Open thread: McCain’s moment of truth; Update: CPAC audience stuffed with McCain supporters?
posted at 3:20 pm on February 7, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Coburn’s giving him a blowout right-wing intro. He’s on imminently. Stand by.
Update: Mostly cheers as he walks out.
Update: Boos at 3:34 as illegal immigration is mentioned, followed by cheers from his supporters to drown them out.
Update: Lots of cheers as it ends. Either he won them over or the CPAC organizers made sure to have lots of Maverick supporters in the crowd to prevent any golden moments for the Democrats.
Update: Here’s the text. Red meat galore.
Update: MKH and Geraghty liked it, Hugh Hewitt and Geraghty’s readers loved it.
Update: See my earlier update about crowd theories. We may have our answer:
We’re told from a reliable source on the ground at CPAC: “They stuffed the main room with McCain supporters. But the overflow room booed him heartily, cheered when Romney was mentioned, booed when McCain said he hopes we forgive his absence from CPAC in the past.”
Update: Even McCain-hater Tammy Bruce finds herself impressed.
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Sen Coburn is introducing McCain right now. What I’ve seen so far, it looks as if he’s trying to make excuses for what McCain has done as a Senator the conservatives don’t like.
I really feel sort of sick.
INC on February 7, 2008 at 3:21 PM
It is highly irritating to me
INC on February 7, 2008 at 3:21 PM
George Allen Introduces Tom Coburn, Who Introduces John McCain
bnelson44 on February 7, 2008 at 3:22 PM
By show of cyber-hands, who here will change their mind about voting for McCain based upon the endorsements of those who are to the political right of him (eg. Allen)?
Weight of Glory on February 7, 2008 at 3:22 PM
Forgive me if I’m still in denial…but…is this really happening??? How did we get here? How did this RINO come out of 5th place to…here? I agree with INC, I really feel sort of sick too.
Here he goes, listening, but doubt I’ll be impressed…
pecan pie on February 7, 2008 at 3:23 PM
He’s getting a good reception from the crowd.
Slublog on February 7, 2008 at 3:23 PM
Let the healing begin.
Come join us in electing McCain, my brothers and sisters, your country needs you.
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 7, 2008 at 3:23 PM
No thanks, I have a mind of my own.
dalewalt on February 7, 2008 at 3:24 PM
I cant stand him… but I hope he makes some ground
tshell on February 7, 2008 at 3:24 PM
All that means is that Conservatives are classier than liberals. We may hate you, but we’ll still listen politely and treat you well.
wearyman on February 7, 2008 at 3:25 PM
I’m also really tired of seeing grown men hug on the political stage. What happened to a firm handshake or clapping someone on the back?
INC on February 7, 2008 at 3:25 PM
I wish he wouldnt smile… he looks so SMUG!
tshell on February 7, 2008 at 3:25 PM
It official George Allen endorses McCain
bnelson44 on February 7, 2008 at 3:26 PM
I will reserve the right to vote for him, MOSTLY depending on who he picks for Veep. If he were to swear to enact Thompson’s immigration plan I could hold my nose enough.
I’m listening to him right now. The guy has to be the most unfunny (who thinks he’s actually funny) politician around.
And he’s still sticking it in conservatives’ eye as he speaks!
Guy turns my stomach.
Darksean on February 7, 2008 at 3:26 PM
I want to hear about CFR and CIR.
INC on February 7, 2008 at 3:26 PM
McCain’s words are making me sick.
sinsing on February 7, 2008 at 3:26 PM
I’m a conservative…period…
Johnny Mac has a history of smacking me in the head…doesn’t respect us…
Hey…Johnny Mac…when’s the last time a lib dem reached out to conservatives…can’t hear you…????
areseaoh on February 7, 2008 at 3:26 PM
McCain’s packed the place with McShamnesty sycophants…
Darksean on February 7, 2008 at 3:27 PM
Conservatives need to support conservative congressmen and senators. We need the senate or the house, because as like the last 16 years, there will be no conservative in the White House.
Wade on February 7, 2008 at 3:27 PM
I don’t think McCain picks Huck for VEEP. He him as little more than a jester.
flyfisher on February 7, 2008 at 3:27 PM
I’m really enjoying how everyone (including Michael Steele!) keeps repeating the canard that we really, really, really want McCain, not Hillary or Obama, appointing judges. Given that McCain was a key figure in the handful of Senators appropriating a veto power (to which they are not entitled) to block nominees, does it really matter who the president nominates? Thanks in large part to McCain, a handful of Senators control who gets on SCOTUS, not the President – so of all the arguments they could use to bring conservatives over to McCain, this has to be the LEAST convincing.
Laura on February 7, 2008 at 3:27 PM
Those dedicated conservatives you want to do your GOTV are waiting.
INC on February 7, 2008 at 3:27 PM
Sorry, I don’t do hand tricks.
MarkM on February 7, 2008 at 3:28 PM
bleh… SMUG!
tshell on February 7, 2008 at 3:28 PM
Listening to McCain’s speech… who are all the people cheering for him? I thought they were expecting “boos”?
Is CPAC caving?
I’m confused here… (but my wife reminds me that it doesn’t take much..).
ricer1 on February 7, 2008 at 3:28 PM
“I am proud to be a conservative…”
Already can’t trust the liar.
Darksean on February 7, 2008 at 3:28 PM
McCain will pick Rudy – watch and see. McCain can’t sell us out quick enough.
On-my-soap-box on February 7, 2008 at 3:29 PM
If you really believe in protecting liberty, what about CFR?
Good grief, he’s quoting Reagan about not compromising beliefs for political expediency.
INC on February 7, 2008 at 3:30 PM
The media put him there, just like they will turn on him and get the liberal democrat in come November.
Wade on February 7, 2008 at 3:30 PM
This guy is about as inspiring as a garden hose.
Oooh! He said footsoldier!!! Everyone drink.
Darksean on February 7, 2008 at 3:30 PM
Are all you guys liveblogging this? I’m at work and have no T.V. Is it being streamed from somewhere?
wearyman on February 7, 2008 at 3:30 PM
as I was in 2001… oh wait :/
tshell on February 7, 2008 at 3:30 PM
Has he forgotten his political heritage?
d1carter on February 7, 2008 at 3:31 PM
cspan
tshell on February 7, 2008 at 3:31 PM
CSPAN has it.
Slublog on February 7, 2008 at 3:31 PM
Sin taxes on gasoline. ‘Nuff said.
Deety on February 7, 2008 at 3:32 PM
Sounds so reassuring… sheesh
hellyan on February 7, 2008 at 3:32 PM
I’m listening to it on the radio.
Darksean on February 7, 2008 at 3:32 PM
So far it’s boilerplate and excuses.
He’s giving a stump speech to people who know the reality of what he has done.
INC on February 7, 2008 at 3:32 PM
Also on foxnews.com
JVelez on February 7, 2008 at 3:32 PM
McCain = Emmanuel Goldstein
Romney = Comrade Ogilvy
Big S on February 7, 2008 at 3:32 PM
Going just as predicted! This guy will never get my vote.
jwp1964 on February 7, 2008 at 3:32 PM
What a pile of crap.
woodswalking1 on February 7, 2008 at 3:33 PM
Is there any real live blogging anywhere? All I can find is bitching about McCain with nobody even referring to what he is saying.
ninjapirate on February 7, 2008 at 3:33 PM
*HOWL*. Can I add “RONALD REAGAN … RONALD REAGAN … RONALD REAGAN”
matd on February 7, 2008 at 3:34 PM
Bread and circuses, it always was for the ignorant — Which is why Democrats try so hard to get the education level of the country up and dependency on government down. Hey wait, do I have that right?
tarpon on February 7, 2008 at 3:34 PM
Streaming on FOX News
AverageJoe on February 7, 2008 at 3:34 PM
Tom Coburn for VP?
bnelson44 on February 7, 2008 at 3:34 PM
thanks. got it streaming now.
wearyman on February 7, 2008 at 3:34 PM
His prolife record-yep, he defended it except when it came up against CFR in Wisconsin Right to Life case. Then it was under the bus.
INC on February 7, 2008 at 3:34 PM
finally Boos – oh oh they turned into cheers – wtf
pappy on February 7, 2008 at 3:34 PM
Love of country trumps love of party.
McCain may not be the best representative of our party, but if he is the nominee, he is the best man for our country. Those of you who can not understand this are children.
carbon_footprint on February 7, 2008 at 3:34 PM
And so, John McCain will win the Republican nomination….
…But it will be as boils and ashes in his mouth.
ChrisM on February 7, 2008 at 3:35 PM
boo 1
tshell on February 7, 2008 at 3:35 PM
Booed on illegal
immigrationaliens.INC on February 7, 2008 at 3:35 PM
I don’t know about that. Lieberman is slinking around McCain and he hasn’t missed a photo op with him. If someone doesn’t let out a hearty “Boo” soon I know the Conservative Base of the Republican Party is dead.
sinsing on February 7, 2008 at 3:35 PM
Ooops! he mentioned immigration! Boos!
followed by cheers from his supporters he bussed in.
:P
wearyman on February 7, 2008 at 3:35 PM
Ooooooooo, he’s touching on immigration. Many boos.
AverageJoe on February 7, 2008 at 3:35 PM
FIFY
Deety on February 7, 2008 at 3:35 PM
Boos, on illegal immigration, followed by cheers from the McCain sycophants trucked in. “Who-hoo! Illegal Immigration!!”
Darksean on February 7, 2008 at 3:35 PM
I can’t listen to this lier. Hey John, Amnesty advocates are not just offensive to conservatives. They are offensive to AMERICAN CITIZENS.
Zetterson on February 7, 2008 at 3:36 PM
To secure our borders first….THEN give amnesty to 20 million illegals.
Grrr….
Darksean on February 7, 2008 at 3:36 PM
He keeps calling me his friend…
d1carter on February 7, 2008 at 3:36 PM
Telling you what you want to hear. They won’t buy it and the fallout will be huge tonight.
He came in dead last previously in their straw pole.
Tell me one bill he has sponsored with a Republican……
Starlink on February 7, 2008 at 3:36 PM
heh.
Weight of Glory on February 7, 2008 at 3:37 PM
GO RUN AS THE DEMOCRAT PARTY!
Zetterson on February 7, 2008 at 3:37 PM
immigration = boos!
Okay… secure borders, but what about the illegals already inside the US?
hellyan on February 7, 2008 at 3:37 PM
“enlightened demoscrats”… are there any?
AverageJoe on February 7, 2008 at 3:37 PM
The majority of people at CPAC used applause to drown out the pathetic boos and hisses of a small minority of a few classless attendees.
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 7, 2008 at 3:37 PM
Is this being televised? Not that i’m ever voting for McAmnesty.
dogsoldier on February 7, 2008 at 3:38 PM
True, the people at CPAC are not your average voter.
INC on February 7, 2008 at 3:38 PM
Why are these idiots applauding him constantly? What is he saying that is so damn inspiring? It is typical BS.
echosyst on February 7, 2008 at 3:39 PM
Looking for a 3rd party candidate to support at this point…
AZCON on February 7, 2008 at 3:39 PM
He’s talking about freedom again.
I want to hear CFR and freedom in the same sentence.
INC on February 7, 2008 at 3:39 PM
Those of you who like being lied to and bent over again and again are sadomasochist…ENJOY!
jwp1964 on February 7, 2008 at 3:39 PM
Live on Fox!!!
MACMENTUM!!!
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 7, 2008 at 3:39 PM
He trucked in a bunch of McSycophants.
Darksean on February 7, 2008 at 3:40 PM
Try FOXNews
bnelson44 on February 7, 2008 at 3:40 PM
So really, what we have here is the pretty common phenomenon of a politician tacking towards his base in the primary, even though he has a record that is, ahem, less than stellar. So it comes down to whether you think he really really means it this time. That’s a tough call.
Weight of Glory on February 7, 2008 at 3:40 PM
There have to be McCainiacs in the audience cued to applaud.
INC on February 7, 2008 at 3:40 PM
“My friends, I will not sign a bill with an earmark in it. ANY EARMARK!”
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 7, 2008 at 3:40 PM
Of course. With Mitt out and Huckabee not having a snow ball’s shot in hell, McCain is the de facto nominee.
amerpundit on February 7, 2008 at 3:40 PM
He will look like an over the hill burnout standing next to Obama.
echosyst on February 7, 2008 at 3:40 PM
Big things not small things….
I guess after so much time in Washington 20 million is a small number.
Deety on February 7, 2008 at 3:40 PM
All this BS so in four years Republicans can take the the blame for liberal McCain.
Speakup on February 7, 2008 at 3:40 PM
I completely agree… what a bunch of blather scythe.
hellyan on February 7, 2008 at 3:41 PM
You referring to Senator Coburn?
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 7, 2008 at 3:41 PM
Bush tax cuts permanent?
d1carter on February 7, 2008 at 3:41 PM
Read my lips… No earmarks, any earmarks.
AverageJoe on February 7, 2008 at 3:41 PM
It’s not classless to let a politician know we disagree with his policies and votes.
elpresidente on February 7, 2008 at 3:41 PM
“I will make the Bush taxcuts permanent.”
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 7, 2008 at 3:41 PM
At least I have a new conservative slogan I can get behind of this year.
“GET THE HUCK OUT /2008″ !
William Amos on February 7, 2008 at 3:41 PM
It’s easy for me to sit out since I live in california.
I WILL NOT VOTE FOR MCCAIN.
jukin on February 7, 2008 at 3:41 PM
I’m convincing myself that it won’t be a vote for McC, it will be a vote against Hill/Obam. Whatever damage McC may do will be a fraction of what the dems hit us with.
oldvannes on February 7, 2008 at 3:41 PM
I feel like waterboarding this phony, using short spurts only, because of his age.
sinsing on February 7, 2008 at 3:42 PM
Ugh…he keeps referring to the alternate minimum tax…
flyfisher on February 7, 2008 at 3:42 PM
“I’ll cut your taxes”.
Except for that tax on gasoline to fight global warming. That I’ll raise. Oh, and I’ll make the Bush tax cuts permanent. You know, the ones I said were for the rich and that I voted against.
amerpundit on February 7, 2008 at 3:42 PM
True ‘dat.
Deety on February 7, 2008 at 3:42 PM
It is very classless to refuse to aknowledge that you lost a fair contest and to instad heckle the man hat defeated you.
Extremely classless.
The majority of CPAC attendees drowned out the small cadre of idiots.
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 7, 2008 at 3:42 PM
No, I’m referring to the blatant OVERapplauding of the obvious McCain sycophants that overtook the speaking hall.
Darksean on February 7, 2008 at 3:42 PM
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