Fred returns, pronounces conservatism alive and well while, er, supporting McCain
posted at 2:51 pm on May 15, 2008 by Allahpundit
Paging Mark Levin. Mr. Levin, you have a phone call at the front desk.
First, conservatism is alive and well in America; don’t let anyone tell you differently. And by conservatism, I don’t mean the warmed-over “raise your hand if you believe …” kind of conservatism we see blooming every election cycle. No, I’m speaking of the conservatism grounded in principles based upon enduring truths: an understanding of the importance of human nature in the affairs of individuals and nations. Respect for the lessons of history, the importance of faith and tradition…
Second, change – whether it “real change,” “bold change” or the “change we can believe in” variety others are selling – isn’t itself an innovative policy or a particularly strong leadership stance. In fact, from Burke to Buckley, there has been an acknowledgement that change in the political arena is inevitable and necessary, and we in the U.S. tend to experience it in regular, 2, 4 and 6 year intervals, so 2008 is hardly our first rodeo. The challenge for conservatives is calibrating whether the change being proposed is consistent with our principles and our philosophy, and whether that change is appropriate.
Our nation has some serious issues to work through for today … and for the next generation. Now isn’t the time for conservatives to be looking for a tailored message or a politically expedient route to victory if the end result is going to be the inevitable slide toward the liberalization and secularization of America, and the growth of government and loss of freedom that inevitably ensues. For us conservatives it must be about principles and policies that are grounded in freedom, free markets and the rule of law.
I’m curious as to how the Fredheads, in particular, reconcile this otherwise righteous statement of principles with the fact that Fred’s out on the stump these days with a man who’s convinced himself that illegal immigration has been “finally brought under control.” If the answer is that he’s doing what must be done to keep the Messiah away from the reins of power, then how is that different from following “a politically expedient route to victory”? This was Levin’s point in that audio clip that got so many comments — that McCain’s going to lead to precisely the sort of liberalization that Fred’s so worried about here. Have we changed our minds about that and now decided that Maverick is the Truth and the Way back towards Reaganism? I’m confused!
Update: Ah, my mistake. McCain’s speech this morning was about the things that’ll be accomplished by the end of his first term. So it’ll be 2013 when immigration is finally “brought under control” — with Captain Amnesty as president working together with a bluer-than-blue Congress. Anyone want to bet?
Blowback
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I yearn for the days of discussing trivial matters like:
Fred!s “silly hat rule”.
omnipotent on May 15, 2008 at 2:54 PM
Nothing to reconcile. RINOs won. Country loses.
saved on May 15, 2008 at 2:55 PM
Fred! spent his load.
I am afraid no one much cares any more what Fred! thinks since Fred! himself didn’t much seem to care.
drjohn on May 15, 2008 at 2:56 PM
No, but the prospect of the Obama destruction scares me cacaless.
Entelechy on May 15, 2008 at 2:57 PM
Fred! flamed out, much like that fire in his belly.
lorien1973 on May 15, 2008 at 2:57 PM
This is just another great example of the Republicans treating their conservative constituency like b%&ches. So, everyone thinks the Republicans have lost their way, sold out, are too moderate, wishy-washy? Well, here is Fred to tell us that we are wrong. Conservatives who are sick to the stomach with this BS have just been told by another politician that WE are wrong and that WE should support them. Vote for McCain or Obama could win.
Hey Fred! F— Y–!!!!!!!!
King of the Britons on May 15, 2008 at 3:00 PM
You aint the only one, brotha! My wife made the same points, and the only thing I could tell her is that Fred is really buddy buddy with McCain; so his support isn’t due to political expediency, but rather out of pure friendship. There are still several problems with that answer (as I’m sure others on this thread will soon point out) but it’s the only thing I can think of to salvage the imago-FRED I have in my head. Fred, what are you doing with my head?
Weight of Glory on May 15, 2008 at 3:01 PM
I see we have two choices, elect the Democrat who will destroy the country and the free markets, or vote for the Democrat who will destroy the country and the free market.
I choose Jimmy Carter II — The results will be disastrous, but trying to defend your own McAmnesty as opposed to throwing rocks at the other guys, I will take the other guys. I have experience with the doofus Christ, that path doesn’t work.
Reagan had a similar choice when trying to deal with the Soviet Union, he said something like – not to worry, they will do it to themselves. And they did with just a little push from Reagan. Have faith, the Democrats will do it to themselves.
tarpon on May 15, 2008 at 3:02 PM
F*** it, Fred!
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on May 15, 2008 at 3:03 PM
Here lies Fred
Deader than dead
His lousy timing killed em
Not what the MSM said
fogw on May 15, 2008 at 3:03 PM
He puts friends before politics.
MadisonConservative on May 15, 2008 at 3:04 PM
Great. Now that Fred got his own campaign out of the way, having served it’s purpose, we will get to see his fire in the belly for McCain. Fred is a very disappointing guy. Even when you know what’s coming, it’s sad to see.
Spirit of 1776 on May 15, 2008 at 3:05 PM
As a former FredHead… I now believe that he was Johnny’s stalking horse. Hey, I’m getting used to being HAD by RINOs… first Jorge Bush, now Fredrico.
I miss RWR.
stenwin77 on May 15, 2008 at 3:06 PM
Any conservative representing McCain as the future of conservatism cannot be trusted with the movement.
Valiant on May 15, 2008 at 3:06 PM
Mayhaps Fred is trying to influence McCain to be a bit more conservative.
rbj on May 15, 2008 at 3:07 PM
Rush Limbaugh had an excellent analysis of why McCain’s speech today should not give any comfort to conservatives- starting with the fact that McCain proudly “reaches out” to anybody but conservatives when he wants to get his personal agenda pushed through Congress. The crux was that McCain cannot be trusted to work for anybody but John McCain. I chalk up Thompson’s comments to the fact he is one of the useless idiots who think that the nation wins if we support any old damned “Republican” despite the overwhelming evidence that Hillary Clinton is more of a responsible conservative Republican than John effing McCain.
highhopes on May 15, 2008 at 3:12 PM
Nah, republicans stopped thinking crafty when Casey and Clark left the White House.
The frustrating thing is they shold be cleaning up. These dems are lightweights. Look what the MSM and Soros have to do to keep them in power.
If the Republicans don’t grow a pair, clean house (I mean you Vito) and act like the conservatives they said they were the party is over.
Very few reports stress that the latest catastrophe occured because the Dem ran to the RIGHT of the Republican.
Conservatism is not dead! Republicanism is DEAD!
Iblis on May 15, 2008 at 3:13 PM
Wow. The bloom is off the rose, I see.
Slublog on May 15, 2008 at 3:14 PM
And, apparently, principles.
I’ve no answer for why he’s acting so two-faced except that he is, disappointingly, just another politician.
Jimmie on May 15, 2008 at 3:14 PM
So, when is McCain & Co. going to acknowledge that he has a serious problem?
Blake on May 15, 2008 at 3:15 PM
Fred’s support for McCain means csdevin was right all along about Fred¡
Valiant on May 15, 2008 at 3:15 PM
The principle of what? Accepting the fact that either McCain or Obama is going to be president, and he would rather that his friend be the one who wins?
MadisonConservative on May 15, 2008 at 3:17 PM
LOL, you don’t persuade a 70 year old to do anything. Did you hear, the borders are secure and now it’s OK to do amnesty. You have McAmnesty’s word on it.
And that is the problem, when they look into your eyes and lie, you can see right into their character. And what I see is not endearing.
tarpon on May 15, 2008 at 3:17 PM
The simplest explanation is that Fred is just pitching in for a friend. But you can’t help but wonder if Fred’s whole ridiculous ‘campaign’ was just an effort to drain votes from other conservatives. He never once looked or sounded like he wanted the job, really.
james23 on May 15, 2008 at 3:18 PM
I’ll tell you how I reconcile it. Fred agreed to run for president because he thought his country needed him, not to satisfy his personal ambition. He has his reasons for supporting McCain, and I trust him enough that in his view, it’s the best thing for this country. That satisfies me on the macro level.
If Fred is going to be teaching conservatism, I can benefit from it as an individual, and so can a lot of other people. So Fred has virtue on the micro level.
Every single candidate gave me something to be queasy about. But Fred Dalton Thompson still more deposits than withdrawals in his account at Bank RushBaby.
RushBaby on May 15, 2008 at 3:18 PM
Keep a toe in the pond, Fred, no tellin’ what might happen at the convention.
McCain , the choice of DEms in open primaries, has revealed himself to be an ‘aRnold Gore’ on a national level.
The Gop would be well advised to flush down what is brown.. and green.
normsrevenge on May 15, 2008 at 3:19 PM
I left the GOP when Fred! dropped out of the POTUS race.
I the GOP common voter couldn’t support Fred!, then I can’t support the GOP any longer.
I am waiting for the coming revolution. Politics has failed the American conservative.
AZCON on May 15, 2008 at 3:19 PM
ahhh..closure from the Fred heads
if Reagan himself raised from the dead endorsed McCain for the good of the country he’d get thrown under the bus as well
windansea on May 15, 2008 at 3:19 PM
The rhinos won…
simple answer, leave the repubican party.
Idf all the non rhino’s contact their party office and declare themselves independant then they are free to create a new party, maybe call it the “Conservative” party. It may resemble what happened when the Republicans split from the whigs. Some people may say that would be a sure way to get Obama elected but what would it matter? If true conservatives are fed up with the party and won’t vote Obama wins anways. At least with a new conservative party those disenfranchised republicans would finaly have a voice.
Wyrd on May 15, 2008 at 3:22 PM
I’ll bet that bluer than blue congress is full of Blue Dogs that aren’t goinhg to touch immigration. I do not see Heath Schuler giving in, they know how they got elected. Amnesty is still the third rail for Blue Dogs and they know it, they are running to the right of Republicans.
Theworldisnotenough on May 15, 2008 at 3:23 PM
Fred is following the conventional wisdom, which is to support the GOP candidate whoever el hijo may be, because the alternative is to see Oblahma elected.
The conventional wisdom is usually wrong.
fossten on May 15, 2008 at 3:23 PM
RushBaby on May 15, 2008 at 3:18 PM
Very. Well. Said.
ChrisM on May 15, 2008 at 3:24 PM
Alive and well, just living in a cave…
right2bright on May 15, 2008 at 3:25 PM
This is unconventional wisdom, and I shall take it a step further. The new “Conservative Party,” or whatever it is called, becomes a sizable voting block which must be courted by Republicans in order to get its votes. The loss of these votes may force the Republican Party to move to the right.
In the meantime, the Democrats will rule the planet. Yes, that’s bad. But the sky is not falling, and it will not be the end of the planet any more than Carter or Clinton were the end of the planet. But unless the Republican Party respects conservatives’ votes again, it will continue to move center/left.
fossten on May 15, 2008 at 3:26 PM
Easy: he’s wrong. Done.
I am SO staying home on Election night…
Spanglemaker on May 15, 2008 at 3:27 PM
Allah,
Who else could Fred support? Who else is there that is more conservative than McCain?
I mean, your implication is that supporting McCain is the expedient path to victory versus supporting someone more conservative, isn’t it?
And isn’t Fred’s message partially TO McCain? Trying to convince him not to take the politically expedient road, but to stick to conservative principles?
apollyonbob on May 15, 2008 at 3:28 PM
Im writing in Fred for all positions on my ballot.
This post is just dark ju-ju to try to make us Fredheads believe Fred has gone over to the dark side. WRONG.
The law may upset reason, but reason may never upset the law. And the law is Fred=Conservatism.
VolMagic on May 15, 2008 at 3:29 PM
I don’t know why people feel they must mock a fine man. Supporting McCain doesn’t make him any less a good man and conservative.
Give it a rest people.
orlandocajun on May 15, 2008 at 3:29 PM
I agree as to the mindset of the incoming Democrats. Their position is to the right of many in the GOP.
Spirit of 1776 on May 15, 2008 at 3:29 PM
I reckon you’re right.
omnipotent on May 15, 2008 at 3:32 PM
Sadly, I don’t take Fred too seriously anymore. I tend to believe that Michael Savage was correct about him from the very first day of his ‘campaign’. He never wanted to be president, it was just a publicity stunt.
Regardless if he really wanted it or not, I don’t respect half-a$$ attempts.
And I want my $25 back, damnit.
rhinoishere on May 15, 2008 at 3:33 PM
I think that some progress has been made dealing with illegal immigration. In fact I think it is safe to say that more has been done in the last two years than in the last couple of decades when conservatives were more than happy to ignore the whole issue.
But hey, I am not sure McCain is the one with the problem. He won the primary. The sore loser contingent could not even manage second place.
But you know what? If conservatives want to get all pure and let Obama win the next election without a fight, then they are not worth following or taking seriously. I mean that, we are in a war and some things are more important than the latest hissy fit from the right.
I keep hearing that Ronald Reagan was an icon and yet the last time I remember one of these little revolts was a mere 4 years after he left office. And what did we get? Eight years of Clinton.
Terrye on May 15, 2008 at 3:35 PM
You completely misunderstand Fred and what his campaign was all about. It seems that your preferred candidate would be Mdame Clinton. She really wants the job.
VolMagic on May 15, 2008 at 3:35 PM
What are Fred and us Fredheads supposed to do? Support an invisible candidate for president? Fred’s freely admitted he has differences with McCain. And, I don’t want to vote for McCain, but what options do we have?
CP on May 15, 2008 at 3:36 PM
Heh. I sent $25 to Ron Paul a few months ago. At least I can say that he hasn’t bailed on his principles. But I’m disappointed about Fred. His actions here show how much character he has. Sadly, he probably would have caved as President. Better that we find that out this way.
fossten on May 15, 2008 at 3:36 PM
November 5th, 2008
Seriously, is it just me or are the wheels beginning to come off the McCain bandwagon? It seems that between the La Raza pandering, calls for Kyoto ratification, general distrust over amnesty, etc. that conservatives are becoming more and more vocal with their opposition to McCain liberalism.
Sean Hannity is calling for an emergency GOP meeting where they hammer out the guiding principles of what the party stands for. It sounds like a pretty good idea to me but I suspect that McCain’s political treason wouldn’t be part of the agenda.
For the record, I will support Republicans in local and state elections but I will not support the McCain candidacy as it currently stands. John McCain doesn’t respect me and my values. I will be damned if I support the political Judas in his run for the Presidency.
highhopes on May 15, 2008 at 3:38 PM
Winning the war in Iraq is not the most important thing either. I’m definitely with Rudy here. It’s just a battlefield.
Spirit of 1776 on May 15, 2008 at 3:40 PM
I respect someone for not wanting it for his/her own personal gain, but how bout wanting it in order to do something good for the country you love? Is there any harm in that? I think not. We never, NEVER saw any of that type of desire in Fred, and yeah, I’m a little bitter. If he would have shown ANY fire, he may have made some headway, but maybe he was never really interested in winning.
Plain and simple, it was a half-a$$ attempt. He has less credibility than before he started his farce of a campaign.
rhinoishere on May 15, 2008 at 3:41 PM
Holy crap, McCain wants to do a Questions to the President like Questions to the Prime Minister.
That’s awesome. I wonder if the House of Reps will sound as drunk and disorderly as the House of Commons.
apollyonbob on May 15, 2008 at 3:41 PM
I truly believe that conservatives need to sit out this election. Lets face it, either we get Obama or McCain dressed in drag.
Let all the RINO republicans who have been sitting in office gets their butts thrown out. The only reason the RINO’s remain in DC is due to the fact that the same conservatives keep putting them there for fear of getting a liberal.
As conservatives we keep talking about principals, well, lets act like we have some principals and say that voting for a RINO would violate those conservative principals…..thus RINO, we will not vote for you. If that means we get a liberal, than better a devil who we know will screw us as opposed to a RINO who thinks we should be grateful that they even let us have a reach around.
RobertInAustin on May 15, 2008 at 3:41 PM
highopes:
It is just you.
I wish to God I had known a few years ago what a bunch of whining backstabbing self centered little hypocrites conservatives could be. If I had known then what I know now, I would not have supported the war. Why send all those brave young people off to war just to abandon them when you can’t manage to find someone you can tolerate who can win a primary.
If the wheels come off the McCain campaign, the conservatives will not win, but the liberal Democrats will. And to think, they could not do with without you all.
Hypocrites.
Terrye on May 15, 2008 at 3:43 PM
Rip van Thompson has awoken from his slumber. Can hardly wait for him to announce his book deal.
southsideironworks on May 15, 2008 at 3:45 PM
Spirit:
Rudy wants to lose the war? Last I remember Rudy was endorsing McCain.
Terrye on May 15, 2008 at 3:45 PM
No, Rudy said Iraq was just a battlefield. With which I agree.
Spirit of 1776 on May 15, 2008 at 3:47 PM
He wouldn’t. But if he did, he should be thrown under the bus.
Ronald would not recognize this party.
stenwin77 on May 15, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Start your own party. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. I am sure George Soros would be happy to bankroll you all.
Terrye on May 15, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Quite frankly, an Obama administration scares me macaca-less
Rush Baby and rbj, I concur. Fred can keep McCain honest and ruddered, as well as rally discouraged conservatives.
onlineanalyst on May 15, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Me too!
Hey Fred!?!?!
I still want the return of that last campaign donation (considerably more than $25) I sent you ten hours before you weaseled out. When I sent it, I specifically said I wanted it back if you didn’t have the guts to stay in the race through at least the Florida Primary.
Well, you didn’t stay in and you didn’t return the money which I officially asked for. So, you no longer have ANY credibility with me. Csdevin was right.
LegendHasIt on May 15, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Let’s not forget that it was his written columns and talk radio spots that got Fred a lot of early support. Anyone in doubt of his ability to advance the conservative cause needs to go back and read some of his columns and transcrips from early last year.
That his campaign was mishandled or his current support for the Republican nominee doesn’t change that.
Hollowpoint on May 15, 2008 at 3:50 PM
Spirit:
So do you think Rudy wants to lose the war or the battlefield either one? Do you think he would say, Screw this. I didn’t win the nomination so I will just sit out and hope the Democrats cause a lot of misery. Maybe I can feed off that misery for my own political advantage..Somehow I doubt that Rudy would say that. I am pretty damn sure that Rudy feels a lot the same way Fred Thompson does.
Terrye on May 15, 2008 at 3:50 PM
LOL, you sent a contribution after it was clear to everyone paying even the slightest attention that it was over for him? What’s that they say about a fool and his money?
And requesting a contribution be sent back in case they don’t win? Uh… yeah.
Hollowpoint on May 15, 2008 at 3:53 PM
stenwin:
You are wrong. Ronald Reagan knew and liked John McCain. Ronald Reagan also said we should not speak ill of another Republican. Like I said, the man was barely out of office the last time this kind of silliness occurred. The truth is I think he is probably spinning in his grave to see the way his memory is being used to justify trashing and vilifying a man like John McCain.
Terrye on May 15, 2008 at 3:54 PM
It’s definitely just you. All you, all the time.
I am not convinced that these nonstop whiners are conservatives at all. Their behavior is indistinguishable from Obama Mobys or delusional Ron Paulbots.
Gilda on May 15, 2008 at 3:54 PM
Oh what a surprise from you, personal attacks and the idea that we need all look lovingly at Amnesty McCain with Stepford Wife-like adoration.
Go to hell Terrye. That you use the troops as a bargaining chip for your support of the war just proves what a hypocrite you are. The troops deserve far better than the tepid support people like you are willing to muster. I post this as a proud member of the military who sees your attitude no different than that of Obama. Again Terrye, go to Hell.
I’ll voice my opposition and it is wrong for you to demand otherwise. What’s the matter? You know I’m right, don’t you. You are in utter fear that there will be a legitimate discussion of the party’s positions and that John McCain is a political Judas who doesn’t come close to representing the party. That’s why you are such a self-centered arrogant petty person, isn’t it?
John McCain needs to “reach out” to conservatives with every bit the kind of zeal he reaches out to the GOP’s political enemies like Kennedy, Feingold, and Durbin. Is that really so large a concept that you can’t wrap it around you tiny little hate-filled brain? CONSERVATIVES ARE NOT LEAVING JOHN MCCAIN. JOHN MCCAIN IS LEAVING THE CONSERVATIVES. If he wants the votes of this group, he needs to be at least as civil with them as he is to La Raza and the global warming crowd.
highhopes on May 15, 2008 at 3:54 PM
Bingo.
Red Pill on May 15, 2008 at 3:55 PM
You have a decided skill in inferring things that are not there. A noteable one to add to those previously observed.
Allow to clearly delineate so you don’t have to presume. Rudy and I both see the struggle as larger then Iraq (which I will state plainly to prevent histrionics, does not mean either of us would desire defeat). Iraq is important in as much as it advances our goals. Therefore Iraq itself is not of the utmost importance, the goals are of the utmost importance. Why do we enter into war? Those reasons are most important then the war itself. The war and it’s prosecution are a factor of those goals, not the other way around. I can’t imagine anyone would vote for war, but rather vote for what can only be achieved (sometimes) by war. Security, etc.
As far as that applies to misery and Fred, I’m afraid you will have to apply your own imagination, but please don’t attribute such constructions to me.
Spirit of 1776 on May 15, 2008 at 3:56 PM
As much as it pains me, I second that.
RobertInAustin on May 15, 2008 at 3:56 PM
Reading many of these comments, it’s no surprise we’re in bad shape. I don’t think many of you know right from wrong, good from bad, honor from sleaze any more.
eaglesdontflock on May 15, 2008 at 4:00 PM
highopes:
I am not the one using the troops. Apparently you people were.You were more than willing to support this war, as did I. And now that you might have to vote for a centrist you are willing to let someone like Obama win, when you know damn well that he is going to surrender..even if it means the sacrifices of all those young people are rendered meaningless. That is okay with you. So do not tell me I am using the troops. I am not the one who is running out on them or their cause. Now if you really are a liberal and you think the war is imperialism then fine…just say so.
Terrye on May 15, 2008 at 4:00 PM
John McCain is a good man, maybe even a great man. Read Rove’s recent opinion story from the Wall Street Journal that recounts some of McCain’s VietNam heroics that are seldom heard and I dare you to say he is not a heroic figure.
Does that mean we can’t disagree with him on any issue?
If Reagan was so against saying anything against people he is on the same side as, wouldn’t he have remained a democrat instead of famously saying, “I didn’t leave the democrat party, it left me”.
Well, guess what? A lot us feel the republican party is leaving us. And something tells me Reagan might sympathize.
rhinoishere on May 15, 2008 at 4:00 PM
In the Fox debate when Fred! went Fred all over Huckabee he was in great form, he could have said just as much if not more about McCain, and he didn’t. That should have been my first clue.
As one person said, if you see McCain and Kennedy smiling, you are about to get #*&%@$.
RobertInAustin on May 15, 2008 at 4:00 PM
I’m sure he would… After all, he is bankrolling your hero McCain as well:
http://gatewaypundit.blogspot.com/2008/02/soros-funded-maverick-mccain-since-2001.html
LegendHasIt on May 15, 2008 at 4:01 PM
Third!
rhinoishere on May 15, 2008 at 4:02 PM
I’m surprised it took you this long to figure that out. Fred got in to kill Romney. Just ask Howard Baker and Mike Duncan.
eaglesdontflock on May 15, 2008 at 4:03 PM
Spirit:
You are complicating things. There will be one president elected in November. That president will either be a Democrat, probably Obama or a Republican, McCain. Obama is a dover. McCAin has always been stalwart when it came to the war, battle, whatever. So parse all you want, but if you sit home because McCain is not conservative enough for you…Obama will be the president. There is no other way to look at it. The horse it out of the freaking barn people. If you were so bound and determined to get a real conservative then maybe you should start trying a little harder to get along with all those Republicans who actually voted for McCain. And maybe you should have started looking for a viable alternative long ago.
Terrye on May 15, 2008 at 4:04 PM
Is it possible that Fred’s role was to ensure that McCain, not Huckabee, won the South Carolina Primary?
South Carolina is the state that caused McCain grief in 2000 when Bush won it (after speaking at Bob Jones University, which led to McCain’s “Agents of Intolerance” rant).
I was originally in favor of Fred… I myself would have voted for this stalking horse if my state’s primary had been in January.
Red Pill on May 15, 2008 at 4:04 PM
Legend:
Bullshit.
Terrye on May 15, 2008 at 4:06 PM
I am disappointed in Fred’s endorsement, but he is his friend and probably thinks he can have some sway in trying to turn him away from Liberalism. I don’t think it will work, but he is welcome to try. As long as he keeps pushing federalism and small government and other conservative principles I will support him. He was half-hearted in his campaign which made him unelectable. That doesn’t mean that he doesn’t stand for those principles. It just means that he doesn’t have the fire to be a leader that the conservatives are looking for. The conservative movement is severely lacking in leadership right now, and it starts at the local level. We need to start working at the local level and work our way back up. If the republican party continues to squash those people at the local level, then a new party IS needed. Look at who they trot out for the special elections and you wonder why they lost. The republican party here in Texas is looking really bad right now. Most of the leadership are
neo-consliberals and it is killing us here also.Corsair on May 15, 2008 at 4:07 PM
rhinoishere:
Of course you can disagree with him. I disagree with him sometimes to. That is just human.
But I am not talking about that. I am talking about refusing to support him in an election against a liberal freaking Democrat in the middle of a war.
Terrye on May 15, 2008 at 4:08 PM
Haha. Thanks for that. I merely said that the war isn’t the number one issue, and that leads you to conclude I can’t get along with conservatives and I’m parsing the issues, implying Rudy wants to lose, etc. Very nice. Since we are so far from having an actual discussion (it must get complicated with all things you imagined I said – hey, why not just scroll up and read them?), I bid you good day.
Spirit of 1776 on May 15, 2008 at 4:09 PM
And way back when Reagan ‘Knew and liked John McCain’, McCain was still a fairly reliable Conservative Republican.
The McCain of today is NOT the man that Reagan knew.
LegendHasIt on May 15, 2008 at 4:09 PM
Agree with the sentiment. I will vote for McCain mainly for one reason: Iraq. I also would hope, however, that he would reduce spending and nominate conservative justices. With Obama we get: possibly a failed Iraq, bigger government (is it even possible??), and liberal Supreme Court Judges to rule the land for the next 20 – 30 years. McCain it is.
rhinoishere on May 15, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Like I said before on this website, I left the republican party several years ago for the Libertarian party. Many conservative republicans did as well. I quickly found that in the LP there is a lot of smoking going on and it isn’t for medicinal purposes. Fred! brought me out and for a few moments and I think I saw a glimmer of hope, but that glowing ember died. I will not go back to the LP, the LP needs to die to get rid of all the nut cases and be re-born as it were with true conservatives because the republican party has nothing to offer any longer for conservatives who stand on principals.
RobertInAustin on May 15, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Yup, we’re on the same page.
rhinoishere on May 15, 2008 at 4:13 PM
Legend:
bullshit again.
Terrye on May 15, 2008 at 4:13 PM
What in Hades were you people expecting Fred!, Tom Tancredo, or any other Republicans to say?
McCain won the primaries, and the GOP is going to follow its own rules. Or were you expecting True Conservatives (TM) to override the primaries if you whiiiiiiiine, kick, scream, and throw enough of a fit? And you were actually expecting loyal Republicans like Tancredo and Thompson to play along with your emotional blackmail?
Why don’t you make yourself superdelegates for the GOP? Because that’s worked out so wonderfully for the Democrats.
Sekhmet on May 15, 2008 at 4:15 PM
Spirit:
I think the war is the most important issue, because it is life and death.
But hey, if you prefer Obama’s open border policy, his desire to seat activist judges, his plans to create nationalized medicine and all manner of liberal nanny state crap he has in mind, then by all means…help him win.
Terrye on May 15, 2008 at 4:15 PM
It is well documented. If you don’t believe the link I posted, ‘Google it’ There are dozens of other reputable sources that have covered it.
LegendHasIt on May 15, 2008 at 4:15 PM
I have lost all respect for Fred!. After that cheesy performance as a candidate for POTUS, he really turns me off. Why? Because in the beginning when he was thinking about getting in, I was all for him. Then he announces that he’s getting in and goes on Jay Leno’s show instead of showing up at the debate. After that, it was all down hill.
cjs1943 on May 15, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Back in 04 McCain was asked by Kerry if he would consider being the VP. McCain said he would have to think about it.
What is the problem with this picture?
1. That Kerry even felt comfortable in asking McCain should send up red flags.
2. That McCain said he would think about it is the second red flag. Would have true conservative have had to think about it? Would you?
RobertInAustin on May 15, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Despite all the hatred that you are spewing, you have not made one solid argument in favor of McCain except for the old, lame “Barry O. is worse.” You may not like hearing this, but your arguments are nothing but ad hominem, and as such, logically flawed. Your emotions are out of control. Get a grip and stop lashing out at conservatives – we’re not the reason this situation came about.
fossten on May 15, 2008 at 4:17 PM
Legend:
Bullshit, it is all bullshit. I don’t care what nonsense you come up with.
Terrye on May 15, 2008 at 4:17 PM
I used to be o.k with voting for liberal McCain, but after his lets us bow down to Iran and Russia speech aka Global faking Warming, I have decided to say let the real liberal bow down to Iran and Russia and not a wanna-be liberal McCain.
BroncosRock on May 15, 2008 at 4:17 PM
Remind me, who else has that policy? Oh yeah, McCain/Kennedy!
RobertInAustin on May 15, 2008 at 4:17 PM
Don’t let her fool you. That’s what she wants you to think, but in her heart of hearts she is scary liberal to the point of being a quasi-Socialist.
hillbillyjim on May 15, 2008 at 4:20 PM
Your reasoning is completely and totally insane- and I say that with all the compassion I can muster for somebody who can’t post without spewing personal insults and demands that I not voice my opinion.
How is not supporting McCain tantamount to “running out on the troops?” Obama and Clinton can’t pull off immediate surrender no matter what they say on the campaign trail. McCain, however, is going to make the troops efforts null and void as he works with Democrats to open the borders and give no-questions-asked to the many illegals here to sell drugs and undermine our society. I wouldn’t be true to my values to not speak up against John McCain and people like you who call me racist for demanding secure borders and a sane policy to deal with the illegals already in the country. I get my guidance from somebody other than Teddy Kennedy so I’m sure you are confused.
highhopes on May 15, 2008 at 4:21 PM
Also McCain is thinking of running for a second term in 2012. It will be A LOT BETTER for the country if BO is president because in 4 years we will have Bobby as our nominee who will win in a landslide victory
BroncosRock on May 15, 2008 at 4:21 PM
fossten:
Well you see, when I get emails from relatives asking me to pray for their son who was sent to Iraq, it makes me emotional.
Fine, what do you want to hear? McCain is a fiscal conservative. McCAin has been endorsed by conservative like Ted Olson who believe he will pick conservative judges. McCain is tough, he is not a wuss. McCain is prolife.
So, what I would like to know is if the fact that McCAin is better than Obama is not enough…then why are you all whining that he is not a conservative? I mean really, if you would just as soon see Barack Hussein Obama in the White House as John McCain I don’t think I am the RINO here.
And considering the kind of character assassinations that this man has had to endure in spite of his years of service to his country, I don’t think I need to be lectured on being hateful. Just listen to yourselves if you want to hear hate.
The truth is you are all pissed because the two top choices were McCain and Huckabee and most of you could not stand either one of them. So that means that all those other Republicans who voted for them are not the real deal. You are.
Terrye on May 15, 2008 at 4:23 PM
Why are so quick to project that on me? You are arguing against a strawman! I never said I preferred Obama.
Yes, I can believe that for you the war is the most important issue.
Spirit of 1776 on May 15, 2008 at 4:23 PM
Robert:
That whole thing has been debunked time and time again. McCain never considered being on that ticket and he was not on that ticket. It is just amazing how some lies never die.
Terrye on May 15, 2008 at 4:24 PM
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