McCain reaching out to talk radio? Update: No booing, warns CPAC
posted at 10:45 am on February 7, 2008 by Allahpundit
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If winning over CPAC is a lost cause, wait until he tries Limbaugh. The making of a conservative:
The effort to win over, or at least blunt the opposition, of talk-radio hosts and other movement figures who resent McCain’s maverick style and past departures from conservative orthodoxy involves both high-level surrogates and the candidate himself.
Its targets include the most influential talk-radio voice, Rush Limbaugh, who has been contacted in recent days by a McCain emissary, according to Republican sources.
The McCain campaign is also wooing Sean Hannity. At least two top McCain supporters, including Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), made the pitch to Hannity, who has a radio show in addition to co-hosting his nightly Fox News television program.
The point man on outreach is a guy known among the right wing as “Grahamnesty”? Does McCain understand conservatives at all? He used to be one of us; it shouldn’t be that hard to project backward.
Supposedly he’s got a bunch of cred-earning endorsements lined up, including Frist, George Allen, Haley Barbour, and Ken Mehlman. Good luck, Maverick:
[Phil] Gramm last week told members attending a retreat of the House Republican Study Committee — influential among congressional conservatives — that McCain is far more their ally than their opponent.
But one lawmaker in attendance, who recounted the scene on condition of anonymity, said that when “someone asked for a show of hands of those other than his Arizona colleagues who are backing McCain, of the 20 or so in the room, only one did.”
Exit question: Will CPAC disgrace itself like these little rats did by booing an American hero whose politics they disagree with? The boss, perhaps fearing a fiasco, pleads for calm.
Update: CPAC organizers are pleading too.
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Maybe. If they do, it will probably only alienate the moderate wing of the party.
bnelson44 on February 7, 2008 at 10:47 AM
If George Allen endorses McShamnesty, I’ll lose all respect for him and never vote for him for public office. I thought the guy was a conservative, for heaven’s sake.
Darksean on February 7, 2008 at 10:48 AM
AP, how on earth do you remember posts you wrote years ago?
amkun on February 7, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Heartily agree.
RushBaby on February 7, 2008 at 10:53 AM
The boss’s suggestion of dead silence would be much better and much more effective than booing. I hope they listen to her.
thirteen28 on February 7, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Isn’t pleading for calm for his speech today about the same thing as McShamnesty telling all us petulant conservatives to just “calm down”?
Darksean on February 7, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Rush will accept the outreach as soon as McCain renounces his Leftist positions, and Rush will do what’s best for the advancement of conservative principles, as he always does. This is a crucial time for McCain to show us that he can have a cool head, can admit mistakes, and can look rationally at problems. This window won’t be open very long.
Halley on February 7, 2008 at 11:00 AM
I don’t see what McCain the American Hero has to do with McCain the Political Agent. CPAC isn’t the American Hero Convention, it’s a political and ideological space. Being a political event, if he gets booed for his politics it will be richly deserved.
I don’t see how anyone can trot out “War Hero” as a shield in this situation.
Lehosh on February 7, 2008 at 11:01 AM
I say BOOOO away. Might as well exercise what little we have left of the FIRST AMENDMENT -Thank you John McCain !
stenwin77 on February 7, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Why not just in silence? Or politely hear him out and then campaign against him? A little respect isn’t out of order.
Allahpundit on February 7, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Imagine that McCain wins the favor of these guys and other high-profile conservative Republicans. Do they all become RINOs too for backing him?
Big S on February 7, 2008 at 11:02 AM
What’s the point of these endorsments, NOW? He’s now the frontrunner and the establishment is lining up…but, if he was really their guy, wouldn’t they have endorsed him months ago?
I don’t know about the others, but I know George Allen was a Fredhead.
CP on February 7, 2008 at 11:03 AM
And there you have it. That is how it’s going to be framed. It’s not that we have a problem with McCain over substantive issues, rather it’s his
we don’t like. Another “through-the-looking-glass” moment. If that is the case, then we conservatives should look for him to “reach out” to us based on style rather than substance as well. That’s comforting.
Weight of Glory on February 7, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Some will boo. They won’t be able to help it. Stony silence would be more effective, but there’s just too much anger amongst conservatives, I think, for them all to remain calm when Mac starts lying to their faces about his supposed conservative beliefs. It’s not like Michelle can hand out instructions to the crowd to get them to see the wisdom of the silent treatment. I expect booing.
aero on February 7, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Heh. that block qoute “style” should be an emphasis “style.”
Weight of Glory on February 7, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Frist was a Fredhead, too. He was instrumental in talking Fred into running, in fact.
They’re just jumping on the winner’s bandwagon, now, so they don’t get left behind.
aero on February 7, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Does McCain honestly think that by sending a supporter to talk radio that they will suddenly publicly recuse themselves from their former opinion? He’s done his darndest to push himself toward the middle-left since 2000 and then acts surprised that conservative talk radio rejects him… The guy is clueless.
My opinion of McCain has changed not so much because he supported shamnesty or McCain-Feingold, but because of his total lack of accountability to the public and his party. We overwhelmingly opposed both actions and he just thumbs his nose at us, then acts surprised when we don’t vote for him.
This ignorant overture toward talk radio without changing any of his policies or booting any of his controversial campaign staff is beyond futile.
Luckedout on February 7, 2008 at 11:06 AM
No. We’ll get plenty of time to pick apart every word he says after he speaks. Meanwhile, we’re representing ourselves in the context of challenging a candidate for the President of the United States. Let’s be statesmanlike, and give him his say without being like a bunch of unhinged students!
RushBaby on February 7, 2008 at 11:06 AM
I wonder if McCain backers will show up and boo him to make his true conservative critics look bad. It would be a masterful stroke of political theater.
Big S on February 7, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Oh, please. He has Lieberman’s endorsement too, even though Liebs goes out of his way to say that he and McCain don’t agree on everything. These guys are all either friends with him or know that he’s going to be the nominee and want to get on the right side, or both.
Allahpundit on February 7, 2008 at 11:06 AM
I’m not saying there aren’t more effective – or of course, more polite and civil – alternatives.
I’m just saying that it dances close to “Absolute Moral Authority” to modify your political behavior because of the apolitical identity of someone else. I don’t think McCain’s heroism is germane to any discussion of his politics.
Lehosh on February 7, 2008 at 11:08 AM
The War Hero get out of jail free card has gotten old and tired. Typical liberal tactic and many are falling for it.
TOPV on February 7, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Why am I supposed to believe the protestations of the prodigal son over the convert?
The convert was admitting his mistakes and promising the right things from the beginning of his campaign. The prodigal son is only saying the right things and may admit mistakes now that he thinks he has the nomination.
Which one is really being sincere?
Sebastian on February 7, 2008 at 11:10 AM
People are not booing a war hero. They are booing a political anti-hero.
Tim Pancoast on February 7, 2008 at 11:10 AM
If this goes to a brokered convention because you guys keep campaigning against McCain, you will probably end up with Huckabee as the VP. You really want that?
bnelson44 on February 7, 2008 at 11:11 AM
YES. It’s like political cooties.
Slublog on February 7, 2008 at 11:11 AM
You don’t have to fall in love…?
I think many have shown a willingness to support McCain in the general. Still, communicating our displeasure with his past statements is hardly campaigning against him.
Slublog on February 7, 2008 at 11:12 AM
George Allen lost respect in VA (where I live)when he fell for the drummed up “Macaca” scandal as opposed to just telling them all to “get over it” and moving on. He reminded me of those who back down when the Jesse and Al race hustlers come with a grievance complaint. Not exactly leadership material there (Allen that is), so his support of McCain would mean nothing.
TOPV on February 7, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Sometimes I feel as though that’s how it works, unfortunately. Traitors to the Cause, and all that.
Big S on February 7, 2008 at 11:15 AM
When you have the choice between a Democrat and a Democrat, the Democrat will win. I am going with the Democrat.
I find it amazing that government can change the heavens, if we give them enough tax dollars for CO2 abatement, but can’t enforce the border. Tells you a lot about what government can really do, and taxes they do best.
If John McCain wants to know what his real November problem is, just look at this statistic on primary turnout — Democrats for their top three candidates 25 million, Republicans for their top 6 candidates, 12 million. And that is why the Democrat will win.
Silence is golden ….
tarpon on February 7, 2008 at 11:15 AM
I read this article earlier and have been mulling it over. The part that caught my attention was this:
In other words, to hell with your concerns. You’ll take what crumbs you get and you’ll like it.
“You don’t have to fall in love…” indeed.
Jimmie on February 7, 2008 at 11:16 AM
No, just opportunistic politicians.
Jimmie on February 7, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Why not? Then when they both lose in the general, we don’t have to hear from either of them in 2012. Two birds, one stone.
Sebastian on February 7, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Perhaps, but that’s because they think they can get some of their agenda through with McCain as President. You know, by working with him rather than stomping off in a huff. There’s certainly an argument for conservative voters to do the same.
Big S on February 7, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Circle, circle, dot, dot…
Weight of Glory on February 7, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Oh, let’s see:
1) Because the Dems will surrendor in the WOT
2) Because the old liberal justices will retire and be replaced by young liberal justices and we will have to live with them for 20 years
3) Because if you think McCain is soft on immigration, you haven’t seen the Dems in action
bnelson44 on February 7, 2008 at 11:21 AM
The bandwagon’s heading for the cliff, hurry and jump on before it goes over!
One (synchronized) single clap from the CPAC members would be sufficient.
And chilling.
Since McCain has been like the Clap to the Party.
With McCain-Kennedy.
McCain-Feingold.
And McCain-Lieberman.
He’ll have to sign a pledge- in his own blood- to renounce them, and all future ideas like them, before any forgiveness for his backstabbing ways should ever be entertained in the slightest.
The McCain Who Cried Amnesty.
profitsbeard on February 7, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Is it possible to boo the Senator, Not the Military Man?
EJDolbow on February 7, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Oh right. Like the respect he’s shown us. Especially during shamnesty- nativists and bigots was it??!
Ex-tex on February 7, 2008 at 11:24 AM
McCain is the only candidate in either party with a favorable personal rating by Republicans, Democrats, independents and evangelical voters. He will be formidable [in the Fall].
bnelson44 on February 7, 2008 at 11:26 AM
I say boo the hell out of him, stupid Maveprick. I’ve decided to play “maverick” myself and “reach across the aisle” and vote for Obama rather than have McLiar think he has my support.
Here’s my “timetable” for voting for Maveprick: Never.
EyeSurgeon on February 7, 2008 at 11:26 AM
So when this is over and McCain loses the general will the conservative pundits and bloggers who told us to
eat sh*t and die, oops, hold our noses and vote for McShamnesty become irrelevant and a NEW crop of truly CONSERVATIVE PUNDITS and BLOGGERS rise up to take their place??!Ex-tex on February 7, 2008 at 11:28 AM
McCain once again insults our intelligence. He is always there when HE NEEDS US. But of course when Conservatives are fighting for HUGE ISSUES, he is either AWOL or OPPOSING US.
I think he should be booed, especially if he uses Ronald Reagan in a cheap attempt to curry favor. It won’t do to claim you are a conservative and always have been, he needs to admit that he HAS NOT BEEN in the past and admit his numerous screw ups. Instead it appears he will gloss over that and try to say he has been with us all along.
I hope Mitt fights on, why should we make it easy for the RINO brigade to take over? He will lose the general anyway so we should fight him tooth and nail. The country survived 8 years of Clinton, we can deal with another 4 of Hillary as she won’t get much done anyway.
echosyst on February 7, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Why don’t the comments on here work worth a damn?
echosyst on February 7, 2008 at 11:29 AM
McCain once again insults our intelligence. He is always there when HE NEEDS US. But of course when Conservatives are fighting for HUGE ISSUES, he is either AWOL or OPPOSING US.
I think he should be booed, especially if he uses Ronald Reagan in a cheap attempt to curry favor. It won’t do to claim you are a conservative and always have been, he needs to admit that he HAS NOT BEEN in the past and admit his numerous screw ups. Instead it appears he will gloss over that and try to say he has been with us all along.
I hope Mitt fights on, why should we make it easy for the RINO brigade to take over? He will lose the general anyway so we should fight him tooth and nail. The country survived 8 years of Clinton, we can deal with another 4 of Hillary as she won’t get much done anyway.
echosyst on February 7, 2008 at 11:30 AM
McCain sends over statement to Federalist Society on judges
bnelson44 on February 7, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Let me start by pointing out that my suggestion this morning was that McCain’s speech be met with dead silence instead of booing. To do the former makes it clear that McCain’s lies aren’t believed but that he had a chance to convice conservatives that his candidacy isn’t the trainwreck that it is. To do the latter only allows the McCain “character assassination team” depict conservatives as unhinged angry nutjobs.
That being said, comparing McCain’s military service to his ultra-liberal politics is apples and oranges and I’m tired of shills for McCain linking the two as if there were a relevant connection. Are you honestly suggesting that nobody should ever disagree in public with John McCain because he was a POW? Are you honestly suggesting that several years in captivity means that we can never speak harshly in McCain’s presence lest he be offended? That’s hardly the way McCain has treated conservatives all this time! Put another way, how dare you question my patriotism or respect for John McCain’s military service just because I won’t shut up and get behind the snow job that is being perpetrated this week!
In certain cases, it is perfectly acceptable to show public disagreement with the politics of a man who 40 years did something honorable and admirable. His POW status doesn’t negate the fact that last year he was calling me a racist because I didn’t buy into his amnesty plan and his surrogate Graham was telling me to “shut up” over the same plan.
highhopes on February 7, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Is there? I’ve yet to see even the most ardent McCain supporter make it. Indeed, his record over the past decade is that conservatives are specifically not the folks with whom he makes deals.
But if you can make the case, go for it.
Jimmie on February 7, 2008 at 11:32 AM
What makes you think McCapitulate, McReachtotheothersideoftheaisle will appoint conservative judges?
What’s the difference? Seriously.
Darksean on February 7, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Conservative Sense & Sensibility
The Right’s choices right now.
By William J. Bennett & Seth Leibsohn
bnelson44 on February 7, 2008 at 11:33 AM
BOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
What the hell is CPAC gonna do if you boo, revoke your membership? C’mon, gang, MAN UP! This is IMPORTANT!
OK, fine, don’t boo. Just hold up your middle finger throughout his speech.
Spanglemaker on February 7, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Yeah, it’s about time we start listening the WaPo… Obama 08′
TOPV on February 7, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Years ago when I taught school, during one grading period many of my students in one of the classes had earned some terrible grades. When I walked into class after they’d received their report cards no one booed me, but it was like walking into a snake pit. They were so angry the tension absolutely bristled in the room. I kind of imagine that CPAC is going to be like that, whether anyone boos McCain or not. He has done too many things that are entirely opposed to conservative ideas. Not only that, but as many have noted, he has arrogantly as he has done so.
There are many things we could all list, among them McCain-Kennedy.
The worst of all, IMO was McCain-Feingold. It was a bridge too far, not just for conservatives, but for all Americans.
INC on February 7, 2008 at 11:34 AM
You know how the Dems managed to bottle up stuff like Social Security reform, a couple dozen judicial nominations, meaningful earmark reform, and a few other things?
Well, what, exactly, prevents the Republicans from doing the very same thing for two years until they can use the leftist policies being advanced by the Demcoratic President in the 2010 election to build another majority?
It seems that a lot of folks forget that the President isn’t the King.
Jimmie on February 7, 2008 at 11:34 AM
If they will not let the people BOO, I hope the audience will get together and decide to be completely SILENT while McCain speaks.
Better yet, they could all have duct tape on their mouth.
EJDolbow on February 7, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Sounds like they get they are getting a little desperate but not getting the message.
Obama ‘08
TOPV on February 7, 2008 at 11:36 AM
They’re too busy cheering for “four more years” of lawbreaking, wars and amnesty in the form of the current administration. They’re not going to boo the man who is as close as it gets to “four more years” of Bush/Cheney.
Mark Jaquith on February 7, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Because he promises to. And he gave his solemn pinky-swear, too. So, you know, money in the bank.
Jimmie on February 7, 2008 at 11:36 AM
If he does use Reagan, that will just worsen the situation. He won’t be speaking to people who are unaware of politics. He’s going to be talking to those who are knowledgeable regarding everything he has done.
INC on February 7, 2008 at 11:37 AM
truth to power ??
redrock on February 7, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Immigration is a very low priority for Hillary. If she is elected, and she is likely to be the Democratic nominee, she will probably not get around to doing anything about it at all.
bnelson44 on February 7, 2008 at 11:39 AM
McCain has a pretty long and pretty good conservative record on the majority of issues, but activists are caught up on a few that he has sought compromise on. The fact is that he is a conservative who is willing to cut deals with liberals in some cases. You don’t have to like that, and can vote for whoever you want in the primary or general election. However, to pretend that he is no more conservative than Hillary or Obama is, frankly, idiotic. He’s someone who conservatives can work with. If McCain’s the nominee, the best course of action for conservative voter who want to see their favored policies enacted over the next four years is to campaign hard for very conservative House and Senate candidates, and (reluctantly) pull the lever for McCain in November.
Big S on February 7, 2008 at 11:41 AM
That’s kind of an argument in her favor, actually. I don’t plan to vote for her, but I’d rather do nothing for now than put McCain in the bully pulpit where he can push the second coming of amnesty.
Slublog on February 7, 2008 at 11:41 AM
I hope you will hear today that he will make securing the border a first priority.
bnelson44 on February 7, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Ah, no. She’ll be drool-giddy at the prospect of ensuring 20 million new Cankle voters. Amnesty would happen next year until Shrillery (and under McCain as well, by the way).
That’s scary logic.
Darksean on February 7, 2008 at 11:43 AM
If I do, I will continue not to believe him.
Slublog on February 7, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Because MexicCain is just oozing respect for us conservatives, right?
HYTEAndy on February 7, 2008 at 11:44 AM
As bad as the status quo is, it’s better than what McCain was trying to pass last summer.
Slublog on February 7, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Where in the world are people getting the idea that Hillary or Obama would not get anything done. They’re likely to have significant majorities in both houses in congress. They may not have to do much besides putting pen to paper in a signing ceremony.
Big S on February 7, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Here’s the thing you don’t mention. After he ’secures the borders’ he’s still going to enact amnesty. He’s said as much as recently as last week. He just doesn’t come out and say it on his own.
So, what good is a border when the invaders are already in the country?
More McShamnesty spin, deplorable.
Darksean on February 7, 2008 at 11:45 AM
This comment from over at Politico says it all…
HYTEAndy on February 7, 2008 at 11:46 AM
What, booing is out of bounds now? Or is it we can only boo people who did not serve in the military? So we can only voice our displeasure by looking grim?
Clark1 on February 7, 2008 at 11:46 AM
One thing hit me, don’t you think it is truly revealing that CPAC has to actually plead that people don’t boo the guy who is the Republican frontrunner.
The fact that they even need to do this says it all about McCain.
INC on February 7, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Ah, no. Wait until the Democrats control both Congress and the White House. You’ll be pleading to have McCain-Kennedy, and it’d half-hearted enforcement provisions back when a no-strings-attached amnesty is on its way through Congress.
Big S on February 7, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Booing might seem petty, but it’s Freedom of Speech…something the Senator seems to have little respect for.
There is a reason many Conservatives won’t be voting for McCain in the General Election. And it’s not just because of who he is and what liberal positions he supports.
It’s the Bush fatigue from all the big government programs that have been pushed through by a Republican. It’s the conversion of people like Schwarzenegger into big government, global warming buffoons. It’s majority in Congress that was obtained through a Contract with America and lost through ‘compassionate conservatism’.
This isn’t just about McCain…this has been coming for a long time.
Asher on February 7, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Hey, so would McCain then!
Darksean on February 7, 2008 at 11:48 AM
T plan to vote for McCain, but I’m well-aware we’re going to have to push him to the right on this and other issues.
As much as that’s possible.
Slublog on February 7, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Big S, that’s a nice article, but it assumes something that shuold not be assumed. The authors assume that there is no Republican Congress to oppose her. That’s a bad assumption and one we made when we elected President Bush.
The truth of the matter is that she will get far less through Congress than the McCain supporters believe because it will be much easier for conservatives there to rally opposition to Hillary Clinton than the dear friends of John McCain in the Senate. Remember that McCain has worked with some of these folks for his entire 24-year career. You truly don’t expect him to make backroom deals with them from the White House like he did in the Senate? You don’t expect that his Gang of 14 friends will back his play, no matter what play it is?
Who do you think Lindsey Graham or Olympia Snowe is more likely to vote against: John McCain or Hillary Clinton?
Jimmie on February 7, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Um…”I” plan to vote for McCain, not “T.”
Slublog on February 7, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Actually it’s conservative logic.
Remember when one of the first principles of conservatism used to be “Don’t do anything”? It’s amazing how many so-called crises simply evaporate into nothingness if you just don’t do anything for a few months.
Jimmie on February 7, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Respect is something you earn by your words, deeds and actions.
I respect McCain for his military service. I disrespect McShamnesty for being a self-loathing, hypocritical, lying little man with no core values other than wanting to be liked by my enemies. Booing would be inappropriate, not clapping would be fitting.
David in ATL on February 7, 2008 at 11:54 AM
John McCain is a war hero. I live near a navy base and have met one of the retired navy fliers who was a POW with John McCain. McCain’s five years in captivity are a tribute to the man’s courage and integrity. His arm was broken in several places and he was denied medical treatment. Because of his famous grandfather and father, the NorthVietNamese told McCain that he could sign a statement and get out of hell. McCain never considered it for a minute. There were quaint notions like duty, honor and country that John McCain thought were important. Those people who will not applaud John McCain as a man and as a war hero should go to Berkeley, Ca. and protest the marine office there.
Larraby on February 7, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Your skepticism is very warranted, but according to McCain’s aides, he was shocked (shocked!) that there was such a backlash against the shamnesty bill amongst conservatives. Even if that suggests that he’s out of touch with conservative thought, I don’t think he’s so stupid as to further inflame passions by trying to push another McCain-Kennedy without throwing us a bone in the form of border security first. Would it be meaty enough? Probably not.
Hollowpoint on February 7, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I suppose that would include not doing anything about Iranian nuclear weapons development, the rise of Chavez as a Western Hemisphere menace, Russia throwing its weight around in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and a whole host of other issues. Perhaps they’ss just “evaporate into nothingness” as well. One can only hope. With your logic, I can see how Hillary and Obama might be just as conservative as McCain.
Big S on February 7, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Larraby, when we elect a National War Hero, John McCain can have my vote. But we’re voting for a Presidential candidate. That’s a different thing.
Jimmie on February 7, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Spare me. It’s not McCain the man we have a problem with, it’s McCain the Senator that’s disappointed us time and again. His honorable service 30+ years ago does not give him a pass on all things political.
Hollowpoint on February 7, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Another difference between McCain and the Dems:
Pro-life, pro-McCain
bnelson44 on February 7, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Nonsense on stilts. There’s a Grand Canyon of difference between principled opposition and pure moonbattery, and it’s ridiculous to equate the two.
Slublog on February 7, 2008 at 11:57 AM
bnelson44,
That letter McCain wrote to the Federalist Society is very interesting. In your honest opinion, why does he seem to have an understanding of Federalism, as applied to the Supreme Court, but lacks that same understanding as it relates to the legislative branch? It’s this part of his letter I’m referring to:
I would love to vote for a McCain who had a legislative record that reflected that same kind of commitment to a limited Federal govt. and an empowering of state and local govt. at a legislative level.
Weight of Glory on February 7, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Does that mean Graham and McCain will publicly apologize for accusing 80% of Americans of bigotry and renounce their close ties to La Raza and their minions?
Speakup on February 7, 2008 at 11:58 AM
1) The WOT isn’t going to be won or lost in the next 4 or 8 years. If there is another attack on the US, even the Dems would have to respond.
2) McCain says Alito is too conservative and led the gang of 14. He won’t be able to get real conservative justices through the Democratic Senate. He’ll have to go for moderate justices. Since he’s a Reagan foot soldier, I guess we could expect more O’Connor’s and Kennedy’s.
3) There is no difference between McCain and the Dems on immigration. Look who’s on his staff. The conservatives in the Senate can block immigration as well or better than the President. Maybe they’ll actually grow a spine while in the minority.
Sebastian on February 7, 2008 at 11:59 AM
I find the thought of CPAC telling conservatives who have paid to attend the CPAC conference that they are NOT to boo the person who has slung the stongest blow to the FIRST AMENDMENT since it’s creation -repugnant.
It might not be very nice to boo him, but for CPAC to tell the attendees not to is just wrong on so many levels.
stenwin77 on February 7, 2008 at 12:00 PM
He can say he was shocked all he wants. The earsplitting dearth of opposition didn’t change his mind one wit.
That’s just it, it would be nothing but a bone. He’d build a wall if it means getting a permanent McCain majority in 20 million new voters.
I’ll take substance over symbolism, thank you.
Darksean on February 7, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Of course they’re going to ‘boo’. Conservs are pissed. They’re not only losing the White House, but the whole government by the time the general is over.
countywolf on February 7, 2008 at 12:05 PM
This is what I’m worried about. When the amnesty bill was put forward, thousands wrote letters, emails, and made calls to their representatives, other’s representatives, and Bush. We all did this for weeks. And in those letters and calls I’m sure many of us used our votes as threats, “You won’t get my support if you vote ‘Yes’ on this!” We succeeded, the bill went away, and we all said that we actually do have a voice in D.C. But if we turn around and make McCain our nominee, politicians will get the message loud and clear…no matter how much the people fuss, when it comes to it, they will fall in line. So if McCain becomes president, on what foundation of credibility can we stand to push him to the right? He’ll know we are not serious, and he will look at his presidency as evidence of that.
Weight of Glory on February 7, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Big S, again, I’m looking for specifics from McCain on any of those issues also. They don’t seem to be there, not from what I’ve heard in the myriad of debates and speeches and interviews.
Indeed, his entire Iran policy seems to be summed up in a Beach Boys’ parody and while that’s cute and it made me laugh, it’s not an actual national security policy. Honestly, besides “Surge! Yay!” and “oh, why not stay in Iraq a hundred years or so”, I’m at a loss to say what John McCain’s national security policy is. I’m willing to bet that you can’t either without going to his web site.
Don’t you think that before we make the guy Commander in Chief, we find out what he plans to do regarding our various enemies around the world? From where I’ve been sitting, he’s riding on a lot of assumptions for which we have precious little evidence.
Jimmie on February 7, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Booing McCain will be a great disservice to CPAC. Practicing good form is good manners. Don’t abandon these principles.
gabriel sutherland on February 7, 2008 at 12:17 PM
I’ll applaud McCain’s service to his country, but as far as his record, I hope he hears me booing from Indianapolis.
revolutionismyname on February 7, 2008 at 12:24 PM
That would require a willful suspension of belief…
kcd on February 7, 2008 at 12:25 PM
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