McCain slowly building the GOP coalition — and more
posted at 7:54 am on April 17, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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While the two Democrats race to the Left in their interminable primary campaign, John McCain has quietly begun convincing Republicans that had felt disaffected from his campaign to rally to his banner. Even more significantly, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton may be doing McCain’s work for him. McCain has begun attracting what looks a lot like the old Reagan coalition as the Democrats appear ready to run the most liberal candidate since George McGovern against him:
Republicans are no longer underdogs in the race for the White House. To pull that off, John McCain has attracted disgruntled GOP voters, independents and even some moderate Democrats who shunned his party last fall.
Partly thanks to an increasingly likable image, the Republican presidential candidate has pulled even with the two Democrats still brawling for their party’s nomination, according to an Associated Press-Yahoo news poll released Thursday. Just five months ago — before either party had winnowed its field — the survey showed people preferred sending an unnamed Democrat over a Republican to the White House by 13 percentage points. …
By tracking the same group of roughly 2,000 people throughout the campaign, the AP-Yahoo poll can gauge how individual views are evolving. What’s clear is that some Republican-leaning voters who backed Bush in 2004 but lost enthusiasm for him are returning to the GOP fold _ along with a smaller but significant number of Democrats who have come to dislike their party’s two contenders.
The findings of the survey, conducted by Knowledge Networks, provide a preview of one of this fall’s battlegrounds. Though some unhappy Republicans will doubtless stay with McCain, both groups are teeming with centrist swing voters who will be targeted by both parties.
That last sentence has already been proven wrong. The Democrats stopped targeting centrist voters months ago. When John Edwards exited the race, Hillary dropped her appeals to the center and took up where Edwards left off. The policy differences between Hillary and Obama have all but disappeared, with both candidates offering up populism by the pound as they campaign through the Rust Belt for the final lap of the primaries.
That leaves a lot of field for McCain, who has a much clearer claim on centrists and independents than either Democrat. He has a long history of working towards the center and an actual legislative record that shows it, something neither Democrat can claim. McCain has taken personal risks and earned the animosity of his own party — and for good reasons at times — in doing so. Neither of the Democrats has even voted outside their party line more than a slight percentage, let alone authored significant bills on controversial topics. Obama voted with his party 97% of the time, after discounting the 39% of the votes he missed in this session of Congress. Clinton also gets 97%. McCain: 88%, a number that might surprise Republicans.
That explains why McCain has gained ground in the center, but why on the Right? Conservatives have begun to consider the disaster of allowing either Obama or Hillary into the White House. In February, some floated the notion of losing as a means of winning, by having a Carter-style debacle as a new generation’s lesson on electing Democrats. However, as both Democrats have run more and more to the populist Left, conservatives have started considering the effect on the judiciary and on the economy that either Democrat will have, especially if the Democrats hold Congress. Obama and Hillary turn out to be the most effective argument for McCain on the Right.
Last night’s debate will only magnify these trends. As long as Obama and Hillary try to out-Edwards each other on the campaign trail, McCain will look like the voice of reason and rationality.
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“… conservatives have started considering the effect on the judiciary and on the economy that either Democrat will have …”
And even more so, the devastating effect it would have on the war against global jihad.
Tony737 on April 17, 2008 at 8:04 AM
McCain looks best like the voice of reason and rationality when he isn’t actually talking. Since he has been largely silent of late, he is looking better. He looks like the kindly Emperor Franz Josef whose mere presence lends confidence that the country is still safe and secure. In person, he’s often snarling and contemptuous and a whole bunch of other things. He’s another candidate, imo, who does best when his true nature is hidden.
JiangxiDad on April 17, 2008 at 8:08 AM
Here’s your evidence that McCain is winning over the conservative base from the linked article:
These don’t sound like conservatives to me. The source is the AP who, like McCain, could never wrap their minds around limited government Reaganism. McCain has a very long way to go to win over anything but self-deluded conservatives.
Valiant on April 17, 2008 at 8:11 AM
Oy, that’s what I’ve been saying for months and months. To simply “allow” Obama or Hillary to reign for a term (or two) so that the GOP will “have to” accept conservatives is unacceptable. The ramifications of either Dem in the White House is too big a price to pay…for the sake of the nation.
Better late than never…Go Mac!
JetBoy on April 17, 2008 at 8:12 AM
These don’t sound like conservatives to me. The source is the AP who, like McCain, could never wrap their minds around limited government Reaganism. McCain has a very long way to go to win over anything but self-deluded conservatives.
rplat on April 17, 2008 at 8:15 AM
Lovely. Thus, McShamnesty won’t have to worry about conservative, won’t have to listen to conservatives, won’t give a rat’s ass about conservatives.
But you can BET he’ll worry about moderates and liberals, listen to moderates and liberals, and care about what they want.
Is it really better to get amnesty, a recession, a liberal Supreme Court, and a permanent minority status under a RINO than it is a Dhim?
Darksean on April 17, 2008 at 8:18 AM
With all due respect, McCain is a liberal dolt. And a mentally unstable one at that.
Valiant on April 17, 2008 at 8:19 AM
He had me at…hello?! Who else is pro-life, conservative enough and a war hero. Not the other two, that’s a fact.
deedledee on April 17, 2008 at 8:19 AM
McCain has problems, but if you’re looking for a perfect candidate, just go ahead and do yourself a favor and vote for yourself.
Nevertheless, here comes the parade of so-called “true” conservatives who, in their quest for ideological purity, give Kos Kidz a run for their money.
amkun on April 17, 2008 at 8:20 AM
Care to explain why Hussein is getting more popular every day in spite of all the scandals surrounding him?
The answer is:
People don’t care anymore. They locked their vote on the empty-suit.
McCain can try, but it’s over.
Indy Conservative on April 17, 2008 at 8:22 AM
Wrong.
I am a long standing, hard core, non-delusional conservative and McCain has my vote and the votes of all my conservative friends. It’s time to stop whining and get behind a candidate that can beat either of these liberal dolts . . . and McCain can do just that.
rplat on April 17, 2008 at 8:15 AM
Dittos…….
Life is a series of choices; all have consequences. The dynamics driving my choices this election:
1> Winning the war on global terrorism.
2> SC selections.
3> Defeating Liberalism (the enemy within).
4> Lowering taxes.
5> Death to the death tax!
Neither Obama or Clinton will do a thing for me with my own personal issues. That leaves McCain as my best option (choice).
Keemo on April 17, 2008 at 8:22 AM
Just so I understand you…you are saying that if we deign to not fall into mindless lockstep with Juan, that if we actually try to adhere to our principles, that we are somehow immediately and irrevocably on par with the rabble of the far far left?
Gotcha.
Darksean on April 17, 2008 at 8:23 AM
Count me in that group that considers the alternative to Mac too high to pay. Esp if Bambi is the nominee. He’ll get both the public and legislators rallied around his causes in a way that Hillary or even McCain never could. Get McCain in, support him when he’s right, fight like hell when he’s not.
bikermailman on April 17, 2008 at 8:24 AM
Besides, the first one, I don’t see any proof McShamnesty will vote the right way on any of the others (maybe the death tax). I mean, there’s no evidence to suggest he’ll appoint constructionist judges and he’s famous for ‘crossing the aisle’ (read: giving libs what they want in the name of bipartisanship). McCain will never even try to defeat liberalism because there’s too much of it in him. I severely doubt he will hold any sort of line on taxes, taking a populist vision of them until VERY recently (and unconvincingly). In the meantime, he’ll close Gitmo and give terrrorists American rights. He’ll grant amnesty to 20 million, driving our country into the sewer. He’ll infect the economy with global warming hysteria.
Yum!
Darksean on April 17, 2008 at 8:27 AM
I’m gonna tell you exactly hot it’s gonna be:
A. Everybody and his uncle will “line up” behind McCain and forget his leftism just because his party affiliation.
B. (if) McCain will win and screw his base as he always does, without regrets and in spectacular manner.
C. You will all cry like babies and regret putting your resources at his disposal.
Aristotle on April 17, 2008 at 8:29 AM
Truly, I don’t get why this is threatening. These “true” conservatives, at worst, will just sit home. They are not going to vote for a Dem, and they aren’t going to change many minds. They are merely going to provide a wall for McCain to butt up against so that he understands the nature of the box that he gets to operate within. That’s a legitimate function to perform. If he wants to win the Presidency, like anyone else, he has to navigate carefully and recognize the concerns of the constituencies whose vote he’s seeking.
Frankly, the Dems are giving McCain every opportunity to win. There are thousands of avenues from which to attack them. If McCain loses, it won’t be because of disgruntled conservatives. It will be because he’s a terrible candidate– which in fact I don’t believe at all.
President McCain will be well-served by having conservative philosophy available to him. He’s somewhat challenged in that area.
JiangxiDad on April 17, 2008 at 8:30 AM
What proof do you have from McCain’s record that he will achieve any of those goals?
1. Closing Gitmo and putting terrorists in the liberal court system.
2. Gang of 14 to end-run any conservative SC nominations.
3. Reaching across the aisle on everything is not defeating liberalism.
4. Global climate change initiatives will dwarf any possible tax cut. (see #5)
5. McCain is for the death tax.
Don’t support this guy without anything in return!
Valiant on April 17, 2008 at 8:31 AM
Indy Conservative on April 17, 2008 at 8:22 AM
McCain will win this election by a huge margin.
Keemo on April 17, 2008 at 8:31 AM
Centrists win over radicals in general elections.
McCain has been more of a centrist than either of these two.
_Jon on April 17, 2008 at 8:33 AM
Operation Chaos!
Ropera on April 17, 2008 at 8:38 AM
Grossly exaggerating negative aspects of object-of-hatred’s character, threatening to boot others who are falling “into mindless lockstep” out of the club, putting words into the mouths of those who disagree, etc is pretty Kos-esque.
amkun on April 17, 2008 at 8:38 AM
Which election?
You lost me here.
Indy Conservative on April 17, 2008 at 8:38 AM
Like I said, life is a serious of choices. The consequences attached to Obama and Clinton are much to heavy of a price for my country to pay. I will not participate in that choice for any reason.
Keemo on April 17, 2008 at 8:39 AM
That’s exactly what he’s saying. It’s amazing you were able to tease it out of what he actually wrote cause it looks and sounds nothing like what you wrote, but you managed to do it. It’s almost like you have the KozKid superpowers of finding exactly what you want regardless of where you look. But we all know that isn’t the case because you’re a true, principled conservative like you said. You’re gonna get your amnesty by God, but it sure as hell ain’t comin’ with a fence or a win in Iraq cause you’ve got Principles.
Good luck with that Princess. Maybe Bob Barr and the Libertarians will let you join their cult, then at least you’ll have a reason to participate.
The Apologist on April 17, 2008 at 8:40 AM
“The policy differences between Hillary and Obama have all but disappeared, with both candidates offering up populism….”
Since when are reactionary leftist redistributionism and cut ‘n run plans “populism”?
N. O'Brain on April 17, 2008 at 8:41 AM
The all-or-nothing, pseudo-base hyper-fundamentalist wing of the GOP has spoken. Spoken w/o thinking, & without considering:
jgapinoy on April 17, 2008 at 8:42 AM
Indy Conservative on April 17, 2008 at 8:38 AM
I didn’t lose you Indy; that is a dynamic that only you can pull off. If you choose to sit out this election, or vote for the radical Liberal; this is a choice you will make and nothing I say will effect your decision. I honor your right to have that choice.
Keemo on April 17, 2008 at 8:42 AM
They still call McCain a liberal! No logic.
jgapinoy on April 17, 2008 at 8:42 AM
I’d rather have McCain in the White House then either Hillary or Obama… even if that’s like saying I’d rather have my wisdom teeth pulled than a root canal. I will not lend my vote to help the senior Senator; he is, along with Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee, one of the weakest candidates out of the early roster of nominees and a man who, by his own actions, is certainly not a conservative.
Jockolantern on April 17, 2008 at 8:44 AM
Just a guess here, but you “Anybody But McCain” faux-conservatives would have not voted for Ronald Reagan.
‘Cause he wasn’t a true conservative.
N. O'Brain on April 17, 2008 at 8:46 AM
Thanks for proving the point!!
Darksean on April 17, 2008 at 8:46 AM
Faux-conservatives?
Don’t flatter yourself.
Jockolantern on April 17, 2008 at 8:46 AM
And too those people I just addressed:
President Hillary Clinton.
President Barack Obama.
Thanks a lot.
N. O'Brain on April 17, 2008 at 8:47 AM
It’s nice to see that some people have high hopes, but there’s a difference between illusion and reality.
This election is over.
Hussein is the next president because the idiot voters want him. So no matter what you say about him negatively, it’s over.
You shouldn’t underestimate the stupidity of the American voter.
People want change:
1 - Kick the Republicans out of Office.
2 - Put a Black in the White House for political correctness and Affirmative Action purposes.
That’s what this election is all about.
It’s not about experience or ability to run a country.
If you can’t see that, then you’re not living reality.
And again, you are underestimating the idiocy of the American voter.
Indy Conservative on April 17, 2008 at 8:48 AM
How much trust can we put in an AP-Yahoo poll?
I’ll wait for the Reuters-BBC poll to come out.
Seriously, those who proclaimed that John McCain is not in the vein of an “ultra-conservative” and thought we could withstand four or eight years of liberal leadership to some how purge our “sins”, are finally coming to their senses.
The two most critical issues that will propel McCain to the White House are at the top of most Americans minds—-economics and national security. And the level of confidence the electorate has in either democratic candidate on these issues is plumeting as Clinton and Obama articulate their positions. McCain’s VP choice is still critical.
Rovin on April 17, 2008 at 8:49 AM
I NEVER leave my principles and core beliefs at home to go vote for a liberal in conservative’s clothes.
It’s betrayal. It’s hypocrisy. I don’t accept it from other people so why should I do it myself?
Indy Conservative on April 17, 2008 at 8:52 AM
Bingo.
Jockolantern on April 17, 2008 at 8:53 AM
Very good! All you have to do is ignore all of the evidence, & you get despair!
jgapinoy on April 17, 2008 at 8:53 AM
McCain is not a devout conservative, but he’s waaaay to the right of any liberal. Just call him moderately conservative. And call him Mr President.
jgapinoy on April 17, 2008 at 8:54 AM
Indeed. In my mind, that will determine whether I vote for him or don’t vote for president. If he can pick someone who is actually conservative on issues I could be convinced to hold my nose.
An NO, I don’t like the alternative. I raise my voice not to cause conservative principles to lose, but to have them be heard and hopefully respected by McCain. Isn’t that what I’m supposed to do, and about the only thing I can do since my right to vote for who I want to represent me was taken from me (I’m in PA)? To try to get McCain to come to the right?
The Shut-up and Get-in-line McCain sycophants aren’t helping the process. If conservatives are supposed to swallow this bitter pill, isn’t it also incumbent upon McCain supporters to listen and consider our views? Or does the deal-with-it only go one way? Great way to build a coalition…
Darksean on April 17, 2008 at 8:55 AM
Principles are one thing…aiding and abetting a socialist/liberal to the White House is another.
JetBoy on April 17, 2008 at 8:56 AM
Amen.
McCain’s got to get through the general election campaign before he gets to be president. Once the Dems have a candidate, McCain will no longer be a media darling. He is going to have to answer alot of tough questions, such as why is it that a big chunk of your own party doesn’t like you, and why do you want to lead a party that you almost left, and do you really think members of your own party are greedy bigots?
And I ask you, who do you think is going to run a tougher, more competitive campaign, the Democrats or McCain? He’s already said he think Hillary would make a good president. If he doesn’t fight and contrast, he’s going to look weak, not statesmanlike.
BigD on April 17, 2008 at 8:57 AM
So you all-or-nothing types would rather have a devout socialist than an occasionally maverick Republican?
jgapinoy on April 17, 2008 at 9:00 AM
WHAT? Just because I believe in the Rule of Law and the Sovereignty of our country… I’m a radical?!?!?!?
dominigan on April 17, 2008 at 9:02 AM
I’m one of those fellas compromising. This isn’t Kos or DU. Comparing what the YesMac/NoMac say to each other to the Kossacks is, to put it softly, laughable.
This YesMac/NoMac/HoldmynoseMac is the stuff that makes us a republic, and a damn good one at that. Just remember, whichever group you are in, while you are puffing out your chest your pocket protector is showing. It’s what keeps you from being a Kossack.
Limerick on April 17, 2008 at 9:05 AM
Don’t worry, my vote will not count.
As I said previously, Hussein’s voters are getting more numerous and they locked up their vote on him. And the more badly the media talk about him, the more voters he’s gaining.
I know, it doesn’t make sense to some of you.
Keep on hoping. Hope is nice.
But unless something extraordinary happens, like a divine intervention or a Bin Laden appearance on Times Square, I like to live in reality.
Indy Conservative on April 17, 2008 at 9:05 AM
Do you supporters know him?
Valiant on April 17, 2008 at 9:07 AM
I’d rather have a tried-and-true conservative as our nominee. Someone who represents our most strident values and understands that rock-ribbed conservatism is what can truly get this country back on the right (no pun intended) track. It’s disgusting to see the Republican party growing to accomodate someone who they know is not an embodiment of what our movement’s values hold closest.
I’m sick and tired of holding my nose for the “sake of the party” or for the sake of “not having a liberal in office.” We have three, count ‘em, three leftists running for the presidency this year. Two of them just happen to be hardcore socialists. The Democrat party certainly doesn’t settle for anything less than the farthest left candidate they can get… why on earth should we settle for less than the most conservative?
Darksean’s above post regarding all you McCain supporters’ ideas of “party unity” is spot on. Screw the party. I’m an American first, a Conservative second, and a Republican… third, fourth, fifth… maybe even dead last at this point in time.
Jockolantern on April 17, 2008 at 9:09 AM
McCain’s on double-secret probation with most conservatives now — they’ll vote for him because of the alternative, but (as seen in the comments) there’s already a group of “A poxon both your houses” conservatives who feel they’ve been burned too often and too long by McCain to pull the level in November.
That could change, if the polls are close in October and they have to decide if the risk of four years of Obama or Hillary’s liberal policies are worth being able to post “I told you so” on message boards in 2009 if McCain reverts back to his play-to-the-media ways. But there’s still 6 1/2 months to go for Obama or Clinton to say or do far worse things that would make the thought of their election even scarier than it is now.
On the other hand, there’s no question that both McCain and people in his campaign get some sort of contact high out of being loved inside the Beltway by the media types, so there’s no guarantee he or his aides won’t shoot off their mouths between now and November on something and cause a permanent estrangement with even more on the right (any sign his recent conversion on tax policy is just a sham would also have the same effect). So while the coalition is coming together, it’s even more fragile than the one set up by George W. Bush, where many conservatives thought he was going to do just what his father did and go back on his pledge not to raise taxes.
jon1979 on April 17, 2008 at 9:10 AM
McCain voting with his party 88% of the time is misleading. It reflects his entire senate career. His record of voting with his party over the past 5 years is in the 60’s.
Darksean on April 17, 2008 at 9:10 AM
Beer and brauts to you.
All it will take to crack the egg is Lindsey telling me to shut up. That is what I see as the whole cause of this rift.
Others will throw out MFG or the ‘Gang’, but it boils down to that damn fence and it’s meaning.
Limerick on April 17, 2008 at 9:15 AM
Well it looks like there isnt much of a choice is there? I will throw all the support I can muster behind McCain, the alternate is to horrifying to think about.
gator70 on April 17, 2008 at 9:17 AM
I checked Hillary and McCain’s missed votes for comparison…Hillary missed 29% of votes this session and McCain missed 57%. Geez. So, uhh, not a good line of attack for our side it seems.
CP on April 17, 2008 at 9:18 AM
Or as my Democratic wife says about McCain:
the drill sgt on April 17, 2008 at 9:19 AM
I’m an American first, a Conservative second, and a Republican… third, fourth, fifth… maybe even dead last at this point in time.
Couldn’t agree more. Better people than I have fought and died to give me the rights & freedoms that I enjoy today; the right to vote has come with a steep price. I will vote, and I will vote for the person I see as the best choice available for my county. I’m confident that when it comes time to step up to the plate, that most Americans will do the same.
McCain was not my choice as the man to represent the GOP, for all of the reasons outlined in the comments above. At the ripe age of 54, I have been faced with these type of decisions on a regular basis. Things don’t go exactly my way in my home, at work, and at the sports I play; oh well.
Keemo on April 17, 2008 at 9:21 AM
Spot on.
JiangxiDad on April 17, 2008 at 9:22 AM
I’m with you, but as jon1979 points out, there is always the terrible possibility that McCain could do/say something to actually further alienate conservatives. Let’s pray that doesn’t happen.
JiangxiDad on April 17, 2008 at 9:24 AM
No, McCain is not rebuilding the Reagan coalition. He’s remaking it into the McCain coalition.
Please don’t insult our intelligence.
spmat on April 17, 2008 at 9:30 AM
Exactly why I can’t get on the ‘dems are toast’ wagon. It is a hell of a long way to November. Johnny Mac is sure to trip over a rock between now and then. This self same ABC, that everyone is suddenly in love with here, will pounce like a lion.
Limerick on April 17, 2008 at 9:32 AM
yeah I’m a belt and suspenders guy too. But I’m allowing myself a five minute frivel before I get back to being a miserable old curmudgeon :)
JiangxiDad on April 17, 2008 at 9:36 AM
LOL. Looking forward to the Year of Smear.
Cheers.
Limerick on April 17, 2008 at 9:37 AM
Are you saying it would take another terror attack before you would consider voting for McCain? I’d much rather vote for the candidate that would best prevent another one.
JetBoy on April 17, 2008 at 9:40 AM
Don’t ever go there. That’s EXACTLY what the Kos Kids/Puff Hos were saying after 2000 and ‘04. If you want to piss off the majority of the electorate and ensure that no Republican ever gets into the White House for a generation, you’ll keep saying that.
Politics is a matter of compromise. If your favorite candidate isn’t nominated and you sit there and don’t vote because of it, then just get out of politics, period. Mac’s our choice, like it or not.
Badger in KC on April 17, 2008 at 9:45 AM
What part of “current” don’t you understand, Darksean?
jgapinoy on April 17, 2008 at 9:46 AM
I voted for Bob Dole back in the last century, but I don’t remember being quite so delusional about his chances as the McCain supporters.
It’s the Dems turn to run things.
alphie on April 17, 2008 at 9:47 AM
You’re absolutely right about that. What you fail to realize is that principles are not. Reagan proved that politics and principles could mesh indellibly and for the benefit of the country. McCain… proves that Republican is the new Democrat.
Jockolantern on April 17, 2008 at 9:49 AM
My apologies for not taking italics off my last post. Oooooooops.
Jockolantern on April 17, 2008 at 9:50 AM
I think he meant that in preferring ideological purity over compromised, but on balance positive results, (WOT, SC judges–he only has to pick one good one, right?), ideological right-wingers do resemble ideological left-wingers in a symmetrical way, yes.
This reminds me of the importance of Ralph Nader, in that he has no counterpart on the right. Hillary, for example, might be able to beat McCain if she would keep knocking back shots, and morph into a serious hawk on immigration in the general. Would she abandon her loony-lefties? Well, who would they vote for, McCain, a (gasp) Rethuglican? If it weren’t for Nader, Hillary could play that card, just as McCain is doing with the conservative wing of the Republican party. At this point, Nader is kind of like that pawn that you have sitting there next to your rook, protecting him from the other guy’s queen. You could almost forget why you put that pawn there, nonetheless it is doing important work just sitting there. Nader gives her left wing somebody else to vote for, so she can’t tack too far toward the center. Run Ralph run!
smellthecoffee on April 17, 2008 at 9:50 AM
Liberal Democrats are their own worst enemies. McCain doesn’t need to raise as much money as Obama/Clinton for the general election. The millions being spent by the DEMs right now are the best thing going for him. The snippets of elitist and vindictive rhetoric being spewed by the DEMs is McCain gold. I love it!!!
NuclearPhysicist on April 17, 2008 at 9:50 AM
What some call moving to the center, I call moving to the left, but I digress…
The 88% number which tells us how many times McCain voted with Republicans is rather meaningless. What matters is exactly what votes he chose to cross the aisle on, and how devastating the results. ANWR immediately comes to mind, and his vote was the deciding voice against drilling there.
This is a huge weakness for McCain since he cannot contrast his idiotic position with the Dems. He needs a mea culpa on this. Moreover, how can he support cutting gas taxes on the one hand while supporting a carbon tax at the same time? This makes zero sense, and he needs to rethink the carbon tax p.d.q.
Mitt needs to set Mac straight on these issues, and the best thing he can do is bring him on board.
Buy Danish on April 17, 2008 at 9:51 AM
No, I’m not saying that. I’m saying that probably the country will tilt to McCain a little bit after a terror attack, not me. It won’t make any difference as far as I’m concerned. I don’t vote for liberals, even if it’s my Pope.
Indy Conservative on April 17, 2008 at 9:57 AM
I heard McCain on the Mike Gallagher show a couple weeks ago talking about man-made global warming. The guy’s a true believer. Only difference is that he’s dressing up the same policies of the Democrats with pseudo-conservative buzz words.
As Rush says, “We’re screwed.”
I’m going to support McCain, but I won’t like it. Or him. And the only reason why I am is because of the alternative, which in the case of Obama is national suicide.
spmat on April 17, 2008 at 9:58 AM
Voters are idiots. There’s nothing wrong with telling the truth.
And for the second part of your post, I think Jockolantern on April 17, 2008 at 9:49 AM answered you, for me. Altough I think that once you stand on principles, politics should not be all about compromise.
Indy Conservative on April 17, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Good try. Not believable. Please try again tomorrow.
JiangxiDad on April 17, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Don’t feel badly. Being sane has some benefits too.
JiangxiDad on April 17, 2008 at 10:10 AM
So what, at this point, do you propose to do about it? Ronald Reagan is dead, and he ain’t coming back. Reagan, don’t forget, signed an amnesty deal. Reagan ran against an evangelical. Reagan wasn’t a lock-stock conservative.
McCain isn’t Reagan. No one is, no one will be. GET OVER IT. Right now, in 2008, if the GOP ran a hard-core conservative, we’d lose. That’s a fact, Jack. After 8 years of what the general public perceives as “conservatism” (even if we don’t), they’re not going to vote one in. Poll after poll shows that the people want “change” (however nebulous that is), and they’re not going to vote for a Bush clone. Or someone who could be easliy labeled as such. The Maverick cannot be called that, which is why he’s got the Dems terrified.
I understand the frustration of some that there isn’t a true conservative in this race, and I agree, but the political reality is the same. Not only that, what some may consider a “true conservative” isn’t necessarily what other GOPers would consider to be one. My dad thinks the Huckster is a “true conservative”, I think he’s an evangelical populist who would never represent me. But I’d still vote for him over the Messiah or Hillary. Not because I prefer party over country, but because he’d be the least objectionable candidate for me.
The fact is, the Maverick will represent our (conservatives) interests far, far better than either of the Democratic knuckleheads, and it’s foolish to complain about him being the nominee now. The people of the GOP has spoken. Mac’s the nominee. Now, let’s work to get him, and conservatives running for Congress, elected.
Badger in KC on April 17, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Thanks for insulting me, and everyone else on this board. We didn’t vote for your candidate, so we’re “idiots”. The GOP doesn’t need people who think like you. Go join Alan Keyes and the Constitution Party.
Badger in KC on April 17, 2008 at 10:16 AM
JiangxiDad,
Dole did get a few votes…it wasn’t a Clinton coronation back in ‘96.
alphie on April 17, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Republicans like McCain pay lip-service to the global warming cult for political purposes. They propose tactics for combating it that have no chance of being enacted any time soon. They pander to the “consensus” global warming crowd as a delaying tactic to allow more time for the global warming pseudo-science to be debunked by more objective scientific evidence. The process is slow, but it seems to be working. More scientists are coming forward each day with data that debunk the myths of man-made global warming consensus pseudo-science. So, as a scientist, I don’t spend to much time worrying about Republicans like McCain who pander to the global warming crowd.
NuclearPhysicist on April 17, 2008 at 10:28 AM
This is classic fearmongering.
This same candidate wants to handcuff our military’s interrogation techniques, grant amnesty to anybody who’s here illegally, leave the borders wide open, and close Gitmo.
So you have failed to make your case that he will prevent another attack.
You should have voted for Fred.
fossten on April 17, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Don’t get upset. How about the Hussein voters?
Happy now?
Indy Conservative on April 17, 2008 at 10:33 AM
Let’s just say I was suggesting Fred Thompson for POTUS long before anyone. A FredHead before there were FredHeads. But, obviously, it didn’t work out. And Fred has endorsed McCain.
Why can’t you?
JetBoy on April 17, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Hey McCain bashers! I’m about as conservative as they come and he’s by far not my first choice, but you really make us look like fools when you call him a liberal.
kongzilla on April 17, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Just to be clear, there is no such thing as “sitting out the election.” Everyone will be voting. If you don’t vote for McCain, than you are affirmatively voting for his far-left Democrat opponent. There is no neutral ground, and no option which allows you to escape from choosing one or the other.
As Rush says: “If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.”
Nosferightu on April 17, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Name one conservative McCain position. I didn’t think so.
Valiant on April 17, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Are you reading, Michelle?
its vintage duh on April 17, 2008 at 11:51 AM
How about a few? McCain’s against gun control, he’s pro-life, against gay marriage, and against new taxes.
Sounds pretty conservative to me…
JetBoy on April 17, 2008 at 11:59 AM
I’ll take a shot.
1) War in Iraq
2) Two-tier tax system
3) Global War on Terror
4) Personal integrity and honesty (shouldn’t be a conservative position, but turns out to be)
4a) Has since promised to build “the damn wall” first. He may be left leaning, but he’s not a liar.
5) Global War on Terror
6) Lower taxes - making the Bush tax cuts permanent
7) Global War on Terror
8) Healthcare
9) Global War on Terror
10) Trade
Of course, my priorities in this election are pretty clear.
And for someone who mentioned it earlier, yes he’s for limiting our military’s interrogation techniques as those are already limited. And have been for awhile. He is NOT for limiting the CIA’s techniques, or for discussing the CIA’s techniques, as has been shown by his opposition to legislation that tried to tie the hands of CIA interrogators.
apollyonbob on April 17, 2008 at 12:16 PM
How about the Reagan voters? How about the Lincoln voters? How about when Buckley said he’d rather be governed by the first 2000 names in the Boston phonebook than the faculty at Harvard?
Your sneering condescension of the electorate is pathetic.
Badger in KC on April 17, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Oh yeah, totally forgot gun control. Add that in there a few times.
He’s probably got a couple of social conservatives bona fides, but I could care less about those at this point.
apollyonbob on April 17, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Jockolantern,
“I’m sick and tired of holding my nose for the “sake of the party””
Then maybe you ought to try doing it for the “sake of your country.”
Or am I mistaken in thinking that that should be the primary goal here?
exhelodrvr on April 17, 2008 at 12:17 PM
All of these polls have a clear sampling bias in favor of liberal Democrats. And you notice that in the AP article none of the older interviewees mention a subject that’s on their minds but that they dare not say aloud: race. Factor in both the polling bias and the Bradley Effect, and I believe McCain is running 10 points ahead of both Democrats. I think each has a solid ceiling of about 40-45% of the popular vote–and each would lose a bloc of states that have voted Blue in the past. The Democrats have achieved the near-impossible; locked themselves into a bitter divisive civil war over two candidates weaker and more disliked than Dukakis or Carter.
As for McCain, the constant slanders against him on this site are pathetic. By comparison to the two clowns the Democrats have to offer–both of whom would be rubber-stamps for the most left-wing and idiotic Congress in modern history–McCain towers like a cross between Ronald Reagan and FDR. His best asset isn’t his ’silence’, but his natural sense of humor. If a genuine war hero with years of political experience can’t satisfy the wing-nuts here, then nobody can. I happen to totally disagree with his stance on immigration–but I can see now that he had to adopt it in order to get elected down the road. No candidate is ever gonna completely satisfy any voter, but I’m happy to put my trust in McCain. His veto is the only thing that stands between me and you and a 25% tax hike. And that will help the economy soooo much while we wait for a ‘genuine’ Conservative leader to be born.
Hope P. Muntz on April 17, 2008 at 12:42 PM
He has liberal positions on all of these items. Don’t look at what he says- watch what he does. He does not recognize that terrorism is rooted in radical Islamic teachings and will be tolerant as the current president is. Unlike the current president, he will close Gitmo and ban “torture” aka waterboarding while treating terrorism as a legal matter ala Clinton.
His integrity comes into question where he was going to divorce himself from the GOP not once, but twice, and denies today he was ever going to leave the party.
On taxes, as I pointed out above, he is for the death tax and voted against the Bush tax cuts and opposes making them permanent.
I’m not sure what the conservative position on trade is these days now that China owns us 20 times over.
For gun control and climate change, take a look at the McCain-Lieberman bills.
Valiant on April 17, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Don’t worry Karl and the VRWC have the next terror attack all plotted out. Just like they got George re-elected in 04. (That alien technology on how to melt steel from the Roswell crash didn’t hurt either.)
.
/sarc off
Simonsez on April 17, 2008 at 1:22 PM
I’m voting for McCain reluctantly, but if this an attempt to parallel Reagan & McCain it’s way off the mark.
Reagan had a history of understanding and opposing the liberal agenda. He dealt with and understood communism for years before he had a chance to do anything about it from the Oval Office. When he acted, those on the left considered his ideas dangerous. Over time, they had to come around and acknowledge the success of his long-term policies (wall fell, etc.)
McCain, by contrast, appears more interested in building bridges (gang of 14, amnesty, healthcare discussions with Hillary, global warming, etc.) with liberal Democrats than steadfastly opposing their agenda. All this despite the fact Reagan came into a liberal-dominated D.C. (followed Carter, had a Tip O’Neill congress) and McCain has a recent history of 8 years of a Republican administration, relatively recent Republican congressional majorities, etc.
He should be courting conservatives in this environment… if he’s a conservative himself.
I’ll vote for him. I don’t have to enjoy it.
cs89 on April 17, 2008 at 1:44 PM
Damn; yah cudda fooled me…!
J_Gocht on April 17, 2008 at 2:41 PM
If Hillary wouldn’t have sold out to the far left, she might be able to split the middle. She’s become as flaming a socialist/bordering Marxist as Obama. No diff.
Indy Conservative, you vote, or don’t vote. However, how can you not enjoy what’s goig on in the leftie field? You’re simply too depressed and you’re missing out on the Gladiator show of the century.
Also, Indy, Obama doesn’t have enough “dumb” voters for Nov. He has three constituencies: the far left, the young and dumb, and the very rich elite. The silent majority, the independents, and the sane middle will win this one. It might not be your conservative candidate (which doesn’t exist this year), but it won’t be Obama either.
Entelechy on April 17, 2008 at 3:23 PM
Real trouble with Vets; for St Mc here…!
J_Gocht on April 17, 2008 at 4:14 PM
if mccain can stop the spending and get our financial house in order, appoint consitutional judges, and bring himself to do something about illegal immigration that will not draw another 30 million into the nation then he will be the best of 3 bad choices. His view of the war is the right one. I do not agree with his previous views on immigration, freedom of speech nor his global warming crap. But I will take a cut in the government if that is all I can get.
unseen on April 17, 2008 at 11:50 PM