McCain: I’d be more than happy to re-examine my position on ANWR
posted at 4:01 pm on June 19, 2008 by Allahpundit
Send to a Friend |
Share on Facebook | printer-friendly
Ace falls for it, then prudently reverses himself and declares that it “may mean absolutely nothing.” May?
McCain has previously opposed increased deep sea drilling off the coasts of Florida and other coastal states.
For years, McCain has opposed drilling for oil in Alaska’s Arctic National Refuge Area (ANWR).
But during today’s town hall meeting, McCain said he’d be willing to reconsider that stance.
“I would be more than happy to examine it again,” McCain said.
Does that formulation sound familiar? It’s the same pat answer he gave when Matt Lewis asked him on that conference call a few weeks ago why Juan Hernandez was still working for his campaign. Quoth the Maverick, “I would be glad to examine any statement from any supporter of mine,” which would be encouraging if he hadn’t already promised five months ago that he’d be “check[ing] into” the information about Hernandez that some reporter had given him. He always says this when someone puts him on the spot and he thinks he can’t get away with telling them to get bent, as he might with a question about, say, pulling out of Iraq. It’s basically a verbal tic, like his mantra-like repetition of “my friends.”
But I do like Ace’s advice on how to finesse this flip-flop, Barack Obama style, if and when the time should come when McCain really has to pull it off. The “overheated rhetoric” excuse never fails to impress.
For your amusement, here’s Barbara Boxer chiming in on America’s energy problems by reminding us that (a) because Bush runs the government, Congress is utterly, totally powerless to do anything, and (b) until we have Change our sorrows must continue. Click the image to watch.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: [1] 2 »
I’m not watching that clip. I can guarantee you I would come out dumber for it if I did.
Dudley Smith on June 19, 2008 at 4:06 PM
if he’s smart, he’ll flip flop on ANWR too. Its Presidency or bust for his career. If we loses then he’ll be a Senator with no future political career for another term or so. Might as well flip flop and cite Energy Indpendence, pain at the pump and make it a national security issue. This is a winner right now.
jp on June 19, 2008 at 4:08 PM
Even if he doesn’t mean it (and I don’t think Maverick knows what he means on drilling until his handlers brief him), it will be fun trying to see Democrats and the big media outlets try to gin up moral outrage over the very idea of drilling in ANWR, given the current mood in the public about $4-$5 gas.
They’d be on more solid ground by taking the tack that the Straight Talk Express seems to be making a U-turn and leaving it at that, but their moral superiority won’t allow them not to attack McCain for even hinting at new drilling in Alaska, despite recent surveys that show people are no longer consumed by the sanctity of the environment in a place where 99.99 percent of Americans will never visit.
jon1979 on June 19, 2008 at 4:08 PM
No watch the clip its entertaining in its cluelessness
William Amos on June 19, 2008 at 4:10 PM
Ugh…
It’s very much McCain’s style to “re-examine” his positions. Nothing wrong with that. Doesn’t mean he will or won’t change…but that he’ll listen.
Give Mac a chance…
JetBoy on June 19, 2008 at 4:11 PM
McCain went on a fact finding trip to Iraq…how about ANWR! When he realizes that “pristine” is a euphemism for “desolate and infested with mosquitos” he shouldn’t have a problem coming around.
watchmen on June 19, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Oh ok. While you’re at it why don’t you “re-examine” you position on Global Warming? After that’s done, why don’t you “re-examine” your position on illegal immigration? And after that how about you “re-examine” CFR? And after that why don’t you “re-examine” that statement you made about wanting to do something about “obscene profits”? Then after that why don’t you “re-examine” your position about wanting to do away with coersive interrogation techniques that have actually proven to work?
Someone’s got a lot of “re-examining” to do.
Zetterson on June 19, 2008 at 4:12 PM
We have to take what we can get.
phronesis on June 19, 2008 at 4:14 PM
What I find amazing is the Dem line that we can’t do anything… that it won’t make a difference.
And I got news for the whole don’t drill off my coast because of tourism arguement…
Tourism is going to take a HUGE hit this year due to higher fuel costs. Airlines may go out of business, can’t afford to drive there, and theres not enough trains left…
Romeo13 on June 19, 2008 at 4:17 PM
The bad? Another flip-flop.
The good? At least it’s a flip-flop in the right direction.
I just ate, my stomach’s a little iffy today, and I’d like to keep the food down. I’ll pass, thanks.
thirteen28 on June 19, 2008 at 4:19 PM
NO WE CAN’T!!!
thirteen28 on June 19, 2008 at 4:20 PM
I, for one, would welcome a complete and total flip-flop on this issue.
One of the complaints about Bush (by liberals) is that he was so stubborn. All McCain has to say is 2 words: NATIONAL EMERGENCY, to justify his repositioning on this issue.
stenwin77 on June 19, 2008 at 4:21 PM
You missed the main point Boxer was saying “It’s Bush’s Fault” was her only answer.
William Amos on June 19, 2008 at 4:22 PM
JB,
McCain has a demonstrable voting record on ANWR; he f*cked his party on that vote, and to his credit, has stuck by that position. Now, he’s going to reexamine. Ok. You know, it’s really easy to say ‘I’m a huge proponent of law and order’ when you’re the mayor of a city that’s being torn apart by riots. Where were you before the buildings started burning?
McCain’s problem, as I said yesterday on his newfound support of drilling, is he has a bad record of votes on this issue, and it costs him nothing to SAY he’s going to do this or that. Let’s have another vote on ANWR, and let’s see him vote in favor of drilling; then I’ll consider giving him a chance. All he’s doing right now is lip service because it’s a white hot issue, and his actual voting record does not help him.
If I have to choose between eating dung and starving, I think I’ll probably choose starving. Doing the former only feels like the real thing, but it doesn’t help you, and it’s demeaning. That’s this election cycle in a nutshell.
austinnelly on June 19, 2008 at 4:22 PM
A bit off the topic, but one of the problems with plastic surgery (sorry, having a little “work” done) is that everyone who’s had it starts to look the same. Those eyes, that nose, those lips! Boxer looks just like Nancy Pelosi, and every other aging woman in California.
As for McCain, he’s just a dumb jerk, an empty suit. And the more focused the campaign gets, the more obvious that is going to be.
BigD on June 19, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Ditto. What’s so horrible about a man changing his position if it’s a change for the better. Is a man who’s wrong supposed to stay wrong?
CurtZHP on June 19, 2008 at 4:28 PM
In answering if he’d drill in ANWR McCain said he wouldn’t drill in Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon either. Well. ANWR isn’t like that. I’d like to see some slick 3d-negotiable map of ANWR, combining actual photos where possible with simulations, from all angles, where you could zoom in, include caribou grazing and migration patterns. Then include a “what-if” of ANWR oil drilling. Show its footprint compared to the entire ANWR area. In this video-game generation, SHOW US. I think we should drill there, but maybe the video will dissuade me. Who knows! Give people the facts in their most easily digestible form. Heaven forbid we actually let people see what’s going on.
Paul-Cincy on June 19, 2008 at 4:29 PM
OMG. I was thinking the same thing. Boxer is morphing into Pelosi! I can’t even remember what she used to look like! Its like Greta Van Sustern.
How do these congresswomen get any business done in Washington, with all the downtime they must spend recuperating from the plastic surgery?
ctmom on June 19, 2008 at 4:29 PM
Boxer saying the administration is running the country, that congress has no responsibility. So what do we need her for…and her point of change of leadership, that would include her and Feinstein.
right2bright on June 19, 2008 at 4:30 PM
It’s a start.
And the hope I have for McCain is that at the very least he believes in America and what America has been throughout its history, as opposed to Barry who loves the Socialist Workers Paradise it will become after The Change.
Because of that at the very least McCain is going to surround himself with people who understand American economics and believe in them.
Yes, he’s never been in the private sector, and yes, he obviously seems to have the idea that his years of service have made him a more noble being than money-grubbing businessmen. And it’s obvious he’s never really had to give economics any thought.
Now that he does, though, at least he’s getting answers from the kinds of people I want him to listen to.
Typhoon on June 19, 2008 at 4:34 PM
Can’t watch Barbara Boxer. She’s to IQ what vampires are to hemoglobin. I’d start sounding like the comic-book version of the Hulk about halfway through.
DRPrice on June 19, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Actually, it wouldn’t surprise me to see McCain change his mind. I noticed several Republicans opening the door for McCain over the past week or so by pointing out that as he’d voted against the tax cuts because of spending included in the bill, there may be something specific keeping him from agreeing to ANWR.
What is really irking me is the Dems crying that “the American people” want relief NOW. Yeah, sure it would be nice to see gas prices fall some soon, but I’m tired of the “I WANT IT AND I WANT IT NOW” routine. If we’d been exploring, drilling, and refining as we should have been, we wouldn’t be where we are now. We wouldn’t have had to play nice with the Saudis either and their dirty money wouldn’t be flowing in to this country to expand Islam’s hold on America.
The Dems ARE doing nothing but being obstructionists now. I don’t care what they throw out. I don’t care about their endless quests for new investigations just so they don’t have to take blame. I’m tired of elites not wanting windfarms to screw up their view.
Throw the kitchen sink at the problem and get it done!
Connie on June 19, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Real conservatives would leave ANWR’s oil for our children.
Reagan conservatives, that is.
We aren’t so selfish and greedy as the new breed.
alphie on June 19, 2008 at 4:36 PM
Many of you have mentioned the possibility of a VOTE on drilling and oil exploration in general. That is the solution. I believe Congress will be stepping out in August and therefore they will not have enough time to get anything done before the election.(which may be a good thing)
A smart lawmaker should put together a bill along with an executive order from Bush to remove the sanctions on drilling off the coasts and also in ANWR before the August recess.
That would put pressure on the Dems if they oppose lowering gas prices(by approving drilling) and make the GOP seem as though they are looking out for the American people.
Maybe McCain just sees the writing on the wall and has taken the first step without actually committing. Politically smart? You becha it is.
Nelsa on June 19, 2008 at 4:38 PM
alphie on June 19, 2008 at 4:36 PM wrote:
Come on, alphie, think outside the box. Real conservatives will leave clean, safe, efficient nuclear power for our children, which can be used to generate hydrogen for hydrogen cars. And it will happen if McCain is elected.
Paul-Cincy on June 19, 2008 at 4:40 PM
I often get the impression that McCain already got what he wanted: the Republican nomination and payback and vindication for his loss in 2000. He doesn’t seem to take advantage of advantages available to him against Obama, even when they’re handed to him on a silver platter. I’ve said this here before, but I’ll say it again. It used to be the received wisdom that, in this down year for Republicans, Maverick McCain was the only Republican candidate who really had a chance. Now, with all Obama’s gaffes and Obama’s leftist ties rendering him unable to capitalize on the high price of gas as an issue, I wonder if we’ve nominated the only guy who could LOSE to Obama.
boko fittleworth on June 19, 2008 at 4:41 PM
Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less
We have a major issue that can create wealth, jobs, national security, and create value for EVERY American.
Dpet on June 19, 2008 at 4:43 PM
Democrats ripped Bush for his “stay the course” WRT Iraq, and now they rip McCain for changing his position in light of changed circumstances ($4 gas). At least they’re being consistently inconsistent.
rbj on June 19, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Oh yeah, Drill EVERYWHERE………that means any and every bit of public land………as long as the land is not unique such as the Grand Canyon, the Redwoods….Niagra Falls.
The well-being of the American people is WAAAY more important than a Polar Bear, or a squirrel
Dpet on June 19, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Can anyone find a transcript?
I’m curious if he announced his possible change of heart to the audience, or if he was first questioned about it.
If the latter, proof he’s full of crap.
JiangxiDad on June 19, 2008 at 4:45 PM
Cue Sarah Palin….
http://thirdbasepolitics.blogspot.com/2008/06/bring-on-sarah-palin.html
EduardoOTI on June 19, 2008 at 4:45 PM
Mike Huckabee, is that you?
phronesis on June 19, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Paid $4.59 today for REGULAR.
ctmom on June 19, 2008 at 4:47 PM
I just loved how she stressed how we had to beg the Saudi’s to pump more. In a real world, they’d be begging us because we are the SuperPower…….until the appeasement Libs took over. This woman and all politicians from and in California are scary…all. I am so tired of this State. Soon, soon I will be gone. Maybe Montana, Utah….where there is prosperity and minimal government in my life.
geminicontender on June 19, 2008 at 4:49 PM
If McCain used to oppose drilling in ANWR and switches to favoring it now, he could spin it as pragmatism–what we didn’t need when oil was $50/barrel two years ago, we do need when oil is $135/barrel. For those worried about caribou habitat, he could always propose a fence around the 4-square-mile drilling area to keep the caribou out–that would be cheaper than the fence along the Mexican border.
After all, a Rasmussen poll yesterday showed that 67% of Americans (including 57% of Democrats) want to expand domestic drilling. Give the people what they want, and they will vote for you!
Earth to Barbara Boxer: Your state has the longest coastline in the continental United States. You CAN do something about gasoline prices, by voting for offshore drilling!
Steve Z on June 19, 2008 at 4:50 PM
BigD on June 19, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Yeah, and can you remember what Susan Estrich used to look like? She may have been ugly, but at least she was real.
Also, I thought that when Barbara Walters was doing her book publicity a month or so ago, she looked amazingly like Jessica Lange! It was truly bizarre.
BigD on June 19, 2008 at 4:50 PM
There will be more votes on ANWR and more drilling. And you say McCain is simply paying “lip service”…fair enough, for now. But can you name times in the past where McCain either flat-out lied, or didn’t come through on a promise?
All I’m saying is don’t shoot the man down before he’s given a chance.
JetBoy on June 19, 2008 at 4:52 PM
All the women mentioned above have the same face lift surgeon. They get sweetheart deals at taxpayers expense…..don’t forget the arugula.
geminicontender on June 19, 2008 at 4:53 PM
All McCain has to do is say that the cost benefit has changed.
ie: “I believe protecting the environment is an important and valuable goal. Which is why I have long opposed drilling in ANWR. However, when faced with the severe burden on the American Economy, and the threat to the jobs of hard working Americans due to the high price of oil, I have had to reconsider my position opposing drilling in ANWR, and I have decided that the needs of the American worker outweighs the needs of the Alaskan caribou. Of course, we will require the drilling to be done with the newest and cleanest technology available, and take every precaution to avoid harming the natural wonder of ANWR.”
Sackett on June 19, 2008 at 4:53 PM
Someone at the event just called in to Sean Hannity’s show and said that the way McCain said it made it sound like a blow-off just so he could get to the next question.
its vintage duh on June 19, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Time to take a look at this for VP.
right2bright on June 19, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Wasn’t there a story about collagen injections, down below?
Might be some more similarities…
JiangxiDad on June 19, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Global warming is a hoax, a cornerstone of the grand plan, but a hoax nontheless, you are being played. To get a big picture view of what is going on, take the Soviet Union and replace it with Environmental Marxism. The Gorbachev Foundation, Green Cross International(GCI), is behind a lot of this. The intent is to destroy capitalism by undermining the west’s industrial base with a pall of malaise, reduce the west’s standard of living, and ultimately install worldwide Marxism. Run by the UN of course.
The late author Natalie Grant Wraga, an expert on the Soviet Union and Russia once wrote,
A conspiracy so grand in hides in plain sight. The Americans involved should be ashamed. Yes, that includes tools like McCain.
tarpon on June 19, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Someone tell me what is in ANWR? This pristine area that no one will ever see. Pristine? Seems pretty freakin’ barren to me. Only the tree sitter types would vote for this.
geminicontender on June 19, 2008 at 4:56 PM
This is McCain’s saving grace especially as opposed to Obama:
We have at least a chance of moving McCain to the right.
But then:
Speakup on June 19, 2008 at 4:56 PM
There are four videos of the event posted at his website, but I didn’t want to have to go through all of them. Still looking for a transcript.
JiangxiDad on June 19, 2008 at 4:56 PM
Did anyone see Laura Ingraham’s new show on Fox the other night? She went to gas stations with a picture of Anwr and asked the consumers if they knew what the picture was of.
A LOT of the people said..the moon, mars. desert, etc. until 1 smart guy said..I think it’s Antartica! It was hilarious!!
becki51758 on June 19, 2008 at 5:00 PM
I had a similar thought. The dems/eco-nuts keep wailing about alternatives, that we need to “invest more in alternatives.” How well is that going? After many years and who knows how much money, how close are any of them to being viable? They’re basically telling us to “stay the course”, a course that has us heading for an iceberg.
Yeah, someday there will be viable alternatives. And I hope whoever makes it all work gets filthy rich along the way. But for now, we need results. We need a “surge” in drilling and refining.
innominatus on June 19, 2008 at 5:00 PM
McCain did not vote against the tax cuts because of spending included in the bill. He voted against them because according to him they were “tax cuts for the rich”.
flenser on June 19, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Not on the merits, but if it serves him politically, as in the case with the offshore drilling.
This guy seems to respond to being told he’s loved, and would he please do such and such.
He’s repelled by being told he’s wrong.
It’s so tiresome to have to manage people that way and constantly massage their egos. It’s a character flaw.
JiangxiDad on June 19, 2008 at 5:02 PM
Alternative forms of energy are for the private market. When a viable product comes to fruition it will benefit all. But the government needs to stay out of it all. They need to release their moratoriums, their many types of formulas needed (CA in particular), and let the private sector get back to basics. Get rid of government intervention….Now that would be CHANGE.
geminicontender on June 19, 2008 at 5:05 PM
I would be more than happy to rip open the head and reach down to find the pea-brain of anybody who kids themselves that this guy is anything more than a white Obama. Okay, so he opposes abortion rights. SO WHAT! the Supreme Court has ruled at least 3 times that it won’t overturn Roe vs. Wade.
Every jackass who said “stay the course” in Iraq after it was clear this administration couldn’t organize an Easter Egg hunt, let alone an emerging democracy OR claims conservatives need to unite behind John “Barack” McCain deserves the president and congress we are about to get.
Thanks for nothing.
PS: Hot Air has sucked since Brian (or what ever his name was) left, but you all know that already.
doufree on June 19, 2008 at 5:05 PM
LOL… Drilling is not the only solution but part of the solution. We are capable of drilling, conservation, alternative energy, atomic energy, etc all at the same time. Leaving our oil fields for children, we will also leave COL so high the economy will be ruined. Food will be so expensive many poor will be sick and malnourished. Our enemy’s will hold our National Security hostage to the price of oil. Open your eyes and see the total effect this is having on the world as well as the USA. If you are so concerned about the children, why are you so willing to pass along the problems. Stand up, be responsible and help solve this problem so in 10 years our dependency on foreign oil will be a thing in the past. We need to attack this problem on all sides, and that includes drilling and refineries.
Wade on June 19, 2008 at 5:05 PM
Reagan never used the Rapture as an excuse to saddle our kids with debt, phrone.
What are we going to say to them if we’re still here in 50 years?
Sorry?
alphie on June 19, 2008 at 5:06 PM
That, and they weren’t permanent.
JetBoy on June 19, 2008 at 5:06 PM
I still think George Will said it best:
“Such is his towering moral vanity, he seems sincerely to consider it theoretically impossible for him to commit the offenses of appearances that he incessantly ascribes to others.
Such certitude is, however, not merely an unattractive trait. It is disturbing righteousness in someone grasping for presidential powers.”
BigD on June 19, 2008 at 5:06 PM
He has said and done nothing in this campaign season to suggest this. No, “I’d be happy to re-examine that” does not count. Get back to me whan Senator McCain introduces conservative legislation in Congress, and fights for it on the campaign trail.
His actual record includes such stinkers as McCain-Kennedy, McCain-Lieberman, and McCain-Feingold, all of which were far left pieces of legislation.
flenser on June 19, 2008 at 5:06 PM
Exactly. Newt started pushing it, it got a ton of support, and McCain wants to take some of its momentum. Ugh. It disgusts me. If he changes his position, that’s great, but he’d be doing it for the wrong reasons. I’ll believe him when I see him change it, offer good reasons why he changed it, and ACT on it. Until then…he loses a lot of my respect for not offering a “straight talk” answer. Remind me again…why is he our nominee? Oh, open primaries. Yeah, I knew that.
malan89 on June 19, 2008 at 5:07 PM
Sums it up.
Aggie85 on June 19, 2008 at 5:11 PM
Stuck on Stoopid.
madmonkphotog on June 19, 2008 at 5:11 PM
I don’t believe he gave that as a reason. Got a cite?
But who cares what he says? Look at what he does. To a large extent the man is an empty windbag. To the extent that there is any “there” there, it’s fairly left wing. Look at all the significant pieces of legislation which McCain has been involved with. Look at what he has opposed. Ignore what he says.
flenser on June 19, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Yes, you are right.
The only thing the government need do is make it easier for business to reduce costs for product development and research. That means lower taxes on research and tax deductions for consumers on new and developing products and then step aside and watch what this great nation can do, without regulations and interference from government.
Wade on June 19, 2008 at 5:16 PM
Err.
Isn’t this what liberal politicians do? Go left in the primary to pander to their base and then try to move back to the center for the general?
misterpeasea on June 19, 2008 at 5:17 PM
….Hot Air has sucked since Brian (or what ever his name was) left…
doufree on June 19, 2008 at 5:05 PM
No one is forcing you to click in here, read the stuff, and make comments are they?
Don’t let the mouse pinch your finger on the way out.
LegendHasIt on June 19, 2008 at 5:18 PM
Must be the Energizer Bunny and his batteries.
Wade on June 19, 2008 at 5:23 PM
It’s only the barren, coastal areas of ANWR that are potentially open for oil exploration, an area called Section 1002–not the entire ANWR, much of which is pristine wilderness. That’s what Congress intended when they created it.
The entire ANWR is about 20 million acres. Section 1002 is about 1.5 million acres.
The drill site itself would be about the size of Dulles Airport, 3-4 sq. miles.
JiangxiDad on June 19, 2008 at 5:23 PM
Thanks. Saved on my HD as McCains Achilles Heel.
JiangxiDad on June 19, 2008 at 5:27 PM
Someone once commented here why the Republicans will not do away with them, but I can’t remember the reason anymore. Strangely enough, the other Republican candidates seemed to be as unaware of their effect as I was.
JiangxiDad on June 19, 2008 at 5:29 PM
I read a comment somewhere that the ANWR coastal plain is like “a snow covered desert.” I think that’s a great description.
These ANWR savers are hysterical libs who think they’re saving the cuddly polar bear.
We own a feaking snow covered desert full of oil. Man, if we were only Arabs, we could drill it and get rich. I’d love to get a Mercedes snowmobile.
JiangxiDad on June 19, 2008 at 5:34 PM
Dittos. Those with a memory will recall that McCain’s “Main Street Republican” group were the legislators responsible for killing the bill that would have allowed drilling in ANWR in 2005.
McCain, your “chickens are coming home . . . to roost!“
Angry Dumbo on June 19, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Is it going too far to call Barbara Boxer the Maxine Waters of the Senate?
Cicero43 on June 19, 2008 at 5:44 PM
It is OK to change your position on something when the facts change. The facts about oil supply, energy security gasoline prices and the state of the economy have changed since he ran in 2000. If he does not change position to meet new facts, people would call him stubborn now when he does they call him a flip flopper, you can’t win unless you are a liberal and the media covers for you.
For Crist’s sake. even the Governor of Florida flipped his position on drilling when the tourist industry was threatened. (Snicker)
KW64 on June 19, 2008 at 5:44 PM
Look…McCain IS the GOP nominee. Running against Barack Obama. One of those two men will be the next President of the United States.
Now, which one is better?
JetBoy on June 19, 2008 at 5:47 PM
We know the “opinions change when the facts change thing”.
But one thing we expect and need from our leaders is…leadership. Like the kind he showed on Iraq and the surge.
IMO, he’s simply not that impressive a politician or leader on matters outside of the military.
JiangxiDad on June 19, 2008 at 5:48 PM
Good lord.
What and was the price of gas 4 years ago?
He’s coming around. Slowly. And what does Obama want to do? More of what McCain seems to want to do or less?
Exactly.
wise_man on June 19, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Now you asked for it :)
JiangxiDad on June 19, 2008 at 5:50 PM
I get the feeling that this needs to be mentioned here every day for the next 5 months, the way some people here are commenting. It’s like they aren’t able to figure this out on their own and still think that the republican primary is still going on.
wise_man on June 19, 2008 at 5:52 PM
Why does he need others to convince him? Why is he coming around slowly? What causes him not to see the right course of action on so many issues more quickly.
What’s the root of his faults? Personality flaws.
Wish we had a better candidate. We don’t. That doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be pressed every day to do the right thing. Some people think that is just as important a thing to do as defending him from the accusation that he’s worse than Obama.
JiangxiDad on June 19, 2008 at 5:53 PM
Oh, he will “re-examine” his positions, just as the Obamassiah will “listen to all points of view” before consistantly taking the leftist position. His “re-examination” will result in him reaching the same flawed policy positions.
Hollowpoint on June 19, 2008 at 5:53 PM
Better to flip out of the way of a flame thrower and flop into a nice cool swimming pool… than do nothing.
McCain proves he’s only deaf in one ear.
(Obama’s ears will go unmentioned.)
profitsbeard on June 19, 2008 at 5:55 PM
That’s like asking if I’d rather be shot in the butt with a .38 or a .22.
Hollowpoint on June 19, 2008 at 5:56 PM
Bingo. Primaries are over, people.
I’m a glutton for punishment…
No, it’s like asking if you’d rather be shot in the butt with a .38, or a pea shooter. Both might be annoying, but one ain’t gonna kill ya.
JetBoy on June 19, 2008 at 6:09 PM
But, would you be more than happy to change it if your light bulb goes on?
whitetop on June 19, 2008 at 6:22 PM
To “geminicontender”, who said that only tree-sitter types would vote to save it: Tree-sitters wouldn’t go to ANWR–there are no trees to sit in! A year in ANWR = 4 months of grass, 8 months of snow. Even the caribou go south for the winter.
It may be a flip-flop, but we’re better off with McCain, who might say, “I’m willing to change my mind on ANWR if circumstances demand it” than Obama: “I had the right judgment about Iraq in 2002 and I will never change”. After all, Bush changed his Iraq strategy after the 2006 congressional elections, and even Bill Clinton signed welfare reform against the wishes of his party.
McCain might be late to the drilling bandwagon, but if 67% of the public support it (Rasmussen), welcome aboard! If, five years from now, American oil is flowing from the Continental Shelf and ANWR and shale in the Rockies and gasoline is $2.50/gallon, we’ll all be grateful for McCain’s flip-flop. He might still be President by then.
Steve Z on June 19, 2008 at 6:23 PM
Eh. I’ve said that before, but some people just don’t listen. He’s probably the worst we could have done, but he’s not ALL bad. And he’s definitely a lot better than Obama. In the primaries, I was as against McCain as anyone else. But the independents and liberals hijacked them and we’re stuck with him. We NEED to beat Obama and, unfortunately, voting for McCain is the only way to do it. I’m still going to speak out against all the liberal policies he supports, but I’ll cast my vote for him (or, as I’d rather put it, cast it AGAINST Obama). And, hey, maybe he’ll have some sort of epiphany on issues like drilling. Or maybe he’ll just realize that it’s politically convenient to adopt some conservative policies. Either way, we only have to deal with him for four years. Then, he’s gone. Come hell or high water, I will personally make sure the Republican Party has a decent nominee in 2012. We didn’t take this primary seriously enough.
STFU and leave if you don’t like it. If you don’t support AP and Ed, you shouldn’t be giving them traffic.
malan89 on June 19, 2008 at 6:30 PM
Don’t you see the irony in your first and second comment?
wise_man on June 19, 2008 at 6:35 PM
Here’s the video of McCain answering what seems to have been a question posed about ANWR.
JiangxiDad on June 19, 2008 at 6:36 PM
Some people have already written him off, 5 months before the election and knowing the consequences of a McCain loss is an Obama win. There is a huge difference between being constructive and attempting to sew the seeds of failure and trashing him every day on conservative sites in an attempt to influence others not to vote for him. They way some people carry on, it makes you wonder (since they are advocating the same as the democrats) if they are genuine in their presenting themselves to be conservatives.
wise_man on June 19, 2008 at 6:39 PM
Now, I wouldn’t be so queasy on voting for McCain *IF* he can get gung ho on opening up oil drilling off of United States’ coasts and that shale oil and tar sands be considered seriously along with ramping up new oil refineries then I’d go ahead and vote him. Why? Well, it’s simple. Drill our own oil and use our own oil while moving away from foreign sources of oil allow us to become energy independent which in turns serve us as a big hedge on our national and economic security in the short to medium term solution. Plus, it takes money out of the hands of unstable foreign countries that supply us with over 60+ percent of our oil comsumption. Using our own oil provide more jobs and re-circulate our money back into our economy while we continue to move toward alternative energies of the future. It’s better to have our own oil infrastructures totally in place which will serve us well in times of national emergencies. That way, no foreign countries will be able to “turn off the spigot” just to cripple us in the process.
Kokonut on June 19, 2008 at 6:46 PM
To you the idiot who thinks that everything is going OK, and it should be for the kids. FYI how much are you paying for gasoline or diesel? How much is your food? How much is your electricity?
FYI I am one of those children. I live in Alaska, I say DRILL IT YESERDAY!
You on the other hand can kiss my blue nordic butt and go eat a tree branch for all I care right now.
If you don’t “Like” it I can pay for your ticket to Canada! Or Russia! or Indonesia! And those children can work in factories.
upinak on June 19, 2008 at 6:47 PM
And I’m praying that gas prices will get up to $7 dollars a gallon a few months before this November election. What better way to see hypocrite Democrats scream in frustration about the gas prices seeing that Obama will make it worse knowing he’s not in favor of drilling for our oil or that we become oil independent in the process.
Kokonut on June 19, 2008 at 6:50 PM
Pitchfork and torch time. Reminding everyone I talk to that if they vote Democrat they are voting for higher gas, food prices and higher taxes and I think they should have to pay mine in addition to theirs.
I hope they are not voting for the same thing in McBrainless.
I actually had to explain to a couple of morons in the office today that if worst case senario happened and prices didn’t come down it would still be a huge economic boost to Alaska, Florida, California and anywhere else drilling, refining, transportation takes place plus the trickle down effects would be huge. Not to mention denying the dreaded Saudis those same funds.
dhunter on June 19, 2008 at 6:54 PM
ANWR is 19.2 million acres, home to 45 species of mammals, 180 bird species, virtually no roads, explain to me why the hell the Democrats and John McCain won’t let us drill there?
dhunter on June 19, 2008 at 7:10 PM
19.2 million acres =30,000 square miles.
Piss me off some more John McCain and Democrat environmental terrorist scum.
I will think of you each and every time I buy a drop of gas and it won’t be Happy Gilmore Happy Thoughts!
dhunter on June 19, 2008 at 7:15 PM
I missed it, but thanks for the tip, and here it is.
Somehow I bet Mac would fail that test. When Barry goes to Iraq, Johnnie needs to take a trip to ANWR.
Buy Danish on June 19, 2008 at 7:16 PM
Well, its a chance.
Speakup on June 19, 2008 at 7:22 PM
Reconsideration of whether you’re for it or against it, Maverick?
Geez. Someone remind me just one more time why I vote Republican.
BacaDog on June 19, 2008 at 8:14 PM
No, I don’t. I can disagree with (and all around dislike) McCain on many, many issues and still hold the ideas expressed in the second comment.
malan89 on June 19, 2008 at 8:19 PM
You should transcribe the end of that Barbara Boxer clip. After telling us how we should not drill for our own oil she says we have to become energy independent and get off of foreign oil. Her only concrete solution to this energy independence and getting us off of foreign oil is to tell OPEC to give us more oil.
It boggles the mind.
RW_theoriginal on June 19, 2008 at 8:35 PM
Comment pages: [1] 2 »