McCain: Fred told me he’ll support me, I swear; Update: Fred endorses McCain
posted at 5:40 pm on February 8, 2008 by Allahpundit
I’m sorry to be the one to have to break the news. Well, no, that’s not true. Heh.
The Bolton endorsement and the Fred endorsement on the same day? SECOND LOOK AT POSSIBLY NOT STAYING HOME!
While campaigning in Wichita, this afternoon with KS senator and former presidential candidate Sam Brownback, John McCain announced that he had recently received the support of another former candidate.
“I also spoke again yesterday to my friend Fred Thompson who assured me he is ready to do whatever it takes to help me win the election in November,” McCain said. “I’m very proud to have the friendship and support of Fred Thompson as well.”
The campaign would not confirm whether Thompson officially endorsed McCain or not, and sources close to Thompson did not immediately return phone inquiries. Thompson did serve as a national co-chair of McCain’s 2000 presidential campaign but has not announced formal support since he dropped out of the race last month.
Why no formal endorsement yet? Is Fred picking his spot? Or is it that he simply can’t rouse himself? “Yeah, I’ll just call John. Let him tell them.” Not that Maverick needs either him or JB (yet): The first poll in Virginia since October is finally out. 63 delegates at stake, winner take all — say goodnight, Huck. In fact, it’s actually a re-poll taken after Mitt dropped out; compare the earlier results with him still in the race and you’ll see that McCain actually gains more from his departure than Huckabee does.
Exit question: When does Dobson form his exploratory committee?
Update: The moment of truth is at hand.
“This is no longer about past preferences or differences. It is about what is best for our country and for me that means that Republican should close ranks behind John McCain,” Thompson said in a statement reported by the Associated Press.
Blowback
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Yeah, I’ll wait till I hear it from teh Ferd, thanks.
see-dubya on February 8, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Har. You think McCain’s making it up? Oh, reality does indeed bite for the ‘Heads!
Allahpundit on February 8, 2008 at 5:43 PM
I’m no big fan of McAmnesty, but Fred definitely brings conservative credibility if he’s the running mate. That is a ticket I think every conservative can rally around.
Fred Rules!!
bigred on February 8, 2008 at 5:44 PM
It’ll take a huge fire in his belly to anger his “base”
lorien1973 on February 8, 2008 at 5:44 PM
I won’t support McCain. Period. I would rather be stabbed in the front from Hillary/Obama when we know it’s coming than be stabbed in the back like we have been by McCain repeatedly.
E L Frederick (Sniper One) on February 8, 2008 at 5:44 PM
teh Ferd?
hte dreF!
Hoodlumman on February 8, 2008 at 5:45 PM
Whatevah, it hurt at first, but Neosporin helped before the gangrene of socialism set in.
Kini on February 8, 2008 at 5:46 PM
Bolton and Fred vs. Coulter and Rush? What will the HotAirHeads do?
Big S on February 8, 2008 at 5:46 PM
Fred is a sleeping giant.
Pax americana on February 8, 2008 at 5:47 PM
Always bet on Bolton.
Also, the proper term is “Hotties.”
Allahpundit on February 8, 2008 at 5:47 PM
Is that new? Sorry. :)
Big S on February 8, 2008 at 5:47 PM
Someone please remind me why I’m going to the polls on Tuesday.
I’m still convinced my vote is worthless anyway (as I would rather stab myself in the back than let McCain do it for me).
the goddess anna on February 8, 2008 at 5:48 PM
Ha! You hadn’t seen a picture of me. I definitely wouldn’t qualify! :-)
Tim on February 8, 2008 at 5:49 PM
HAHA.
Theworldisnotenough on February 8, 2008 at 5:49 PM
McCain says lots of things, Allah. He says he wants to secure the border, and yet there’s old Juan Hernandez still on his payroll. Or, actually, George Soros’ payroll.
I believe that McCain talked to Fred on the phone. McCain screwed up the Bob Dole thing a few days ago, remember. McCain may have heard what he wanted to hear. Or he may be trying to push Fred into coming out with a full-bore endorsement. But what Fred actually said, I’d like to hear from Fred.
see-dubya on February 8, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Now that McCain has the Republican nomination sewn up I’ll concentrate on the Democrats.
The reason Bill Clinton had such a successful 8-year run (other than the personal scandals) were:
1) The Republicans had achieved world stability and relative peace before Clinton entered office.
2) The Clinton administration and a Republican Congress deregulated the local phone monopolies, which caused a huge expansion of telecom which in turn caused the Dot.Com boom.
The world stability caused Americans to feel more secure, and it also allowed Clinton to spend less on defense and intelligence. An American sense of security necessarily caused an improvement in the world economy. Lower spending on defense and intelligence allowed more money for domestic government initiatives.
While Clinton was drawing down the military and intelligence communities, the FCC and Congress were working with business to devise a plan to deregulate the local telephone networks. Since it was apparent from about 1994 that the local phone networks would be deregulated, many companies and investors positioned themselves to enter that market prior to the actual deregulation which occurred in 1996 by starting new businesses to purchase network components and right-of-ways. The existing local carriers also started rolling out DSL, for which the technology had been available since 1985 but hadn’t been offered to the public because there was no competitive pressure to do so. Anecdotally, I had a PC in my office since 1984, but didn’t have an internet connection until 1995. (Before 1984, the standard set-up was a dumb terminal hardwired to a corporate mainframe).
Once the promise of competition transformed the local telecom networks, with the attending improvements in price, products, and services, new Dot.Com companies were formed to service the demand for online access. Not just the giant search-engine companies, but everything from porn and gambling to electronic news and auction houses. The new Dot.Com marketplace, which rode on the improved deregulated telecom networks, drove almost every area of the economy to a fever pitch.
In the mid and late 90’s, with relative world peace and stability and a booming economy, the country was in a state of euphoria.
Deregulation of the local telephone networks worked so well that the government decided to separate power production businesses from power delivery network grids and deregulate the delivery grids.
Not only were government revenues at record levels because of the booming economy, but Clinton also raised taxes right in the middle of it. The national debt could be paid off! That’s pretty much where Clinton left office in 2001.
Then, later in 2001, we had the terrorist attacks in September which combined with the Dot.Com bust to send the stock markets into an October nose-dive.
I’ve said all of the foregoing to ask these questions:
What huge economic sectors are the democrats going to deregulate to get back to the halcyon days of Bill Clinton? Health Care? No, wait…
Unless GW wins the war against islamic extremism in the next year (or economical hydrogen power is developed), how are the Democrats going to achieve peace and stability? By winning the war on terror? No, wait…
The point is that no matter how mule-headedly wrong George Bush has been on some conservative issues, he’s kept us safe and kept the economy walking along at a steady pace. Can we have any reasonable expectation of a Democrat restoring world stability and a vibrant economy? No. And those are the things that matter most to this country.
No matter what you think of John McCain, he will be better than any Democrat. He may not be an economic whiz, but we can hope that he’ll find some whizzes to help him deal with our economic condition while he concentrates on world stability. With a Democrat we know we’re going to get a we-don’t-want-anyone-to-not-like-us foreign policy and European style Socialist economic policy.
Well, here we are at the crossroads. A “Moderate” Republican or a Socialist Democrat. Sure, we’re disappointed we couldn’t have a more conservative candidate. Under the circumstances I can see why conservatives like Michelle, inter alios, are putting pressure on McCain to make clear promises about how he’ll govern on certain issues. It reminds me of a scene from “Cool Hand Luke”. They just brought Luke back from his second escape, and had broken him down, and were now wringing concessions from him.
Guard: “What if you was to back sass?”
Luke: “No, Boss, I promise I won’t!”
Guard: “What if you was to backslide?”
Luke: “No, Boss! I’ve learned my lesson!”
But then, of course, the Maverick steals a truck and escapes again, taking the big dumb hillbilly with him.
I’ve always been the type to vote for a candidate, not against one. But in this case I’m going to make an exception. I’ll vote for a back-stabbing RINO because the alternative is just too horrible.
jaime on February 8, 2008 at 5:51 PM
I don’t trust McCain. So I will wait to hear if any endorsement echoes forth from Fred’s lips.
But speaking as a FredHead I won’t be angry if he does endorse, because why would he endorse a Dhim? It’s McCain or nothing at this point.
Although if he is holding out for a VP spot, I would totally back him on that.
Fred! 2012 has a nice ring to it.
SimplyKimberly on February 8, 2008 at 5:52 PM
I do want to hear it from Fred! himself, but only considering how campaigns have been so fast and loose with claiming “endorsements” and passing on rumors.
In any case, the Fredster would make the bitter McPill easier to swallow.
That said, this is now, and by Nov, I’d probably go for McCain anyways.
JamesLee on February 8, 2008 at 5:53 PM
Well, he did say he supports our stand on border security first. That’s obviously a bald faced one.
conservnut on February 8, 2008 at 5:53 PM
This rabid desire to accept endorsements as some sign that these people legitimately believe in McCain is silly. It’s about one thing, and one thing only. Staying in power.
Don’t forget that their careers are on the line. If Dems obtain complete power, which they’re about to do, all of these newly supportive McCain droids will be doing the college speaker tour alongside Ann Coulter.
Also, don’t forget that most of them are hoping to have a possible spot in the administration if McCain were to somehow pull enough Democrats to his side to pull off a victory. You know? Since he’s not going to be getting conservative votes.
There’s also the underlying a$$ kissing factor, with the knowledge that someone will be asked to run in the VP slot.
They’re simply looking out for their own careers. But don’t let that stop you from being fooled once again. It seems to be an easy accomplishment these days.
Gregor on February 8, 2008 at 5:54 PM
That’s good to know. It’s so fitting, ya know.
TX Mom on February 8, 2008 at 5:55 PM
SECOND LOOK AT DISAGREEING WITH CSDEVEN’S AND TOMMYLOTTO’S OPINION OF FRED’S INTEGRITY!
Mike H on February 8, 2008 at 5:55 PM
Fred stated last year that he would support the Republican nominee no matter who it was, that decision has been now been made, so his endorsement is in the mail.
News? Not really, an endorsement a month ago would have been news. The people who like to poke Fredheads with sticks will, no doubt, spin it as some sort of treachery.
ChrisM on February 8, 2008 at 5:56 PM
But Fred isn’t in power, and might actually gain more credibility with his constituency if he were to refrain from endorsing McCain. That is, unless he’s angling for that VP spot everyone said he was in it to win. But if that’s the case, he’s a little slow off the starting line (again).
Big S on February 8, 2008 at 5:57 PM
Think what you will of John McCain, but it’s highly doubtful he’d BS on that. Or even “stretch” the truth. And honestly, it really would not come as a surprise that teh Fred would endorse McCain. And with Bolton too…I’m really hoping (as always) that my conservative bretheren will come around in regards to the Mav.
I think President McCain will be good thing.
JetBoy on February 8, 2008 at 5:58 PM
Not this ‘head! McCain is conservative enough for 90 percent of the base. The 10 percenters will be trashing Fred as a sorry good for nothing lying liberal RINO before this thread is done. Just wait and see.
myamphibian on February 8, 2008 at 5:58 PM
Watch out for exploding heads.
ThePrez on February 8, 2008 at 5:58 PM
I’m not sure McCain should’ve been the one to spill the beans, but it makes sense. There’s a 99+% chance McCain will be the nominee, so Thompson got behind the assumed nominee, not necessarily the man. Everyone falls in line (if not in love) and there’s a clear road to November, something the Democrats might lack for quite some time. Good for him.
calbear on February 8, 2008 at 6:03 PM
Bah, I won’t trash Fred. Fred was my first choice, and I still may end up writing him in, knowing full well that it’s a throw away vote.
If Fred! is backing McCain it’s for the good of the Party. As a rep of the party he is doing what he thinks it will take to keep the party alive.
I however, am not representing, and so I don’t have to play nice, I can tell McCain to suck up and bust, and will.
E L Frederick (Sniper One) on February 8, 2008 at 6:03 PM
Exactly. I am sure Fred! told McCain that he would support the nominee of the republican party…which McCain translated into Fred! for McCain!!!
I miss teh Fred!
ihasurnominashun on February 8, 2008 at 6:03 PM
No, I just talked to Ferd, and he said, no, no, he told Johnny Mac that he was going to endorse the Cracker Barrel’s delicious biscuits and gravy, which apparently McCain somehow heard as “your presidential campaign”.
see-dubya on February 8, 2008 at 6:05 PM
At this point, people agreeing to back the party’s presumptive nominee is more like accepting a foregone conclusion than campaigning for McCain. These late “endorsements” or declarations of support–made after the nomination is essentially a done deal–are not necessarily statements that John McCain is the best choice or that John McCain SHOULD be the nominee. Rather, they are statements to the rest of us that it’s time to suck it up and play the hand we’ve been dealt or get out of the way.
Stop tarring and feathering good conservatives for supporting the party’s nominee. It’s a valid choice, made in many cases out of a genuine desire for what these people believe is best for the country given a rotten set of choices, and it does NOT turn people like Cornyn, Bolton, or Thompson into RINOS-by-association or dirty rotten traitors to the cause of conservatism. Maybe as a former Fred supporter I’ve had longer than some of you to get over my discomfiture about the outcome of this primary and work my way around to pragmatism. The Romney folks are still reeling from the blow–I understand. It takes awhile to get over the sense of frustration and betrayal.
I don’t want to vote for McCain, but he IS better than a Democrat. Just barely, but he is. So I’ll suck it up and vote for him in November (assuming his runningmate isn’t Satan, that is).
aero on February 8, 2008 at 6:05 PM
Seriously, though. The Dole thing.
see-dubya on February 8, 2008 at 6:07 PM
Path of least resistance.
Speakup on February 8, 2008 at 6:08 PM
I’m still having to point out that voters have just overwhelmingly defeated all the candidates who ran as conservatives. Fred’s not stupid. Neither is Romney. Why do you think Romney has already made comments suggesting he’ll need to move back to the left to win?
All you McCain voters are to thank for that. All you Huckabee supporters are to thank for that. Good job.
Thompson, Romney, Tancredo, Hunter all see the writing on the wall. The GOP is no longer controlled by conservatives, and it’s about to be the minority in every branch of government. If they want to continue their careers … they’ve been told their going to have to join the rest of the Party in moving left.
Congratulations voters!
What’s worse is seeing all the comments on these threads that indicate that Republicans still don’t get it. They aren’t paying attention. Instead of realizing the mistake and correcting it by telling the GOP it’s not acceptable, they’re about to make it even worse by turning around and voting to reward the leader of that move to the left. Way to send the message.
Gregor on February 8, 2008 at 6:08 PM
It wouldn’t surprise me if Bolton and Thompson throw in for McCain in the interest of national security and party unity.
But I do think an endorsement should come from the individuals themselves.
Captain America on February 8, 2008 at 6:10 PM
Shhhh! Please aero, DON’T give them any more ideas on constituencies to court in order to expand “the big tent”!
Deety on February 8, 2008 at 6:12 PM
AFter CPAC, I’m more convinced than ever that McCain is NOT A LIBERAL.
He just a careerist chancer. He adopted those Liberal positions for strategic reasons.
Upshot? I’d be more inclined to support a political grifter motivated by greed, than a liberal who sincerely believed that crap about the environment, torture & immigration.
uptight on February 8, 2008 at 6:13 PM
And they will.
As a Fredhead, I will remain firmly to the See-Dubya camp for a while.
ChrisM on February 8, 2008 at 6:14 PM
Considering that McCain’s campaign seems to have been spreading the false rumor that Fred was going to drop out and endorse McCain right after Iowa, this has no credibility.
someone on February 8, 2008 at 6:15 PM
I’ll wait until Fred himself says it. I think there is a damn good reason he’s not said it himself.
MadisonConservative on February 8, 2008 at 6:16 PM
So, when McCain regulates the internet; does Allahpundit have a job that really qualifies as a Journalist; or is he gonna have to stop all political posting near an election to avoid McCain’s CFR love, and new FEC control from getting him the 6 figure fines for “illegal issue advocacy”?
Since we’re all so looking forward to McCain, lets start asking the new questions. When McCain continues his assault on the First Amendment after being given a bigger gun and some better ammunition; who does he shoot first?
gekkobear on February 8, 2008 at 6:16 PM
Hey, I was a Rudy supporter first, who went to McCain after he dropped out. I’m pretty moderate on most issues, actually, and would not be considered “a conservative” by most on this thread. If not for candidates like McCain and Giuliani (and Clinton and Obama, but for different reasons), I might not have a real desire to vote Republican in the first place. In the end, conservative have a lot of convincing to do before they reach a majority of voters with their message. Until then, they’ll just have to put up with voters like myself who register Republican because we like certain candidates and want to vote for them. So yeah, go ahead and blame me.
Big S on February 8, 2008 at 6:17 PM
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Good one. HEY! Did you hear that it turns out Barry Bonds really didn’t do roids?
He just wanted the pitchers to fear him.
Gregor on February 8, 2008 at 6:18 PM
I do not care if Allah himself endorses the liberal McCain, I will not support McCain, no how.
Zorro on February 8, 2008 at 6:18 PM
Maybe this how Fred gives a half-hearted endorsement; he’ll verify it when asked, but won’t do the fake-smile, arm-in-arm photo op for John.
I agree, though; national security is the sole reason Fred! would do this.
michaelo on February 8, 2008 at 6:20 PM
I see no reason for McCain to be making this up. First of all, it’ll get a bunch of attention, and if he’s lying Fred will make that clear.
Second of all, Fred’s been a friend of McCain for years. They served in the Senate together, and both worked on McCain-Feingold.
Third, McCain is the nominee. Fred had said he’d support the nominee.
amerpundit on February 8, 2008 at 6:23 PM
Big S–
Speaking only for myself here, I don’t have a problem with anyone supporting McCain because he’s the guy you like. Hey, glad to call you brother and welcome to the GOP. My problem is with
A: McCain himself and his coterie of Geraldopublican politicians and media enablers who are contemptuous of conservatives, and
B: Pundits and otherwise who are leaning on us to fall in line now and calling us irrational crybabies because we’re not faking an orgasm over the prospect of a McCain presidency.
see-dubya on February 8, 2008 at 6:24 PM
Yep. it is a mystery to me why anyone’s endorsement should influence anyone else how to vote. Never have understood that. Never have understood why so many HA posters were so intent in finding out who Bryan or AP supported. Who cares? Same for Coulter, Rush, Hannity, Bolton, Fred or Rudy. Think things through for yourselves, for Cripe’s sake. Fred or Bolton won’t make my decision for me. If McCain wants to dump Juan Hernandez, make an iron clad committment to enforce laws, commit to rescinding CFR and not signing McCain-Kennedy, even if it comes to his desk,..then I’ll reconsider. The candidate’s positions should be a lot more important than an endorsement. None of us know why endorsements get made,..but if you think quid pro quo isn’t involved, then you should let endorsements drive your decisions.
And, the lesser of two evils is just death by a thousand cuts. We already have that.
a capella on February 8, 2008 at 6:24 PM
If Fred were to be the VP for McCain, I just might reconsider supporting him. It would take a backroom deal like that for me to even think about it. Not unlike the one JFK made with the Dixiecrats in 1960 (which all of you are too young to remember) in taking on Lyndon Johnson as a running mate. And it’s not as if those two players were bosom buddies either. But they made it work — sort of.
Thompson is a solid conservative with genuine Federalist convictions, something McCain desperately needs in his back pocket if he’s going to win over the conservative base of the party.
And, with any luck, Ann Coulter.
manwithblackhat on February 8, 2008 at 6:25 PM
We have a lot of convincing to do? No, see? We’re not fake. We stand by our beliefs. We’re not going to pretend we’re something we’re not in order to “convince” you to vote for us. That’s the entire point. We stand for something. We aren’t willing to get on our knees and s*ck someone off for a win. Especially someone who spent the last couple of years telling us all to go to Hell.
So in the meantime, you’ll need to accept the losses over the next 20 years, and we’ll be forced to join you, but at least we’ll be able to look in the mirror the next morning without unstrapping those knee pads.
Gregor on February 8, 2008 at 6:25 PM
Living in NC and having our primaries in May, I have been left without a vote for my candidate. At first it was for Fred, then Mitt. Now that my vote means nothing for the conservative movement and the R candidate has been picked, I’m thinking of registrating as a D and voting agianst Billary in the primary. The did it to us, fair is fair. I can vote anyway I want in the general.
Les in NC on February 8, 2008 at 6:26 PM
Should be they did it to us. Sorry.
Les in NC on February 8, 2008 at 6:29 PM
Bad idea. There’s no reason to change to D. You can vote for Obama as a Republican, and at the same time you’ll have the ability to vote against any RINOs on the Republican ticket at the lower levels. This way, you’re able to effect both Parties in a positive way.
Gregor on February 8, 2008 at 6:30 PM
No Republican who endorses McCain will ever have a shot at becoming President in the future.
A future Republican President will need to run against the legacy McCain leaves, if McCain manages to get himself elected. Such a future candidate, who endorsed McCain back in 08, wouldn’t be taken seriously since there is no mystery about what McCain will do as President.
This situation can present itself in as little as four years if McCain decided to pack it in.
Buddahpundit on February 8, 2008 at 6:30 PM
Fred had a plan, why waste money on campaigning? Sooner or later, McCain is going to have a dean moment. It will happen before the convention. All the delegates will realize we can’t have McCain as POTUS. There is a meeting and a deal is brokered. Thompson/Romney ’08. McCain will be given a minor cabinet position(economics?). Huckabee and Paul get a tootsie roll pop and a bus ticket home. Chuck Norris goes back to making home gym commercials.
Why yes, I am on medication, why do you ask?
conservativegrandma on February 8, 2008 at 6:30 PM
I was told by the board of elections that I had to register as a D to vote in the democratic primary but I will research more. Thanks for the idea!
Les in NC on February 8, 2008 at 6:33 PM
see-dubya,
I understand where you’re coming from, but disagree on your conclusions. I don’t think McCain is necessarily contemptuous of conservatives, I think he holds contempt for those who work against him, no matter where they’re coming from. The spotlight, understandably, is on issues where he has gone against conservatives; however, where he has been with conservatives, he has been just as strong a fighter for their ideals. I know McCain was a Navy pilot, but perhaps he should have been a Marine (“no better friend, no worse enemy”). With that in mind, I interpret the pundits’ calls to fall in line as a recognition that it’s worth having a strong advocate half of the time, rather than fighting against someone who disagrees with you nearly all of the time. Speaking for myself, I would not go so far as to call principled opposition to McCain on many issues “irrational”, but would reserve that term for the kind of thinking that insists upon equating McCain’s record with that of Hillary Clinton.
Big S on February 8, 2008 at 6:33 PM
Fred is in line for the VP slot.
I am afraid we Fredheads may have been taken for a ride by a stalking horse.
Sammy316 on February 8, 2008 at 6:36 PM
lol. And I’m not staying home, I’m writing in “Thomas Jefferson.”
bigbeas on February 8, 2008 at 6:36 PM
Um, dude, I’m saying that conservatives have to convince others that their ideals are correct, if they want to have a conservative (as defined on sites like this) majority in this country.
Big S on February 8, 2008 at 6:37 PM
Not staying home, just not voting for McCain. It’s time for a second look at Obama (been looking at McCain long enough and the stink of the spineless Republican party is about to get cleaned out whether they go willingly or not).
TOPV on February 8, 2008 at 6:43 PM
I’ve been one to say McCain would NEVER EVER get my vote, especially after he caused me to write and call my senators last summer so many, many, many times, then tried to slip amnesty through in the dark of night. I am one who usually sticks to my guns and beliefs but not at the cost it would be to our Country, our people and the world. The alternative would be a NIGHTMARE come true. McCain is a bitter pill to swallow but sweet as Tupelo Honey compared to Hillary or Obama. I will vote for John McCain the RINO and I hope Laura and Rush and all the rest of you give him your vote also. Live to fight another day. Don’t let the NIGHTMARE happen, no matter what kind of message you think it MIGHT send.
abinitioadinfinitum on February 8, 2008 at 6:43 PM
That’s a great idea! I was going to leave the top of the ballot blank.
Zorro on February 8, 2008 at 6:43 PM
We have to convince others that honor, integrity, honesty, morality, rule of law, being responsible for your own actions, and having self respect are correct?
It’s sad that some people lack the ability to figure this out by themselves.
Gregor on February 8, 2008 at 6:44 PM
That’s very true, and it’s something we’ve been letting slide.
I was gonna do a long post about this some day, but the short version is this: we’ve been fighting the war and worried about terrorists and very little else. We’ve had to make compromises (e.g. looking the other way while congresscritters porkbarrel away) and spend political capital to keep the country focused on the war, and the bigger ideals we believed in in 2000 got shoved aside. We’ve brought a lot of anti-Islamofascist voters into the party, but we haven’t done as good a job of selling conservatism as a good and right blueprint for ordering the country.
So who do we get for a nominee? The guy who is a conservative on the war only.
see-dubya on February 8, 2008 at 6:47 PM
What upsets me the most is that, once again, I will be voting for the lessor of two evils. Just once, I want to vote FOR someone, not AGAINST someone.
Good Allah! Is this the best this country has to offer?
PappaMac on February 8, 2008 at 6:48 PM
Conservatives do not hold a monopoly on these qualities; they have different ideas of what each entails than moderates, liberals, and anyone else. So yes, you will have to convince others that your version of morality, the rule of law, and the rest of it is the right way to go.
Big S on February 8, 2008 at 6:48 PM
There won’t be “another day.” If McCain should win the Presidency, you’ll never see another candidate running on conservative principles. You’ll never see another candidate dare to run on border security. What you’re doing is telling them that it’s not what the people want.
Don’t think they’re not paying attention to the results.
The ONLY way you’ll have “another day” to fight … will be if McCain gets embarrassed by conservatives refusing to vote for a liberal fraud.
Gregor on February 8, 2008 at 6:49 PM
I actually think McCain has painted himself into a corner this time, with the statements he made in his speech yesterday. I have never really cared if he considers it a “damn” fence or not, as long as it’s a fence, and it gets built. He said he would stop the earmarks and keep the tax cuts as well as a host of other conservative stuff. So, does he get himself elected (not that I think he can) and then go all mavericky on everybody? Not with a hope of a second term, and I cannot believe anyone would intentionally run for 1 term as POTUS.
ChrisM on February 8, 2008 at 6:50 PM
Fred always said he’d support the Republican nominee. Now that we know it’s going to be McCain, it sounds like he’s keeping his word.
Hollowpoint on February 8, 2008 at 6:50 PM
Just keep taking them, okay? No sense taking any chances.
manwithblackhat on February 8, 2008 at 6:51 PM
You’re exactly right and there’s a reason you’re having to repeat the same cycle over and over. It’s because candidates are well aware that you WILL do exactly that. The GOP has learned that we’re a bunch of sissies who won’t stand up and fight. We’re proving it to them again, and it will continue to get worse instead of better until we finally learn.
Gregor on February 8, 2008 at 6:51 PM
LOL Grandma!
Good Idea, but then you will not be able to vote for Mayor Pat. We need a strong conservative in the Guvs Mansion.
myamphibian on February 8, 2008 at 6:53 PM
I think a lot of that is correct, but I don’t think that’s abnormal. You can count me as one of those anti-Islamofascist voters, as well as an anti-Communist voter who found a great deal of appeal in Reagan for that reason.
One thing your analysis didn’t mention is the play that Democrats have made on culturally/morally conservative but anti-war and pro-union voters since after Bush’s reelection. Many of these types are drawn to candidates like Obama, who speak eloquently with religious overtones. I think 9/11 and the war have fundamentally altered the makeup of the two parties a lot more than many people yet realize.
Big S on February 8, 2008 at 6:57 PM
McCain wouldn’t lie about this would he. After all he is our liar not the other sides liar.
I will wait for the video.
tarpon on February 8, 2008 at 6:59 PM
Look, Fred is the only one out there who can bring all conservatives together.
I really don’t understand this new found love for Romney. He has zero principles and will say whatever he thinks you want to hear. If you want to vote for someone like that, support Hillary.
McCain is not a great choice, but having Fred on the ticket makes it a lot better. They’ve got my wholehearted support.
If it’s Romney, I’ll hold my nose and vote for them.
If it’s Huckabee, I’m skipping the presidential vote.
bigred on February 8, 2008 at 7:04 PM
I think you are absolutely correct.
Spirit of 1776 on February 8, 2008 at 7:05 PM
Not sure two old white men with a recent history of cancer is really that great a seller.
EJDolbow on February 8, 2008 at 7:07 PM
I don’t know why anyone would be surprised about Fred. Even after most of his campaign turned to Romney, he did not and did nothing to stop Huckabee in Fred’s home state of Tennessee. That should have been clue enough, IMHO. The unfortunate thing is that no one told Romney that no amount of money, nor a perfect campaign, was going to make a difference. The Republican leadeship/establishment/elites and media had made McCain the only choice from the git go.
Pal2Pal on February 8, 2008 at 7:07 PM
You act as if there is some wizard that waves a magic wand and pulls candidates out his butt. I’ve been following politics for 25 plus years and have yet to hear a single politician say he would ignore the other side of the aisle and fight to defeat every single one of their ideas in the name of advancing the fringe extreme of his party’s ideology.
Why don’t you try it? Last time I checked, the office is open to any American born citizen.
myamphibian on February 8, 2008 at 7:09 PM
If Bush were able to run again, do you think he would win?
Why does everyone expect a Dem. landslide in Congress this year, when their approval ratings are worse than Bush’s. We cannot stay home in Nov., when we have a good chance of picking up seats, the only way we lose more seats in congress is if the Dems. out vote us 2 to 1.
P.S. It looks like we have a damn good shot at picking up one in (believe it or not) Oregon, Hoooey just announced she’s not running this year, in a semi-rural district, and the Republican is a rock solid fiscal conservative.
ChrisM on February 8, 2008 at 7:12 PM
Aww, Gregor… How can you convince us that letting Hillary or Hussein run the country is “sending” a message? There is just no way around it, as far as I can tell.
Here’s my train of thought:
1) I don’t want any active duty military personnel to salute Madame President Clinton or President Hussein…
2) I don’t think Obama or Clinton 2.0 has a “better” immigration plan than McVain (think drivers licenses for illegals)…
3) We can still fight McVain with our House and Senate, and we still have phones to shut down the switchboards…
4) McVain is STILL going to look like a grown-up compared to the Dems…
5) No Democrats in either house object to insulting the Marines as “unwelcome invaders” and a seditious attempt to keep them from recruiting in a US city? (from Bryan’s post on Berkeley)
So, the way I see it, the R is better than nothing, even if it represents R I N O.
Califemme on February 8, 2008 at 7:13 PM
Yes, it has shown us how unserious/unsubstantive both have become.
This couldn’t all be made up in fiction, no way.
Entelechy on February 8, 2008 at 7:13 PM
Have you been in a coma since Feb 4th? It’s over dude- we know who the nominee is going to be.
Hollowpoint on February 8, 2008 at 7:14 PM
I’ll take this opportunity to pimp Giuliani one more time. You’ve all seen it before, but start at 2:50 or so.
Big S on February 8, 2008 at 7:22 PM
McCain seems to be living on “presumed” endorsements.
I think if Thompson really wanted to endorse McCain, he would have done so himself.
Some have said that President Bush’s quote this afternoon of “soon we’ll have a nominee who will carry a conservative banner into this election and beyond” is an implicit endorsement of McCain.
Really? Two questions:
1)Why did he say “soon we’ll have” instead of “we have”?
2)Does anyone really think McCain has ever or will ever “carry a conservative banner”?
McCain, if anything, is the moderate standard-bearer, not the conservative standard-bearer.
After Huckabee speaks at CPAC on Saturday, expect to see several “SECOND LOOK AT HUCKABEE” comments here on HotAir. Huckabee will be the one to “carry a conservative banner into this election and beyond.”
Who do you want nominating multiple Supreme Court Justices in the next four years:
1) The man most likely to appoint more in the mold of Thomas, Scalia, Roberts, and Alito? (Huckabee)
2) The leader of the Gang of 14 who referred to Alito as “Too Conservative“? (McCain)
3) The wife of the man who appointed Ginsberg? (Clinton)
4) The most liberal senator in 2007? (Obama)
I think the choice is clear, no matter how much you may personally dislike Huckabee.
You want more Souters? Vote for McCain.
You want more like Thomas, Scalia, Roberts, and Alito? Vote for Huckabee.
Huckabee was not my first choice. Fred was. I’d actually like to see it be a Thompson/Huckabee ticket rather than a Huckabee/Thompson ticket, but it won’t be. Huck will get it to a brokered convention. From now till then he will win a majority of the delegates, and when the decision is made at the convention, it will go to the man who won the “head to head” contest that begins only now that Romney is out. Huck was not my first choice, but he is our best choice now.
ITookTheRedPill on February 8, 2008 at 7:27 PM
I’ll tell you what. If he were able to run again, I would vote for him a second over McCain.
I know he didn’t mean to do it, but we got Roberts and Alito + ban on partial birth abortion (the 2 reasons I wanted him to run in the first place).
SimplyKimberly on February 8, 2008 at 7:28 PM
Until I hear Fred! say it himself I don’t buy it.
HebrewToYou on February 8, 2008 at 7:29 PM
In a word, yes.
As a person not known as a Fred advocate, I must say this: the disbelief isn’t about Fred; it’s about McCain.
baldilocks on February 8, 2008 at 7:30 PM
Bingo.
HebrewToYou on February 8, 2008 at 7:35 PM
McCain seems to be living on “presumed” endorsements (First Bush, now Thompson).
I think if Thompson really wanted to endorse McCain, he would have done so himself.
Some have said that President Bush’s quote this afternoon of “soon we’ll have a nominee who will carry a conservative banner into this election and beyond” is an implicit endorsement of McCain. Really? Two questions:
1)Why did he say “soon we’ll have” instead of “we have”?
2)Does anyone really think McCain has ever or will ever “carry a conservative banner”?
McCain, if anything, is the moderate standard-bearer, not the conservative standard-bearer.
After Huckabee speaks at CPAC on Saturday, expect to see “SECOND LOOK AT HUCKABEE” comments here on HotAir. Huckabee will be the one to “carry a conservative banner into this election and beyond.”
Who do you want nominating multiple Supreme Court Justices in the next four years:
1) The man most likely to appoint more in the mold of Thomas, Scalia, Roberts, and Alito? (Huckabee)
2) The leader of the Gang of 14 who referred to Alito as “Too Conservative“? (McCain)
3) The wife of the man who appointed Ginsberg? (Clinton)
4) The most liberal senator in 2007? (Obama)
I think the choice is clear, no matter how much you may personally dislike Huckabee.
You want more Souters? Vote for McCain.
You want more like Thomas, Scalia, Roberts, and Alito? Vote for Huckabee.
Huckabee was not my first choice. Fred was. I’d actually like to see it be a Thompson/Huckabee ticket rather than a Huckabee/Thompson ticket, but it won’t be.
Huck will get it to a brokered convention. From now till then he will win a majority of the delegates, and when the decision is made at the convention, it will go to the man who won the “head to head” contest that begins only now that Romney is out. Huck was not my first choice, but he is our best choice now.
ITookTheRedPill on February 8, 2008 at 7:35 PM
Thanks, Baldi!
see-dubya on February 8, 2008 at 7:37 PM
All I can say is at least one vote was cast for Fred in the Washington state primary.
wccawa on February 8, 2008 at 7:39 PM
Wake Fred and ask him.
profitsbeard on February 8, 2008 at 7:42 PM
1) “he didn’t mean to do it”? Are you insane? Those were all very intentional, and all things he promised to do when he was campaigning.
2) Huckabee is the closest you are going to get for a “third Bush term” (for good and for bad). He’s no Reagan Republican, but he is a Bush Republican. And yes, I am aware that not everyone thinks “Bush Republican” is a good thing, but look at how loved and welcomed President Bush was at CPAC.
ITookTheRedPill on February 8, 2008 at 7:43 PM
Sorry for the double post. The first one didn’t seem to go through.
ITookTheRedPill on February 8, 2008 at 7:45 PM
Links slow them down. Sometimes it takes a few minutes.
Big S on February 8, 2008 at 7:46 PM
I’m sorry, but I prefer McCain to Huckabee. And I think I have made myself quiet clear on McCain.
The Huckster is a pro-life Jimmy Carter. No thanks.
SimplyKimberly on February 8, 2008 at 7:49 PM
quiet = quite
I should really proof before I post.
SimplyKimberly on February 8, 2008 at 7:52 PM
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