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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Show me some more of that “real conservative” class.
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 7, 2008 at 3:57 PM
You folks pushing Newt do not understand how far to the left he has drifted during his political walk-about.
David in ATL on February 7, 2008 at 3:57 PM
He got a warm reception from his bussed-in rent-a-mob.
He makes Bob Dole look electrifying and will be annihilated in the general election.
He will do absolutely nothing to advance conservatism.
His treason makes me ill- he should have run as a Democrat.
Valiant on February 7, 2008 at 3:58 PM
McCain didn’t even have to step to the microphone today, as far as I’m concerned. Romney said one thing none of us can deny. McCain is strong on the war. And that is what matters at the end of the day. I’ll vote for him, if he doesn’t bring the Huckster along for the ride, but I won’t back him when he screws up, like I have Bush.
Sue on February 7, 2008 at 3:58 PM
You, sir, are advocating compromising with a liberal. And you dare talk about principles?
Those are desperate words.
And hilarious. McCain is so far from my principles that he ought to have a “D” after his name.
No way I’m voting for him. NO WAY.
fossten on February 7, 2008 at 3:58 PM
Well, they were talking about it yesterday before Romney dropped out. He could have endorsed Romney and didn’t.
bnelson44 on February 7, 2008 at 3:58 PM
Not sure he’ll pick Allen for vice president.
How about Sarah Palin out of Alaska?
Slublog on February 7, 2008 at 3:58 PM
Wish away boy,
You and I clearly have different definitions of “conservatives” if you think we are cut of the same cloth. Plenty to be worried about when a Democrat like McCain gets the GOP nomination because a bunch of fools in Florida and California are just too damned stupid for words.
highhopes on February 7, 2008 at 3:59 PM
What does that have to do with my pointing out the guy isn’t a conservative and won’t govern as such.
By the way, did you see above that I found what you wanted me to find? Where’s my apology?
Nice maneuver, might work on lesser people. I have EVERY right to voice my disgust with McShamnesty. You just want me to cede my first amendment right (like McCain), calm down (like McCain) and shut up (like McCain) as is expected of me.
Pretty pathetic attempt, sophomoric even, to try to shame me into silence. This is the best the McShamnesty sycophants have to offer?
Darksean on February 7, 2008 at 3:59 PM
That is true, when he appeared with John Kerry it was a bad sign. He wants to remain relevant and seems to have calculated that capitulation is the way to do it. Schafly said she got a robo call supporting the amnesty bill with Newt’s voice on it, then when there was a revolt he quietly dropped his support for it.
echosyst on February 7, 2008 at 3:59 PM
I’m afraid that won’t cut it. It must be Fred; he’s the only man who can save America, and he’s so good he’ll do it from the bottom of the ticket if need be.
Big S on February 7, 2008 at 3:59 PM
Our only choices are 3 candidates that take money from George Soros…
DANEgerus on February 7, 2008 at 4:00 PM
Channeling Cartman?
geckomon on February 7, 2008 at 4:00 PM
He needs to stop reminding us of his war record and status as a POW. This is better left for others to remark upon. Continually saying it is making him sound like John “who by the way served in Vietnam” Kerry. Great leaders don’t have to tell us they’re great, they just have to lead.
McCain said a lot of good things today, but he undercut the whole speech when he said:
Basically, he’s justifying his past liberal positions by saying, “at least I convinced myself they were right.”
Not going to inspire any conservative movement with that kind of talk.
Texas Rainmaker on February 7, 2008 at 4:00 PM
No HeeHaw you are lacking in priciples, my friend. To believe in the basic foundation of conservatism is to reject tax hiking, global warming alarmist, slave labor loving, big government John McCamnesty. He is the fraud. He is the political cross dresser. To vote for a Democrat who puts an R in front of his name is to have no priciples, my friend.
Zetterson on February 7, 2008 at 4:00 PM
C-Span is reporting that Saul Anuzis, chairman of Michigan’s Republican Party, has cancelled his scheduled response to McCain.
bnelson44 on February 7, 2008 at 4:00 PM
what about Hutchison?
Ropera on February 7, 2008 at 4:01 PM
Rush had it right, it isn’t for us to accept McCain and make peace with him, it is for him to prove he will stop stabbing us in the back. We are not the problem, he is.
echosyst on February 7, 2008 at 4:01 PM
THIS.
fossten on February 7, 2008 at 4:01 PM
First of all, there’s a difference between “talking about it” and going on full-blown record as backing the man. Crist was talking about endorsing Rudy, too. He didn’t.
Secondly, it was over for Mitt yesterday. When he lost Super Tuesday, it was over. Many knew that, many didn’t want to accept it.
amerpundit on February 7, 2008 at 4:01 PM
I think he needs an executive. No more senators.
Slublog on February 7, 2008 at 4:01 PM
If you believe in McCains agenda,
We are NOT fellow conservatives.
Sad day, we now have TWO Democrats running….
Romeo13 on February 7, 2008 at 4:02 PM
yeah Slublog, I think you are right
Ropera on February 7, 2008 at 4:02 PM
I don’t see how his VP choice matters one bit.
echosyst on February 7, 2008 at 4:02 PM
You think throwing the game to the other team is principled?
My principles stand firm and I would never allow an enemy to win by placing a bloated, egotistical, self righteous view ahead of the good of my party and my country.
Of course, that’s me.
Perhaps being able to smugly realize yor superiority as we all suffer through Hobama is what you define as principled. I call it selfish, myself.
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 7, 2008 at 4:02 PM
Typical of you. No response to the meat of the argument! Facts are tough to swallow. No mandate. 40% or less of Repub vote….Bueller, anyone? Scenario in which he wins without the base? No argument on facts just more orders to get in line. Nice.
jwp1964 on February 7, 2008 at 4:02 PM
Not a good idea to go after the party’s nominee when you’re the chair of a state’s GOP.
amerpundit on February 7, 2008 at 4:02 PM
Jim Geraghty: I Liked McCain’s Speech; Seems Like My Readers Loved It
bnelson44 on February 7, 2008 at 4:02 PM
What about Petraeus for VP? he is an executive…in a way…
Ropera on February 7, 2008 at 4:03 PM
Translation: If my slave labor big business buddies kick back enough money to inspire me to attempt to shove McCain/Kennedy down your throats again just remember that I said I’d be willing to keep our troops in Iraq forever if need be.
Awesome.
Zetterson on February 7, 2008 at 4:03 PM
If you give me a box of Cheesie Poofs, I will answer your question.
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 7, 2008 at 4:03 PM
How many think this type/style of speaking is going to have them standing in line to vote? After the drive by media drops him on his head, cuts off his free media time, all the Democrats will vote for Clinton or Obama, and so will the illegals. Why vote for the fake when you can have the real deal “give away handout candidate”?
This is the mistake the Republicans who actually thought Amnesty Mel was a good choice for party chair — Anybody seen or heard from AMNESTY Mel lately? Democrats and Democrat lite, some choice, some contrast, no sale here.
This whole speech was about as inspiring as listening to a tired old man speaking about — just pick your own throw away subject.
tarpon on February 7, 2008 at 4:03 PM
Yea, the primary is all but over. Huck needs to find a way of getting out gracefully.
bnelson44 on February 7, 2008 at 4:04 PM
Funny how I thought you’d stop insulting us when your candidate got the nod. Guess I was wrong.
Kai on February 7, 2008 at 4:04 PM
QFT&Zing:
To believe in the basic foundation of conservatism is to reject tax hiking, global warming alarmist, slave labor loving, big government John McCamnesty. He is the fraud. He is the political cross dresser. To vote for a Democrat who puts an R in front of his name is to have no priciples, my friend.
RushBaby on February 7, 2008 at 4:04 PM
Romney’s was 100% better.
Connie on February 7, 2008 at 4:04 PM
Upfront admission: I have not been a McCain supporter at any time during the primaries. Moreover, I was disgusted by his Shamesty actions last year and his smearing of Mitt last weekend.
Reaction to today’s speech: I thought McCain did a good job. His attempts at humor are weak, but his sincerity in service to his country comes through. He listed many issues on which we conservatives can support him. I was impressed by his recitation of unpopular views taken during state primaries — opposition to agricultural subsidies in Iowa; opposition to Natl Catastrophic Fund in Fla.
Was it all an act? Is he just mouthing conservative platitudes with no intent to follow thru? Time will tell. He certainly has a point that it is not his MO to take positions and not follow thru — it is more accurate to say he simply takes wrong positions and stubbornly stick to them.
I was not TOTALLY won over, but I am willing to take his fine speech at face value for now and see how things develop over the coming months, particularly when the Dems get their candidate and start ripping conservatives and the conservative platform.
Vowing now to sit out and let Hillary or Obama win next Nov is sheer madness. Playing hard-to-get but willing to be wooed makes a lot more sense.
Always Right on February 7, 2008 at 4:05 PM
He also notes that McCain’s transgressions against conservatives is obvious and blatant to the crowd.
amerpundit on February 7, 2008 at 4:05 PM
Dude, I was talking about that the other day. It’s a neutering pick for any DNC action.
SkinnerVic on February 7, 2008 at 4:06 PM
I’m pretty sure McCain will pick someone he knows well, likes a lot, and trusts. I’m not sure what his relationships with these people are like, but I’d bet against a true conservative warrior to placate the base, and more along the lines of a like-minded governor, military leader (Pace?) or former presidential candidate.
Big S on February 7, 2008 at 4:06 PM
Exactly!
pappy on February 7, 2008 at 4:06 PM
Heh, heh. That one has given himself permission to be a Taunting Machine!
RushBaby on February 7, 2008 at 4:07 PM
If you McCain supporters think that your boy is going to be able to beat Obama with talk of staying 100 years in Iraq and war against Iran you are out of your mind. On the other issues he agrees with THEM.
I am for winning the war but the reality is that the country at large doesn’t think it is worth it, surge or not. The libs are going to paint him as an old, out of touch war monger and the press will gleefully go along. It’s over.
echosyst on February 7, 2008 at 4:07 PM
How do you explain Tom Coburn? Who has supported McCain for a while. Tom Coburn is one of the most conservative senators in the senate. He didn’t jump on board simply because he thought he was the front-runner.
Complete7 on February 7, 2008 at 4:07 PM
As a moderate conservative, I feel like some of you on the far right are stabbing me in the back. We are all Americans first. And like it or not, that includes extreme left wing nutbags and moderate democrats as well. Our founding fathers went to great lenghts to assure we have a government that we can all live with. If you can insist on only extreme right wing conservative values being considered by Washington, then why can’t the liberals demand the same thing? This is what concerns me. I appreciate the efforts of some to my right that fight hard for their principles, it can only help our nation in the long run. But the policies of our government have to make some kind of sense for everyone, not just you.
myamphibian on February 7, 2008 at 4:07 PM
Wrong, we surrendered everything the moment we made McCain the nominee. There is no conservative candidate. They are non existent. All that is left is the other team. All we can do now is fight against everything McCain/Obama/Hillary are going to try and foist upon us. That is all we have left. And that is what we need to do. Just fight against everything those three liberals are going to attempt to do.
Zetterson on February 7, 2008 at 4:08 PM
What about Condi Rice. That would be good for a twofer in neutering a DNC talking point.
Texas Rainmaker on February 7, 2008 at 4:08 PM
Hmm…Lindsey Graham could be had. Chuck Hagel. Olympia Snowe. Lincoln Chafee.
How about some of the folks he co-sponsored major legislation with? he likes them a lot and trusts them, obviously. I wonder what John Edwards is doing right now?
Jimmie on February 7, 2008 at 4:08 PM
Yeah, it would blunt the whole DNC ‘making history’ thing as well as providing the party with a solid conservative who, in her spare time, hunts and kills animals.
Slublog on February 7, 2008 at 4:08 PM
He comes around here wooing and I’m getting a restraining order.
RushBaby on February 7, 2008 at 4:08 PM
Not to take too much away from the esteemed MKH, but McCain “hitting the right notes” mostly translates into “politician good at BS”.
It will take more–a lot more–than that to persuade voters outside the Beltway.
Instead of “straight talk” we should get “straight action”.
elpresidente on February 7, 2008 at 4:08 PM
So was Fred’s last speech. Too bad these guys waited until the end to give their greatest speech. Maybe it is because the pressure is off.
bnelson44 on February 7, 2008 at 4:08 PM
VP speculation.
Duncan Hunter
Rick Perry ?
Jeb Bush?
Steele?
Kai on February 7, 2008 at 4:09 PM
as long as he does not pick Lieberman
Ropera on February 7, 2008 at 4:09 PM
Gosh I do loves me some extreme right-wing First Amendment rights, don’t you?
Jimmie on February 7, 2008 at 4:09 PM
Nooo Perryyy is open border, he did not keep any promise regarding the border, he is a traitor!
Ropera on February 7, 2008 at 4:09 PM
No, I do not intend to insult you. There are a number of truly principle conservatives that are still hurting due to their belief that they do not have a standard bearer in the race.
Some folks slapped me and Islappd back as is my habit, but there is no need to send insuts.
We have many months to come together, I am expecting to much to think that everyone that had principled objection to Mac will come on board in one day.
I can be patient and see what people doin the long term.
PEACE!
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 7, 2008 at 4:10 PM
You so need to be reading my blog. :D
Jimmie on February 7, 2008 at 4:10 PM
Heh! Sweet. He and Rudy.
ronsfi on February 7, 2008 at 4:10 PM
Alaska is too far away.
Not Condi-her judgment is gone downhill.
INC on February 7, 2008 at 4:10 PM
I like Hunter thou
Ropera on February 7, 2008 at 4:10 PM
Non too subtle. It was the disingenuous outreach language that gave it away.
geckomon on February 7, 2008 at 4:10 PM
I’ll vote for McCain in November.
But, I’ll LOL when his supporters start complaining about his push for amnesty, opposition to Gitmo, his buying into global warming hysteria, etc.
And when someone who supported him is outraged about his push for, and willingness to sign, amnesty legislation, I’ll remind them that he was a P.O.W. and of Reagan’s 11th.
amerpundit on February 7, 2008 at 4:10 PM
He didn’t win me. I still will not vote for him.
If only Texas had an earlier primary, we wouldn’t be in this mess!! Argh!
pecan pie on February 7, 2008 at 4:10 PM
We’re so going to lose in November. He is a horrible speaker – like the last one that lasted 8 years.
stenwin77 on February 7, 2008 at 4:10 PM
The biggest concerns in picking a running mate this year are personal dynamism and message cohesion. The Democrats, by the looks of it, are going to be able to vastly outspend the Republicans this year. McCain’s pretty good with the media, and for all the abuse he gets from the party base because of it, may be an absolute blessing at the top of the ticket. Free media will be a really big deal, and the VP pick must not be a media drag.
Big S on February 7, 2008 at 4:11 PM
I agree Hutchison is a Senator, but is a she, someone has to be able to insult Hillary freely during the campaign
Ropera on February 7, 2008 at 4:11 PM
I honestly do not think America could pick a coward over a hero. I could be wrong, but I strongly believe that. Remember McGovern.
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 7, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Dude is kinda old.
mad saint jack on February 7, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Gooks/Macaca 2008!
might as well run Ron Paul, ha
jp on February 7, 2008 at 4:11 PM
It won’t be an issue because he will lose to Obama. That’s why I wanted Mitt to win. At least he stood a chance against Obama &/or Hillary.
stenwin77 on February 7, 2008 at 4:12 PM
I never thought America would elect a draft dodger. Then Bill Clinton came along.
stenwin77 on February 7, 2008 at 4:13 PM
For those conservatives that won’t be supporting McCain, there’s probably gonna be an alternate project for you, here’s one.
doubleplusundead on February 7, 2008 at 4:13 PM
His veep choice is totally irrelevant.
The veep’s only power is as president of the Senate- not significant unless you have to break a tie.
Stop looking for a reason to vote for this liberal traitor. It will be a horrendous 4 years no matter who wins.
Valiant on February 7, 2008 at 4:13 PM
Wrong, our founding fathers fought hard to set up a system of LIMITED government. The fought hard to establish a nation of laws. Most important laws regarding legal immigration and citizenship. They held a bloody revolution over a 5% income tax. They fought hard to establish an armed citizenry. One that can protect itself if need be. They fought hard to establish everything that a CONSERVATIVE is supposed to stand for today. They fought hard to eliminate today’s liberal, socialist big government ideology. Your thinking here is dangerous and I am very disturbed that the priciples by which our country was founded is only now held/understood by a minority few amongst us.
Zetterson on February 7, 2008 at 4:13 PM
what about Phil Gramm from TX?
Ropera on February 7, 2008 at 4:13 PM
Different time, different atmosphere. Obama isn’t a regular candidate. He’s not even just a Messiah who has support because of his “hope” instead of positions. As much as I hate pointing it out, he’s a minority. Many Americans are looking to prove they’re not racists. I know several idiots voting for him for that exact reason.
amerpundit on February 7, 2008 at 4:13 PM
Suckers, that’s what he said the whole time he was talking. Let me tell them what I know they want to hear, they will forget my record. Unbelievable. Cyanide in disguise.. Strong on war? Like Bush? How? Being that Bush is n;t strong on war (if he was the enemy would be DEAD…PERIOD), his remarks on war mean nothing, same old message, same old fear mongering about the war on terror…blah, blah, blah). If he’s gonna stay over there in Iraq and play patsy with the enemy like we are doing now, wasting money and life…that’s not strong, that’s stupid and his war experience taught him nothing. He uses his war experience to personalize why he si right. He is still the same…McVain Shamnesty first.
He wants to be strong on war…bomb the terrorist out of those mountains.. PERIOD, people die in WARE…get over it. Short of that, he will be Hillary in pants…PERIOD!
TOPV on February 7, 2008 at 4:14 PM
Allen might not be a bad pick, if he still has significant support in VA. Virginia will probably be one of the keys to winning, along with Missouri. Of course, that’s assuming we want an “R” win!
JamesLee on February 7, 2008 at 4:14 PM
It’s real simple people. All you have to do is read the following text aloud:
President Hillary Clinton
President John McCain
’nuff said. Anything else is superfluous.
scottm on February 7, 2008 at 4:14 PM
She’s also an amnestia, he does that I guarantee a huge number of people stay home. He has to pick someone who is solid on immigration.
doubleplusundead on February 7, 2008 at 4:15 PM
Actually, McCain’s historically terrible at pandering, so I don’t think much of what he says is B.S., but your point is taken on action. Problem is, conservatives don’t have a whole lot of leverage at this point. No one tacks right after getting the nomination. One decent action would be to pick a really conservative VP. We’ll see if he’s smart enough to do that.
marykatharine on February 7, 2008 at 4:15 PM
I think the GOP establishment knows this and offered up McCain. I’m rationalizing of course, but I’m still a little light-headed from the confusion projected by my party right now.
geckomon on February 7, 2008 at 4:16 PM
David in ATL yup. Newt “Gorebal Warming” Gingrich. And he is also thrice married, just like Giuliani. And his last divorce came because he was screwing his secretary, while leading the Clinton impeachment.
If Giuliani had baggage, Gingrich owned a whole moving company.
funky chicken on February 7, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Cut the war herro crap already… Benedict Arnold was a bigger war hero…SO WHAT!!!
TOPV on February 7, 2008 at 4:16 PM
No gracias to Kay Bailey, mucho.
funky chicken on February 7, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Tancredo?
Kai on February 7, 2008 at 4:17 PM
True. Then again, at this point I’m just hoping he picks “not Huckabee.”
Slublog on February 7, 2008 at 4:17 PM
OR
President Messiah Hussein Obama Barack
He’s going to build us a Kingdom you know.
jp on February 7, 2008 at 4:17 PM
How can you sat that? I like Cheney, but obviously having him as our Veep with no clear succession put us in this position. It’s always smart to set up a good succession. It’s no guarantee, granted, but it’s not “totally irrelevant”. AND – the possibility of having to break a tie in the Senate is very possible and very significant.
pecan pie on February 7, 2008 at 4:18 PM
The most hilarious if not sad aspect that McCain only now has to appeal to which he should already be in step with. Doesn’t this lie heavy with the GOP?
geckomon on February 7, 2008 at 4:18 PM
I’d like to see him avoid picking out of Congress. A governor would be best.
Slublog on February 7, 2008 at 4:18 PM
I agree, but for those who already are not predisposed to McCain, his speech–whether truly honest or merely pandering–will be perceived as BS.
The VP choice may be the only way to get back some of those votes.
elpresidente on February 7, 2008 at 4:18 PM
Well, some shameless blog pimping, but maybe Obama’s voters won’t vote–that whole youth thing. Why do I say that?
It’s because Obama Girl didn’t vote for Obama!
Can you believe it?
Vanceone on February 7, 2008 at 4:18 PM
TOPV–you’re the one shilling for President Barak Hussein Obama, so what’s wrong with McCain’s bona fides on the war?
You want us to lose? You think sharia law is OK? what?
funky chicken on February 7, 2008 at 4:18 PM
Eh…Allen brings his own problems. Consider this scenario:
Obama gets the Dem nomination. Our response is McCain, and old white guy who’s been in Washington for 25 years, and George Allen, a middle-aged white guy who the media will play the video of him saying “macaca”.
amerpundit on February 7, 2008 at 4:19 PM
True, but we have to bear in mind that his idea of conservative is himself, Graham, Martinez, etc.
amerpundit on February 7, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Even tho Kay Bailey isn’t strong on immigration (which is silly here in Texas), I think she’d be a great counter to Evita Clinton.
Longshot and even tho he’s said, “NO WAY”
Colin Powell.
Kai on February 7, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Good speech. He looked presidential as well. Okay, now that Mitt has parked his bid, my vote goes to McCain, PROVIDED that he eschews Succubee (along with any other religious bigot) as a running mate. Super Tuesday is over, I did my part to get Mitt in. Ah well. Let us all drink to the next Republican CiC.
argos on February 7, 2008 at 4:20 PM
RINOs ALL! (Just kidding. Obviously.)
Vizzini on February 7, 2008 at 4:20 PM
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