about Romney either.
I like Rudy, but he’s probably going to lose too. But, at least we won’t have the embarrassment of having Huckabee as the GOP standard-bearer.
funky chicken on January 20, 2008 at 12:59 AM
You’re darn tootin’ that Fred meant to hurt Huckabee.
And you can be damned sure that McCain is next.
Sir Andrew on January 20, 2008 at 1:00 AM
Oh, I don’t see McCain making the Huckster his veep. He’d be much, much more likely to offer the job to Duncan Hunter to try to show he’s not going to push amnesty on us.
I still don’t think McCain will be the nominee. I don’t think Super Tuesday will go well for him.
But if it’s McCain vs Obama or Hillary, I do think it’s an easy choice. We have people at war, and Obama and Hillary would be a very bad idea for them.
funky chicken on January 20, 2008 at 1:02 AM
I do too. His policy papers are priceless and should be adopted by the other Republican candidates. But let’s just see how it shakes out over the next few days before I make another wrong prediction. Ouch!
Tennman on January 20, 2008 at 1:03 AM
“We have people at war, and Obama and Hillary would be a very bad idea for them.”
I can’t disagree with that at all. OK, you’ve somewhat convinced me. If forced to, I’d vote for Maverick IF Huck ain’t on his ticket. (Or in his Cabinet plans.)
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 1:04 AM
Shirotayama it’s not like it’s a glowing endorsement, is it? :-) Oh well.
But yeah, if the Huckster is the veep, er, GO Hillary! i guess…whimper
funky chicken on January 20, 2008 at 1:09 AM
Best I can manage for now, Funky.
Time for this ol’ man to crash 4 the night.
C ya.
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 1:11 AM
I met our corporate CEO at a dinner and the subject of immigration came up. He’s running the company from right outside the Beltway so the whiny predictable position he staked out right away was no surprise to me. He went with the only native Americans are the indians (then he looked at me through his four eyes like he really got me). I said that was nice but the rule of law accounts for more than a nice American sucess story. He said everyone had a right to work. I said again the debate isn’t about someone’s right to work, it’s about the law. If they want to try and immigrate legally, we’ll be there with the welcome wagon.
Then I gave the coup de grace. I said oh by the way, I rejected a nice order because we aren’t selling product to the City of San Diego as they are flat broke from the immigration crisis. They didn’t pass my credit check and in fact their mayor was issuing pleas to vendors to remain confident even though the independent auditors wouldn’t certify the city’s financial statements from 3 years back. That shut him up.
The east coast glass bubble types are going to get us all killed.
pc on January 20, 2008 at 1:12 AM
I’m proud of my Fred donation, too, even if all it did was inspire him in some small way to keep going. It was worth a try to run a real conservative.
Has it occurred to anybody else here that true conservatives are only the majority at HotAir, but not in the “real world” or the voting booth? I’m in MO, a supposedly red state, and of the people I work who I know well enough to know their politics, 60% with are liberal, and of the rest, only maybe 25% are TRUE conservatives. And I work in a law firm, which I would guess would lean more conservative.
I may have to just accept Hillary as our next president. If that happens, and I don’t believe I’m being overly dramatic, we have 3 supremes retire immediately so Hillary can appoint YOUNG uber-liberals who will forever change our country.
I’m in law school, I work at a law firm, and I pay attention. I’m telling you, it’s Supreme Court decisions that shape our society. Look at the impact of no more prayer in schools, Roe v. Wade, the TX sodomy case, Kelo v. New London, and no restricting of internet porn to adults only.
My parents are hippies. They always told me that all they needed was one generation of children to change the country, that’s why they all became teachers, journalists or politicians. Well, people, I think they have their generation. I think they just may win.
JustTruth101 on January 20, 2008 at 1:13 AM
McCain needs to choose a younger, dynamic minority or woman as his runningmate if he gets the nomination. If he runs with another wrinkly old white guy, they will have no way to deflect charges of racism and/or sexism, no matter what they do–the media and opposition will manufacture it if they have to, and it will be all to easy with the appearance of the Republican old-guard white guy power elite Republicans versus the open-minded and inclusive Democrats (the agents of “change”) led by a black or female candidate. The visual impact alone will be devastating if our old white guy doesn’t counter his own old white guyness with someone young and dynamic as his sidekick. Who? Don’t know. But he’d be a fool to pick someone who looks too much like him (i.e. Fred).
aero on January 20, 2008 at 1:13 AM
One last thing before I go:
“The east coast glass bubble types are going to get us all killed.”
PC, you are 1,000,000% ABSOLUTELY RIGHT.
I live and work in the heart of that glass bubble…in one of the buildings RIGHT NEXT to the White House…and yea verily, I can vouch for truth in what you say.
G’night, folks.
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 1:17 AM
aero,
I see what you mean, however in a humorous way who ever the nominee is, they must decide to pick someone that nobody would want to become president as their V.P. . This way guarantees the elected president is free from assassination because nobody would want V.P.___________ to become the big cheese. It worked for Bush Senior, it worked for Clinton (so well that AlGore wasn’t even elected!), and it worked for GWB.
Weebork on January 20, 2008 at 1:20 AM
There is no question that Fred has helped John McCain. If not for Fred, John McCain would have looked like the oldest guy at every debate. Standing next to Fred, John was able to look youthful and energetic. Even if McCain is “Bob Dole the Sequel”, Fred had all the right answers to the questions – he just didn’t have the enthusiasm.
I initially donated to Fred’s campaign, but at this point I hope he drops out so Romney can land a knockout punch in Florida. When this thing started there were only four candidates who I saw as viable conservatives – Fred, Hunter, Tancredo, Romney. There are two conservatives left now, but only one of them is viable.
If John McCain wins the nomination, I will be doing the same thing a lot of the people on this board have said they will do and stay home.
joncoltonis on January 20, 2008 at 1:21 AM
It’s a shame that Fred and the republican establishment are trying to guarantee a Hildebeast presidency.
Don’t worry…tomorrow’s another day.
Huck will take georgia and florida and get the nomination!
The conservative movement is salvagable(despite Fred Thompson’s best efforts to kill it).
HaraldHardrada on January 20, 2008 at 1:21 AM
‘night Shiro. The only thing I have to say about that is those east cost glass bubble types can’t help who they are…if you let a scorpion ride your back across the river, you d*mn well know it’s going to sting you…it is the politicians who wh*re themselves out to the east coast bubble types in return for campaign contributions, they are where the real fault lies.
JustTruth101 on January 20, 2008 at 1:21 AM
Yes, I have come to that realization over the course of this primary season so far. I’m realizing that, though we conservatives haven’t left the Republican Party, the party is slowly but surely leaving us. Both parties are shifting leftward, so Republicans are still to the right of Democrats, who are nearing outright socialism in their policies. But Republicans are not all that conservative anymore in my opinion.
As I said in a comment in the headlines earlier, I think we conservatives are the “RINOs” now. We’re the minority, the spoilers, the oddballs in the party. We’re only calling ourselves Republicans because there’s nowhere else for us to go. We’re the Republicans in Name Only because the Republicans are shifting too far to the left for many of us to follow. But there’s nowhere else for us to go, so we keep calling ourselves Republican rather than admit that we’re virtually homeless in the political world.
aero on January 20, 2008 at 1:22 AM
I have the sudden urge to visit http://www.darwinawards.com
I recommend it. It can be uplifting because some people are really, truly that stupid.
Weebork on January 20, 2008 at 1:27 AM
The clincher for me in realizing that the Republican Party has shifted enough to leave us conservatives in the clear minority was when people who self-identified as “conservative” voters overwhelmingly went for McCain and Huckabee over Romney and Thompson. These people can’t possibly be very conservative based on the candidates they chose, but somehow they think they are. As Inigo Montoya would say, “They keep saying this word conservative. I do not think it means what they think it means.”
aero on January 20, 2008 at 1:31 AM
I still like you Tennman :)
Entelechy on January 20, 2008 at 1:37 AM
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 12:40 AM
You forgot
(5 I’m not going to go negative. Lets just watch this negative ad I made that I am not going to air.
Gianni on January 20, 2008 at 1:46 AM
Hangs head in shame, blushes and apologizes to beautiful Percival for not reading carefully. Totally missed the triangulation line, but liked the overall analysis.
You, Sir, know how to sharply cut through stupidity, and I laud and admire you for it. No, my heart doesn’t belong to Fred. The Lord created men, not only to be peacocks, but also to be loved. If you have it in you to forgive a small transgression in logic, I will not walk away from you, the next time you do/say something goofy.
Entelechy on January 20, 2008 at 1:59 AM
I’m not going to say anything else. The unprincipled and noncommittal bloggers will get what they want – 4 more years of vying for weblog awards. If you stand for nothing, you pretty much are nothing. Enjoy 4-8 years of destructive socialism.
Connie on January 20, 2008 at 2:25 AM
It almost seems like some of you were up until now unaware that true conservatism (you know what I mean) is a minority position. I’ve been aware of that for a long time, which makes times like now less depressing– I’m USED to electoral disappointment. You’ll cope eventually.
Security Mom on January 20, 2008 at 2:41 AM
You keep taking shots at Fredheads, but you keep missing the target. Fred supporters didn’t confuse Fred with conservatism itself. They simply looked at the above, and — correctly — saw that most of the above were not conservatives. They never said that Hunter or Tancredo were not conservatives.
Giuliani: national defense conservative, possibly fiscal conservative, but by no one’s definition a social conservative
McCain: conservative on the surface, but too many transgressions against conservative values to be forgiven. Including apparently undercutting the current president in his efforts to appoint good judges and aggressively prosecute the war on terror.
Huckabee: Looks like a conservative, talks like a conservative, but when you get to the details, would not govern like a fiscal conservative, and too squishy to be a national defense conservative. Only cuts the mustard as a social conservative
Paul: Keeps saying he’s a conservative, but really more of a libertarian, and strangely enough has hordes of liberal followers hoping he’ll undo “American imperialism.”
Romney: Runs as a conservative but only since he decided to run for president. So how conservative is he, really?
The reason Fredheads didn’t call those candidates conservative, is because they weren’t. Which explains why Fredheads never accused Hunter or Tancredo of not being conservative.
theregoestheneighborhood on January 20, 2008 at 2:42 AM
Dude, there is a simple truth about simple BKennedy: He does not accept logic other than his own. He claims Fredheads think Fred is the only conservative running. When they point out they like Tancredo and Hunter, he accuses them of not liking anyone in the lead, as if that’s some sort of silly thing not to like a candidate just because of the reasons you listed. Once you list those reasons, he accuses you of attacking every candidate except Fred.
Go back to start, try again. He’s a loon.
MadisonConservative on January 20, 2008 at 2:47 AM
Entelechy on January 20, 2008 at 2:55 AM
Actually, I didn’t take that as a knock on Fred’s age. I thought Huck was implying that Fred was “full of sh!t”.
Big S on January 20, 2008 at 2:58 AM
Nope. There’s nothing wrong with being a Romney-only guy. I’m a Fred-only guy. However, I don’t endlessly put words in the mouths of Romney-only people and spout hyperbole that smears the entire field of support for Romney. He does. He’s essentially a Romulan. In other words, “shut up about questioning my guy, and vote for him!”
MadisonConservative on January 20, 2008 at 3:00 AM
MadisonC, I’ve seen it too, but it doesn’t bother me. They are feeling a lot of pain too, it’s obvious.
I’m more pained by the state of the entire field, and not at all hopeful. I don’t like Huckabee, nor McCain, and don’t see Romney rising to lead the splintered groups in one direction either. And there is no one else left.
MB4 listed desperately today:
- Hillary
- McCain
- Bloomberg
What to do?
Entelechy on January 20, 2008 at 3:13 AM
Get drunk, get laid, or get citizenship for Switzerland.
MadisonConservative on January 20, 2008 at 3:15 AM
There was a dream.
Entelechy on January 20, 2008 at 3:24 AM
Gentlemanly transgression…excused by depressing day…there is one viable option, out of three, in there…and we’ll leave it at that and still be friends.
Entelechy on January 20, 2008 at 3:48 AM
My apologies. I didn’t know bluntness would offend.
MadisonConservative on January 20, 2008 at 3:51 AM
No apologies needed, as there was no offence. Still love you just the same. Now, rest well, you earned it.
Entelechy on January 20, 2008 at 4:06 AM
And you as well. Sweet dreams.
MadisonConservative on January 20, 2008 at 4:10 AM
I kept reading and reading … waiting for your mention of Hunter … and then you did mention him!
I was a Hunter delegate for 6 proud hours – until he withdrew. I openly declared for Hunter, Thompson, and Romney, in that order. Then I will stay home. I will not be a party to national dismemberment by shamnesty.
fred5678 on January 20, 2008 at 4:42 AM
Time to ignore the estrogen receptors in your brain and listen to the rational part, hon. Fred’s done. He can’t win. The only legitimate reason for him to stay in is to draw votes from other candidates.
I don’t like it any more than you do, but reality is a cruel beyotch.
Hollowpoint on January 20, 2008 at 5:47 AM
Fixed that for you, idiot. No charge, though a thanks would be nice…
Hollowpoint on January 20, 2008 at 5:49 AM
As always, you have the right stuff, Ms. E.
Tennman on January 20, 2008 at 5:49 AM
A couple of thoughts to ponder.
One, in my opinion, whoever wins the nomination will either pick Hunter as the VP choice or a party conservative. None of the other top tier candidates looks to be willing to accept 2nd billing.
Two, to all my fellow HA commentators who are making dire declarations of doom and gloom and not casting their votes, I say phooey! You can’t play the game if you’re not in it. Nobody exhibits this much passion for the election cycle at this point without needing to stay in the game. Passion is terrific, but reality eventually awakens us to inevitability.
Three, I don’t see FDT dropping out before Super Tuesday. If we have no clear winner, a brokered convention is very, very possible. Anyone who drops out before the convention will risk not being acceptable as a viable candidate. We have no frontrunner now, and we may not have one after Super Tuesday. This ain’t over, baby!
Tennman on January 20, 2008 at 6:04 AM
McCain is fine by me. No he’s not perfect but Reagan isnt running here people. Who am I supposed to cheer for if not McCain? Huck? Romney? Dont tell me Fred, who is about to drop out if he hasnt officially already.
Dash on January 20, 2008 at 7:26 AM
Oh, how could I have possibly forgotten? Thanks, Gianni!
Feel free to add any more Huck-ups you can think of.
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 7:30 AM
OOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhh……Security Mom.
OW. Now THAT’S what I’d call regressing.
Twenty-Eight YEARS of regression.
For you youngsters out there, this can mean ONLY one thing:
She’s been traumatized back into PRE-REAGAN mode.
She’s in TIME-WARP.
I haven’t seen this behaviorial pattern since 1980.
Aw, hell. If it gets contagious, we’re sunk.
Bend over, kiss your a** good-bye level sunk.
(Sigh)
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 7:36 AM
As far as I am concerned that is a perfect reason for him to stay in right now. Did Fred protect us from a Huck win in SC? I don’t know, but if he did, it was worth it!
conservnut on January 20, 2008 at 7:38 AM
Big S,
Hmmmm….hadn’t thought about it that way. You may be right.
I wuz thinkin’ “Metamucil” ‘cuz we geezers get stopped up more often.
Nonetheless, it’s nasty name-calling.
Still not something I’d expect (or condone) in a person who publicly sells themselves as a disciple of Christ.
It’s just more Huck-pocrisy to me.
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 7:39 AM
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 7:39 AM
Big S is on the money.
jerrytbg on January 20, 2008 at 8:07 AM
I don’t know if aero is around this morning, but I’ve been reading this thread and I wanted to agree with what he(?) said about picking the right VP. If you’re going for a minority, the first person I thought of was Mike Steele, from MD. He failed in his Senate bid last cycle, but he’s someone I’d like to see in Washington.
Off topic, I can’t believe it’s snowing in Virginia Beach! Something is going to happen today, I wonder what…
the goddess anna on January 20, 2008 at 8:12 AM
My computer went kaflooey last nite so I couldn’t post. Just want to be on the record with this:
I’m very sorry to hear the news about Fred’s mother and send my sincerest best wishes their way.
***************
I’d still vote for McCain over Hillary. As much as Huck is auditioning for the role of Veep, I don’t think McCain would choose him, because he would lose all the Independents and Democrats he depends on for support.
As for why Huckabee is not the embodiment of Christian goodness that he pretends to be – here’s a huge reason to loathe him.
To watch him stand on that stage last night during his concession speech and give a snake oil sermon about honorable campaigning was positively sickening.
UPDATE:
Wow. I’m watching McCain talking to the media in S.C. and he is literally out of breath. Not good.
Buy Danish on January 20, 2008 at 9:09 AM
Danish,
Yep. Just one more reason to hate that hypocritical lyin’ SOB.
What amazes me about this campaign season is the sheer degree to which people allow themselves to be duped, to have wool pulled right over their eyes.
Not just a lot of Evangelicals fallen for Huck’s spell.
The Paulnuts fallen for Ronpaulstiltskin (That’s practically a CULT given what I see in their reactions.)
Even on the lib side.
Vietnam war era hippies and lots of women…TOO many women…fallen for Hildebeest JUST to elect a woman. Doesn’t seem to matter that she’s a trustworthy and/or deeply experienced woman.
Lots of people swooning over Hussein just ‘coz he talks about “hope” and tries to spin a positive message without a lot of substance.
I guess the libs have finally won in destroying American society. Over nearly 40 years, they’ve gotten the NEA to dumb us all down to the point where we’ll believe ANYTHING when we hear it or even see it, without probing to determine whether it’s consistent or sincere. They see a quick clip on TV, hear a fast sound bite, and believe what they’ve been told to think without probing for the facts.
Not everyone. Lots of people here, obviously.
But so many, it’s frightening.
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 9:31 AM
“I’m watching McCain talking to the media in S.C. and he is literally out of breath. Not good.”
Sh**, I’m only 47 and I couldn’t handle a campaign schedule like that. At 71???? I’m surprised the guy was even awake enough to give a victory speech like that last night.
Makes ya wonder how long he can keep this up. Presidential campaign seasons turn young men into old men. At his age?
(shudder)
Shirotayama on January 20, 2008 at 9:33 AM
So… after yesterday our choices are:
McCain – Open borders, limit free speech, gang of 14
Romney – I’m into whatever you’re into
Huckabee – A Democrat with a gun and a Bible
Grrr! Oddly enough I think any of them will win in November because the Dhimmicrat candidates are even worse. At least we get to pick which big government liberal will run the country.
Mojave Mark on January 20, 2008 at 10:07 AM
I don’t get how so many think Thompson is such a conservative when he voted with mccain on so much stuff, including mccain/feingold, and voted against impeaching bubba. The guy is an ACTOR, folks. Do some research.
peacenprosperity on January 20, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Truer words have never been typed. I haven’t seen this commenter before, but he has definitely raised the I.Q. here.
Hang in there, Fred! “Help us Obi-Wan, you’re our only hope.”
Texas Nick 77 on January 20, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Well I voted for Fred yesterday and it would be ACDIH and never in November before I’d vote for Huck.
tmitsss on January 20, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Welcome to HA. You are a nice balance to our resident attorney, tommylotto. Nice to hear from an intelligent lawyer for a change.
Texas Nick 77 on January 20, 2008 at 10:45 AM
I’m going to party like it’s 1996, sans the Contract With America Congress.
Kid from Brooklyn on January 20, 2008 at 11:01 AM
think of the coverage the GOP in general would get if it goes to convention..
i know the libs would say we’re not able to make our mind up, but the media, the attention, this could be something we haven’t seen in forever, and people would learn while watching.. watching GOP candidates, the convention would be the most watched political event EVER…
just thinking out loud really, heh
stlpatriot on January 20, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Sorry to say, but those have always been your only choices.
csdeven on January 20, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Yep, that is what I was saying.
Thanks Big E for pointing out NemoParticularis’s post.
TheSitRep on January 20, 2008 at 11:24 AM
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