McCain speaks to Latino officials on immigration policy
posted at 11:00 am on June 28, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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John McCain will address the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials in Washington, DC this morning, speaking on a range of issues in the campaign — including immigration. According to an early release of McCain’s speech, he plans on emphasizing his more moderate policies on comprehensive immigration reform, but warns that the US has to secure the border first (emphasis mine):
I and many other colleagues twice attempted to pass comprehensive immigration legislation to fix our broken borders; ensure respect for the laws of this country; recognize the important economic necessity of immigrant laborers; apprehend those who came here illegally to commit crimes; and deal practically and humanely with those who came here, as my distant ancestors did, to build a better, safer life for their families, without excusing the fact they came here illegally or granting them privileges before those who did. Many Americans, with good cause, did not believe us when we said we would secure our borders, and so we failed in our efforts. We must prove to them that we can and will secure our borders first, while respecting the dignity and rights of citizens and legal residents of the United States. But we must not make the mistake of thinking that our responsibility to meet this challenge will end with that accomplishment. We have economic and humanitarian responsibilities as well, and they require no less dedication from us in meeting them.
This only occupies a small portion of the remarks McCain will deliver today to NALEO, and they come just before the conclusion. He spends much more time on energy and tax policy, as well as free trade. I’m a little disappointed that he doesn’t spend any time on judicial appointments, where he can press a serious advantage after the Heller and Boumediene decisions.
McCain doesn’t take the opportunity to pander to identity politics. In this speech, he explains that border security has to come first because of the failure of the government to meet its obligations in the past. Conservatives don’t like McCain’s overall policy, but he is insisting on border security first in a forum that isn’t likely to love that message, either.
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As I just put on the last McCain post, I’m leaning towards McCain because of SCOTUS.
On this issue, he is dead fricking wrong. There ain’t no fly poop in the pepper arguments here.
IMO, McCain is ONLY stating the “secure the borders first” tack because it is the ONLY part of his immigration stance which is keeping moderates and independents on his side.
Conservatives have already had it with him on this issue. His past actions, words and backstabbing bely his true intentions on this issue.
What I find funny is that if this guy had simply said “enforce current law” from the get-go, he’d be good to go.
Three simple words…
catmman on June 28, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Juan “Z-Visa” McCain is full of crap! The “Z-Visa” is an indefinitely renewable document that allows Illegal Alien chuntes to remain in this country. McCain hasn’t learned anything….HE’S LYING!!!!!
DfDeportation on June 28, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Ed,
Looks like no slack is going to be offered up by the law and order crowd. To me McCain is sincere in wanting to compromise with the L&0 folks and point out that the issue is about more then the fence. I like that about him, that he asks us to listen to him as much as we ask him to listen to us. Now comes the hammer as the fence lands on my head.
Limerick on June 28, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Well I think you’re lying…see how easy it is for me to do it too?
Squid Shark on June 28, 2008 at 11:22 AM
I agree, living with a Public Defender has definately shown me to look at the different angles of a situation. I think he is trying to take the middle road too. The only thing most americans really agree on in border enforcement, mass deportation is another issue entirely.
I like his recent focus on employer enforcement through the guest worker program as well.
Squid Shark on June 28, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Very happy to read those words. And doubly if he says them clearly at the forum. Good for John McCain.
JiangxiDad on June 28, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Yeah, I like that part of the plan…a BUNCH. Without that it is like fighting a drug war by only going after the users and not the dealers.
Limerick on June 28, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Unfortunately, McCain is vague as always in what he means by border security or border enforcement. Might that be because he favors the “virtual” approach rather than a workable physical barrier, but is too shy to say so?
a capella on June 28, 2008 at 11:27 AM
As always, the devil is in the details.
JiangxiDad on June 28, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Actually he has stated (recent CA townhall) he favors both virtual and physical. I’m not defending the virtual stance, just trying to be fair about where he says he stands on that.
Limerick on June 28, 2008 at 11:29 AM
That darned unreasonable law and order crowd. Where do those self-righteous pinheads get off insisting on law and order?
Ever notice how the only people who ever bring up “mass deportation” are the ones who favor amnesty?
misterpeasea on June 28, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Virtual walls = virtual votes.
JiangxiDad on June 28, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Ethnic politics annoys the crap out of me. Would all these damn Latino/Hispanic groups be agitating so hard for amnesty if the illegal hordes were from the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, or Asia? I think not. Their blatantly obvious goal is to increase the power of the Hispanic ethnic voting block, the Hell with the law and what’s best for the US. I would like to see some politician stop pandering and call these race hustlers on this.
DerKrieger on June 28, 2008 at 11:31 AM
I neither called you unreasonable or self-righteous pinheads. In fact I thought that the label Law&Order would be taken as an acknowledgement of your position.
Limerick on June 28, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Limerick on June 28, 2008 at 11:22 AM
No disrespect intended, but IMO you get exactly the mess we have now WHEN you comprimise on L&O/Enforcing the law.
I could make the argument (and it seems it has already been made by McCain and others) that current law is uneffective/cumbersome/burdensome/unfair etc.
The only thing which has made it so is not the fact that people want the law enforced, it’s that one reason we’re pissed is that is HASN”T been - so why are we to believe that new laws will be? What’s to say that another 15-20 years down the road (if we were ever faced with this again) the same, exact arguments wouldn’t be made?
catmman on June 28, 2008 at 11:39 AM
No one has offered amnesty since Reagan!
McCain’s bill would have given thousands of dollars of fines, hoops to jump through, & wait, wait, wait for illegal aliens.
And now McCain is insisting on securing the border first, & some hyper-purists are calling him a liar with no evidence.
jgapinoy on June 28, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Check out the website for the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.
It’s a four day affair. The head of NALEO is Bronx borough President Adolfo Carrion. He’s eyeing the mayoral job in NYC a la Villaragosa in LA.
Slated speakers include Barack Obama and John McCain.
JiangxiDad on June 28, 2008 at 11:46 AM
I completely agree with you that since the laws haven’t been enforced fully up to this point is exactly why we have a public who is demanding more enforcement. McCain has said as much also. His border-first, compassion-second, industry-third position today relects that. He is trying to have a two way conversation with us. That is all I’m saying. I’m willing to give the man a chance to prove it.
Limerick on June 28, 2008 at 11:47 AM
McCain and his campaign are a bunch of fools.
He is going to lose this election more than Obama is going to win it.
LordMaximus on June 28, 2008 at 11:48 AM
I have no problem with that statement at all; sorry outraged brothers. My only reservation in saying that is that I have seen little evidence that it’s true. But I am more than willing to accept it on face value, with the promise that we must verify at all steps along the way that he means it.
McCain has only earned the same trust that I would give the North Koreans - trust but verify.
Jaibones on June 28, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Pretty much pandering when you talk about border security and throw open the Z visa door at the same time but then again touting “free market” as the answer to high costs is pretty hollow when what passes now for “free market” has shown us nothing but higher and higher prices for the last 8 years. Our corporate masters will get their slave labor come hell or high water. Exactly why I’m not a Republican any more.
Buzzy on June 28, 2008 at 11:55 AM
JiangxiDad on June 28, 2008 at 11:57 AM
It seems to me that McCain has been saying that since the defeat of McCain-Kennedy. I’m willing to give him the chance also. I only want to know and I wish someone would ask him, what is going to be the criteria for the border state Govs to certify their borders are secure. Is Homeland Security going to use measurements? ICE data? Border patrol? Or are the border state Govs and legislatures going to determine what the criteria is? I want my state to make the determination, not some statistical data from the feds.
Texas Gal on June 28, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Translation: I don’t trust John McCain or the Fed. Gov’t. Good for you. Watch him like a hawk.
We’re watching you every day John. Be good.
JiangxiDad on June 28, 2008 at 12:14 PM
The devil is in the details. I agree, totally, that we need McCain, and Obama, to get out details and not just sound bytes. It would take a lot of the arguments out of the clouds and give us all something concrete to compare the two candidates with.
Limerick on June 28, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Limerick on June 28, 2008 at 12:16 PM
I agree with this statement. Let’s get the details out on the table NOW.
One way or the other. As it stands right now simply saying “comprehensive Immigration Reform” is a buzzword to PO conservatives. Using the “secure borders first” is too vague and arbitrary without some type of measurement tool, and I’m talking specifics.
Though I STILL don’t know what’s wrong with enforcing the laws we already have on the books…
catmman on June 28, 2008 at 12:27 PM
McAmnesty is sure taking pains to hide what he says to each pander group. I think people have a right to know what is being said behind these closed doors.
I second it, lets get the details out in the open, right now. Both candidates.
tarpon on June 28, 2008 at 12:32 PM
From my understanding there isn’t much difference between the two of them in the broad terms except that McCain has said he would have the border state Govs certify their borders are secure before doing anything else. He needs to say who determines the criteria because I really don’t see our border being certified as secure without a lot more funding of a whole bunch of areas!
Texas Gal on June 28, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Boy, I love these debates on ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION (aka undocumented workers) First you are RACIST, then ZENOPHOBE, then the ultimate YOU WANT TO MASS DEPORT ALL OF THEM!!! One of the ladies heading up the recall drive against MAYOR PHIL GORDON has a brilliant saying ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT IS NOT A RACE. A good portion of the people working on the recall AMERICANS OF HISPANIC ORIGIN. Amazing HUH? JUAN wants my vote. Simple, pass a NATIONWIDE EMPLOYERS SANCTIONS LAW… And, listen to this part real close, ENFORCE IT!!! No fines, no fences, no shamnesty bills… Just simple EMPLOYER SANCTIONS. No deportation needed, take away the incentive to come here, and what do you think happens??? They go back where they came from. PRETTY DAMN SIMPLE HUH??? Do that JUAN and you have a CONVERT to your side…
pueblo1032 on June 28, 2008 at 12:46 PM
This looks like the result of poor editing from many drafts. There’s hardly a connection between securing the borders and respecting the dignity of citizens and legal residents. It only makes sense if the “while respecting the dignity and rights” modifies illegal aliens, and he ought to have said it if McCain deems it necessary to define our actions or policies based on inadvertent and/or unintentional potentialities.
BTW, is McCain saying his ancestors came here illegally? My wife came here legally and she was treated with the utmost practicality and humanity an overly bloated and regulated government bureaucracy could muster. Heck, almost 30% the folks on my street are immigrants, spanning from the late fifties to five years ago and they’ll all tell you this concern isn’t a real one.
Dusty on June 28, 2008 at 12:46 PM
McCain’s speech is not really for “Latino Elected and Appointed Officials”. It is set up as a feed to placate disgruntled conservatives.
That is why his leaked ‘hardball’ comments are being staged in front of politicos, and not La Raza
The politicos will respond properly to the performance. They will issue appropriately moderated disgruntled comments about McCain not quite being on their side which the handlers will then feed back into the media to show that McCain is with the disgruntled conservative base
Unfortunately McCain cannot shut up
Had McCain lacked the vindictive streak he would have buttoned his lip like this:
I haven’t won on every issue. I didn’t win on immigration reform
, but I’ll go back at it. And I’m glad I did it.Then he could have waited until he was elected and done whatever
Sister Soljah. Clinton was better at it
entagor on June 28, 2008 at 12:51 PM
In my opinion, after observing the primary season, Juan McCain is just another lying politician who will say anything in his feverish lust for power.
I’d rather be waterboarded than vote for that slug.
Zorro on June 28, 2008 at 1:00 PM
I’m as pissed as anyone here about McCain’s immigration bill. But if the majority of Republicans were as pissed off as we are, he would not be the Republican nominee, would he?
You all need to face facts, this is not an issue that even a majority of Republicans care about as much as you do.
And what makes you think McCain would be any more successful trying to pass the same bill again? His last bill had the full weight of the White House behind it and it still failed.
rockmom on June 28, 2008 at 1:03 PM
Dude, if McCain was pissin’ on ya (and the other McCainiacs) and told ya it was rainin’ you’d drink it up like holy water.
NONE OF THE ABOVE ‘08!!!!!!
jwp1964 on June 28, 2008 at 1:05 PM
Texas Gal on June 28, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Good questions, good point about state verification. However, the biggest problem is WHO the governors are:
California - Schwarzenegger (Dem in Rino clothing)
Arizona - Napalitano (Very Dem)
New Mexico - Richardson (Very Dem and of Mexican heritage)
Texas - Perry (Rino who has already sold his soul to big business).
Any of these governors could and would verify security when there is no actual security to advance their own agenda.
Something to think about.
maxine on June 28, 2008 at 1:06 PM
Could be poor editing of many drafts,Dusty. I do know from personal experience that happens!
When I read that statement, my thinking went to the environment that created a general anti-Hispanic climate and thought he was addressing that issue. I do have a few American born friends of Mexican ancestry and I have to tell you that they were all for enforcement of illegal immigration laws until the La Raza and del Norte succeeded in pouring flames on the fire and turned the issue into one race instead of law.
Texas Gal on June 28, 2008 at 1:07 PM
“Conservatives don’t like McCain’s overall policy, but he is insisting on border security first in a forum that isn’t likely to love that message, either.”
Juan can insist all he wants, there is no will to secure the borders first, next or last. Look what happened to the bill to build the double layer fence: gutted, with no clear cut sign of re-instatement before the bill dies next year.
If anyone is concerned about what happened in Phoenix on 6/23/08 and doesn’t want it to happen again you would want to: 1) sign a petition to actually build the fence, go to Grassfire.com 2) arm yourself with AR15s (what the Mexi-drug cartel ops had in Phoenix*) if you live in a border state 3) wait until we have to (do more than) sign a petition to put the military on the border.
*Please tell me why this incident isn’t an act of war.
Christine on June 28, 2008 at 1:08 PM
McCain repeatedly shifts all blame for the failure of the his immigration bill to one topic: the border fence. The fence was only one element of dozens of glaring problems with the bill, including, but not limited to, an instant freeze on deportations, a 24-hour time limit on background checks, the cost of billions in government benefits to “Z-visa” holders, the creation of yet another bloated bureaucracy, and the fact that gang-members would be eligible for a visa simply upon signing a document that they would “go and sin no more.”
All the other catch-phrases McCain uses (”compassion,” “humane,” “economic interests,” etc.) are no different than the words he used to describe the original bill. In the final analysis, it’s totally useless to even discuss the subject without a copy of an actual “new” bill, which, of course, we won’t see before the election.
Nichevo on June 28, 2008 at 1:10 PM
The reason I ask the question is that it could take sometime, a few years to meet the criteria to secure the Texas border if the state legislature makes the determiniation.
As far as Perry is concerned, you might call him a RINO but last time I checked, the GOP was pro-business. AND the fact is that Perry has done a good job in redirecting the resources he has available from the feds into state and local law enforcement to address the problem. Border security is a fed responsibility and the feds don’t give money directly to the states for that issue so Perry has been very proactive and creative in redirecting things like Homeland Security $$$ and DoJ grants for law enforcement and gang and drug enforcement into the border towns Sheriffs and DPS.
Texas Gal on June 28, 2008 at 1:16 PM
Well said and exactly right! McCain would not be the nominee if this was the hot button issue with the majority as it is here.
Heck in the overall list of top priorities for me, it’s not that important because Obama has pretty much the same plan except the certification of the border.
So for me it’s about national security and foreign policy. Obama scares me to death on that, literally!
Texas Gal on June 28, 2008 at 1:22 PM
We have done more than treat legal AND illegal immigrants with dignity and respect. We have bent over backwards for decades while our (Cal) state government was/is bankrupted with over- crowded schools, courts, jails, clinics, highways. The illegal (NOT LEGAL) population has trashed our laws and sovereignty, (like they trash and literally burn the countryside they camp on before and after they get here), but the open border, globalist idiots in our ‘gov’t’ tell us that their ‘contribution’ to our economy is worth all that. So much for fair trade policies.
Christine on June 28, 2008 at 1:23 PM
Then where did the firestorm of protest originate last summer?
Because the Congressional deck will be even more stacked after Nov. 2008. If, as you say, the majority of Republicans don’t care about it, why will any protest be effective? Your arguments seem to neutralize each other.
a capella on June 28, 2008 at 1:27 PM
Reporter: Senator McCain, is it true that if you become President you will put a real fence along the border with Mexico rather than just some phony so called “virtual fence”? And a follow up question sir, if so what will the physical fence look like?
John McCain: That is a very good question and yes when I become el Presidente I will put up a physical fence. What will it look like? Well it will run the full length of the border and have special security gates every 100 feet.
All the security gates will have on them:
1) Press one for Spanish (with a response of “Welcome Amigo, my country is your country and please take a free map to the wonderful plantation owner employer of your choice. Also please feel free to enroll you children in our schools and demand that they be taught in Spanish and please also feel free to avail yourself of all the free medical care that you want. If there are any Gringos in line in front of you, just go to the head of the line. If you want to fly the great Mexican flag please feel free to just take down an American one and use it’s flag pole”).
2) Press two for English (with a response of “#uck you! I know more than any of you damned bigoted nativist lazy madre fornicario gringos who do not want what is right for America del Norte!!!”).
MB4 on June 28, 2008 at 1:27 PM
Speaking to Latinos and ignoring conservatives, fricken putz.
leanright on June 28, 2008 at 1:27 PM
And, McCain’s position on border security(past actions, not present words) fits in nicely with national security?
a capella on June 28, 2008 at 1:31 PM
John McCain, you know what you are? Huh? Huh? You don’t, I do, everyone does…… you’re the son of a thousand fathers, all bastards like you!!!
Tuco on June 28, 2008 at 1:35 PM
If you read up the thread, you’ll see that I said I’m willing to listen to him. McCain has never given me a reason not to believe what he says and often he has infuriated me because I knew that he would stand by the words he spoke when I disagreed with him .. ie: waterboarding, closing GITMO. If he says that the border state Govs will determine the border secure before any other action, then I just want to know who sets that criteria.
The fact of the matter is we have McCain or Obama. I do not trust Obama oneioda, period .. on anything.
Texas Gal on June 28, 2008 at 1:37 PM
I relate McAsswipe sucking up to Latinos to a dog licking his own ass. It’s a big thank you for following him all the way.
leanright on June 28, 2008 at 1:41 PM
You never had a rope around your neck. Well, I’m going to tell you something. When that rope starts to pull tight, you can feel the Devil bite your ass.
Tuco on June 28, 2008 at 1:42 PM
I liken McAmnesty sucking up to Latinos to a dog licking his own butt, it’s a big thank you for following him every step of the way.
leanright on June 28, 2008 at 1:47 PM
Millions of illegals have participated in or, are guilty of non-violent crimes such as Social Security number theft, Identity theft, credit card theft, and/or document fraud. The negative consequences of these crimes are significant for Americans.
During the last amnesty, John McCain, Lindsey Graham, and Ted Kennedy all voted to waive criminal or punitive charges against the millions of illegals who have participated in document fraud or Social Security number fraud.
I find this to be a serious injustice to the millions of LEGAL Americans who have to hire a lawyer and fight for their basic rights, just because an illegal is abusing their identity or engaging in document fraud.
But McCain says this is not a problem.
My problem is with McCain, and for his repeated assurance that he will reward law-breakers with the gift of a “pathway to USA citizenship,” despite the fact that it is wrong to do so (because rewarding law-breaking only serves as “an incentive” for more illegal activity) and also because amnesty has already been given 7 times since 1986 according to Numbers USA.
If John McCain wants to actively court the vote of Latinos, he should try to win the vote of these law-abiding citizens.
ColtsFan on June 28, 2008 at 1:50 PM
Because it doesn’t measure up to any jus ad bellum criteria. No doubt the government of Mexico is just as angered and frustrated by this incident as we are.
Dusty on June 28, 2008 at 1:52 PM
I think Tuco needs to switch to decaf.
juliesa on June 28, 2008 at 1:54 PM
There has always been something very wrong with McCain’s character, which is one of extreme “me-first-and-only” self-entitlement. He was wrongfully admitted to the Naval Academy with bad grades ahead of more qualified applicants because his daddy and granddaddy were admirals. Rules that apply to ordinary people don’t apply to him. He thumbed his nose at Annapolis because he couldn’t be kicked out or flunked out, because he was JOHN MCCAIN, son and grandson of ADMIRALS. He ignored orders and crashed planes, because he couldn’t be disciplined as the son and grandson of admirals.
He ditched the wife who stood by him, when he wanted a rich blonde chick young enough to be his daughter, who could finance his political ambition. He was caught taking bribes to his wife from the Keating 5, so tried to cover his tracks by imposing the McCain-Feingold nonsense on everyone else (laws only apply to everyone else, not JOHN MCCAIN). He entertained a blonde lobbyist in ways that worried his staff, and improperly pressured the FCC for her in exchange for …., because he is JOHN MCCAIN!!!!!!.
He yells obscenities at other senators who questioned ramming his McCain-Kennedy amnesty through the Senate in the dead of night without debate, and screams he knows more about it than anyone else - because he is JOHN MCCAIN, a legend in his own mind !!!!!! He has secret “no press allowed meetings to praise Mexico as our dearest friend and closest neighbor, calling enforcement of the laws “Rhetoric”.
As president, McCain try to rule by fiat and would make Hugo Chavez look like George Washington. Like the Alice in Wonderland Queen of Hearts, if any GOP congresscritter disagreed with him as president -> “OFF WITH HIS HEAD- I’m JOHN MCCAIN, KING OF THE UNIVERSE”
There has always been something consistently very wrong with McCain’s character. Through it all, this lying unreliable self-aggrandizing megalomaniac poses as a “straight talker”, and is so sick, he probably believes it himself, because he is JOHN MCCAIN !!!!!!!!!!!!, son and grandson of ADMIRALS.
- JAM
MB4 on June 28, 2008 at 1:56 PM
MB4, where did you get that compilation of lies?
juliesa on June 28, 2008 at 1:58 PM
When you have to shoot, shoot, don’t talk.
Tuco on June 28, 2008 at 2:00 PM
You know, it’s fine if you don’t like McCain, but don’t base your dislike on lies, and don’t spread lies.
juliesa on June 28, 2008 at 2:00 PM
Do you have a McCain Koolaid IV in you or what?
MB4 on June 28, 2008 at 2:02 PM
Tuco: Ohhh, The Good the bad and the ugly-now i get it.
juliesa on June 28, 2008 at 2:04 PM
I just don’t like lies, no matter who they’re about.
juliesa on June 28, 2008 at 2:05 PM
Heh. Drip, drip, drip.
misterpeasea on June 28, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Don’t be so disingenious as someone not likeing Juan McCain is obviously not fine with you at all.
There are no lies there. You just can’t respond to truth that you don’t like in any other way than by calling people liars. You must try to do better or you won’t get any of those McCain bonus points.
MB4 on June 28, 2008 at 2:07 PM
Misterpesea, do you think it’s ok to base your views on falsehoods?
juliesa on June 28, 2008 at 2:08 PM
False. His grandfather was dead, and his father was a captain.
juliesa on June 28, 2008 at 2:09 PM
There you go again.
- Ronald Reagan
MB4 on June 28, 2008 at 2:10 PM
McCain believes in the baby boomer value system. A value system that teaches stabbing your own people in the back to benefit total strangers* is a virtue.
McCain cant be trusted to stand on the side of his own people. He shows it all the time, some just stick their head in the sand because they dont want to see it.
Of course the Dem candidate is the same…..”We’re Screwed 08″
Second loom at open revolt!!!
*non-whites preferred
DwnSouthJukin on June 28, 2008 at 2:10 PM
One day, a man named John McCain looked around at the senate where he was a long time senator and decided that he wanted a change. So he set out on a journey through caucuses and primaries. He climbed over some candidates and went around others until he reached the Republican nomination.
The coming Presidential race would be a tough one, and so John McCain stopped to reconsider the situation. He couldn’t see any way to win on his own. So he thought that he would probably lose.Suddenly, he saw some naive conservatives blogging at a conservative web site. He decided to ask them for help in winning the election. “Would you be so kind, my friends, as to give me a hand in winning the election?”
“Well now, Senator McCain! How do we know that if we help you, you wont betray us?” asked the conservatives hesitantly.
“Because,” senator McCain replied, “If I betray you, then I would fail too, for you see I cannot govern without your support!”
Now this seemed to make some sense to the conservatives. But they asked. “What about when you get close to being elected? You could still start to betray us and might still win anyway!”
“This is true,” agreed senator McCain, “But I might well not be able to get enough conservative turnout to win the presidency!”
“Alright then…how do we know you wont just wait till you get elected and then betray us?” said the conservatives.
“Ahh…,” crooned senator McCain, “Because you see, once you’ve helped to make me president, I will be so grateful for your help, that it would hardly be fair to reward you with betrayal, now would it?”
So the conservatives agreed to take help senator McCain get elected president. He edged out Barak Obama in a nail-bitting race and was inaugurated in January of the year 2009. Now president McCain immediately got a democratic majority in congress to enact full amnesty for all illegals in the United States and all of their relatives. He also nominated Hillary Clinton to the U.S. Supreme court along with Senator Teddy Kennedy’s wife. Both were confirmed.
.
“You fool!” croaked the conservatives, “You have betrayed us and you will never get a second term. Why on earth did you do that?”
Now president McCain shrugged and snickered and did a little jig..
“I could not help myself. It is my nature.”
- HT to INC for the idea
MB4 on June 28, 2008 at 2:13 PM
It’s OK for others to do so, if they like. I try to avoid it. I didn’t see any obvious lies in MB4’s post. Some opinion, maybe some unfair characterizations, but no lies that I’m aware of. On the important stuff, it was true.
John McCain did, in fact, restrict our free speech to try to polish up his tarnished image over the Keating 5. He did, in fact, scream obscenities at Republicans because they didn’t go along with trying to get amnesty passed in the dead of night. He has had no-press-allowed meetings to suck up to amnesty supporters, and even if he hadn’t, it’s painfully obvious what his position is.
misterpeasea on June 28, 2008 at 2:13 PM
Good point.
I have HA friends who like McCain, and I listen to their comments and I respect their position.
But it appears we are fighting a war to secure Iraq’s borders and to fight Islamic Jihadists over there, while at the same time publicly offering **yet–again–another–amnesty to people who have broken our laws in our own backyard.
If I was an Islamic, USA-hating, Jihadist over in Iraq, wouldn’t the promise of amnesty from both major parties serve as an effective welcome mat for me?
http://www.parapundit.com/archives/002457.html
http://hotair.com/archives/2006/10/25/video-are-terrorists-crossing-into-the-us-from-mexico/
Looks like the message is getting through to the Jihadists.
ColtsFan on June 28, 2008 at 2:16 PM
Then how did his little brother flunk out of Annapolis? Why was one of McCain’s sons not admitted to Annapolis?
False. There were no “bribes”, and McCain was exonerated by the ethics committee.
He did not improperly pressure the FCC, and in fact eventually wound up putting her client our of business with a ruling made by his committee.
What meeting does this refer to?
Hysterical hyperbole.
juliesa on June 28, 2008 at 2:19 PM
Makes no difference. He was an Admiral and a four star Admiral.
His father was not only an Admiral, but a four star Admiral.
If you are going to call others liars at least you can get your act together.
MB4 on June 28, 2008 at 2:19 PM
Hyperbole? Probably, but reasonable as such.
Hysterical? I think that you are you one getting hysterical.
MB4 on June 28, 2008 at 2:21 PM
Here’s one:
Are you seriously going to dispute that John McCain panders to the open-borders crowd? Or that he hasn’t? What in the world was McCain-Kennedy? I laugh when people talk about how that wasn’t amnesty, that it was really, really tough! Um, sure, because we all know that Kennedy is tough on immigration.
Imagine having to pay 3 of your last five years of income taxes! What a terrible burden.
misterpeasea on June 28, 2008 at 2:24 PM
Texas Gal on June 28, 2008 at 1:16 PM
I’m not trying to start an argument with you. Our opinion of Perry seems to differ somewhat. However, that was not my main point. McCain has stated that he is going to hit the ground running on day one on comprehensive immigration policies he thinks are important, if he is elected. How can he do that if it is going to take years and a lot of money to truly secure the borders. “Secure the border first” rhetoric by McCain and the actual facts just do not mesh. That is the reason I am leery of his wanting to let the governors certify the results. Political hanky panky???? I don’t mean to sound conspiritorial, but I have developed a morbid distrust of all politicians, McCain and Governors included.
Your questions were good as I said. If the legislatures are involved we have less chance of getting schroomed, at least in Texas and Arizona. Aa others have said, it’s all in the details.
maxine on June 28, 2008 at 2:24 PM
1. Secure the damn border. Mexico protects their borders with guns from immigrants from the south. We should have NO qualms about doing the same.
2. Get the frakking application process done QUICKER.
3. Get the word out NOW, that we will send people back, many will SELF-Deport.
4. CHARGE $4,000 for a work visa! The ILLEGALS are paying coyotes that much to bring them across a VERY DANGEROUS border crossing trek. Get them here safer and with the same FEE! The fee will pay for MORE border guards.
5. And this should be first. Indict, try and JAIL those employers that hire illegals, NOW. That will help make those jobs unavailable to ILLEGALS.
6. Do NOT be afraid to use the word ILLEGALS. That IS what they are. Why should MY family have to wait in line for years and border jumpers get a free pass? Forget that. As Chi Chi Rodriguez was told by the man who’s fruit he was stealing “Anything you want in my back yard, you come to my front door.” Do it RIGHT.
originalpechanga on June 28, 2008 at 2:25 PM
He was guilty as hell in the Keating 5, along with the other 4. Do some research. Obviously bribes do not have the word BRIBE painted on them.
Exonerated by the ethics committee? A Senate “ethics” committee is an oxymoron, not even up to the level of the OJ jury
MB4 on June 28, 2008 at 2:26 PM
His father was a captain at the time McCainw as admitted to the Academy. His little brother flunked out after their father had been promoted to admiral.
juliesa on June 28, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Especially since most in all likelihood wouldn’t pay it or anything like it in full. I think we all know how these things would work.
MB4 on June 28, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Not very convincing weasel words. Call them bribes, call them campaign donations, call them a duck if you like. Heck, for the sake of argument, I’ll even say that McCain didn’t take a dime, and didn’t do a thing wrong.
What’s more damning to me is that it was McCain and four Democrats. And what’s most damning, bribe or not, exoneration or not, John McCain has done serious violence to the Constitution in order to try to improve his own reputation.
How big is the man’s ego?
misterpeasea on June 28, 2008 at 2:32 PM
On a career path to be Admiral, a rising star, and he ended up with 4 stars. You are really quibbling now. Do you want to debate how many angles can fit on the head of a pin next?
Then his brother must have really been a complete #uck up. Juan himself was just a few from the bottom of a class of almost 900 as it was.
MB4 on June 28, 2008 at 2:35 PM
Good point.
Especially considering that McCain-Kennedy’s system of verification or “background checks” is worthless.
Fraudulent documentation and stealing other people’s identities (Read: USA citizens) is something I see often at my place of employment.
ColtsFan on June 28, 2008 at 2:36 PM
[Texas Gal on June 28, 2008 at 1:07 PM]
I have some sympathy for that emotional tug in a spontaneous sense, but not over any time frame past 5 minutes and I don’t think it ought to prevail afterwards.
Should my dad (or granddad), full German, third generation, have sympathized with the Germans of WWII because because Americans were calling the bad guys Krauts and spikeheads? Should my third generation mom, full Irish, and Catholic to boot, gotten mad at people in our area when they denigrated the IRA browsing our region stoking support for their cause and people dumped on them, sometimes in ethnic or religious ways?
Are you suggesting there might have been a good reason for interring the Japanese here during WWII, in the expectation sympathies might evolve for their homeland because of the inflamed anti-Japanese rhetoric broadcast daily here?
I suppose so, but I saw(/read) of decisions made individually based on principles first, and ethnicity second, or considered an irrelevancy for my parents, no matter how much it might have hurt. I have no problem with people getting their ethnic hairs up when denigrated merely for being what they are/were, but this argument is first and foremost an argument of principle, something it appears the likes of Linda Chavez, Mel Martinez, Ruben Navarette, and Geraldo Rivera don’t understand and never will.
For them, either ethnicity trumps principles or ethnicity is a principle. Neither befits being an American as far as I’m concerned.
Dusty on June 28, 2008 at 2:36 PM
Two things are infinite: the universe and McCain’s ego; and I’m not sure about the universe. [updated]
- Albert Einstein
MB4 on June 28, 2008 at 2:40 PM
[Robert Bennett, who was the special investigator during the Keating Five scandal [and a Democrat]that The Times revisited in the article, said that he fully investigated McCain back then and suggested to the Senate Ethics Committee to not pursue charges against McCain.
“And if there is one thing I am absolutely confident of, it is John McCain is an honest and honest man. I recommended to the Senate Ethics Committee that he be cut out of the case, that there was no evidence against him, and I think for the New York Times to dig this up just shows that Senator McCain’s public statement about this is correct. It’s a smear job. I’m sorry. ”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_The_New_York_Times#John_McCain-lobbyist_article_criticism
juliesa on June 28, 2008 at 2:40 PM
Wasn’t my intention to offend!
I just like to stick to the facts when it comes characterizing the record of Texas elected officials. A lot of untrue characterizations have been spread around particularly on this site based on opinions of pundits and bloggers. As an active member of the Texas GOP, I do keep my eyes on what they do and let them know it when I disagree with their actions. There is enough to put on Gov Perry that I disagree with, but he’s efforts to secure the border is not one of them.
I’ve also seen a lot of throwing around the RINO name purely on the basis that someone doesn’t fall inline with someone else’s opinion on an issue rather than based on GOP principles. So, I’m not picking a fight either, just being true to my own principles.
I don’t think that McCain uses the same definition of comprehensive immigration reform as the one that has been created as a result of the revolt over McCain-Kennedy. So I’m sure it doesn’t ruffle my feathers like it does for some others. For me it means a total package of border security, employee enforcement, temp worker program, biometric visa, and deportation of criminals. Once those things are done we can talk about what to do with those who would actually be left here. Unfortunately, I’m afraid that all of that got pushed aside by the border only crowd when they should have been pushing for everything but the Z Visa.
I’m willing to give McCain the opportunity to lay out the details of what that means to him and what the criteria is for certification of the border being secure.
Texas Gal on June 28, 2008 at 2:44 PM
So you’re saying he has absolutely no excuse for that unconstitutional restriction on free speech he forced on us?
Ego.
misterpeasea on June 28, 2008 at 2:45 PM
My bad.
This is the article I was searching for earlier.
ColtsFan on June 28, 2008 at 2:48 PM
Gee, I wonder if he means it. Especially when those several million of us who thought it was important before, were called racist by the SOB.
I’ll vote for McCain, under no circumstances. As I understand it, if McCain wins, the terrorists win too.
Snake307 on June 28, 2008 at 2:49 PM
Couldn’t help but notice the quote about the Keating 5 came from the Vicki Iseman article. Interesting.
Here’s a bit from the Keating 5 article.
misterpeasea on June 28, 2008 at 2:50 PM
I ain’t defending it, I’m just saying I witnessed the turn around. The Democrats in the House were very sly and the Republicans let themselves be out manipulated when they passed the legislation that include making being here illegal a felony. You know, made grandma a criminal.
Then when the Republicans tried to change it, the Democrats wouldn’t let them. Then knew what they were doing. That’s what started the protest and La Raza and del Norte took it from there.
IMO, that was a big big mistake made in the heat of emotion.
Texas Gal on June 28, 2008 at 2:52 PM
I don’t know how to quantify how big someone’s ego is, and I’m also not shocked that someone running for president has a big ego.
If to you he panders too much to the “open borders crowd” (whatever that is), or has too big of an ego, or you disagree with McCain-Feingold (I do too), then those are valid reasons to not vote for him.
But much of that other stuff in that “JAM” quote was just false.
juliesa on June 28, 2008 at 2:55 PM
misterpeasea, and the Senate Ethics Committee, with it’s majority of Democrats, and it Democrat special investigator went through all that stuff and exonerated him. In fact, one of the committee members later admitted that the only reason they continued the McCain investigation was because he was the only Republican in the group, and the Committee refused to let him off while continuing to investigate the Democrats. It was a political show.
juliesa on June 28, 2008 at 3:02 PM
That’s another thing. McCain now says, at least to some, not to others, that he will appoint justices like Roberts and Alito, but they have both repudiated his attacks on the First Amendment, so how believable is that?
MB4 on June 28, 2008 at 3:05 PM
John McCain, from an interview with the Las Vegas Sun:
HT: INC
MB4 on June 28, 2008 at 3:20 PM
he can say taht till he’s blue in the face. read the bill, saw the enforcement parts. they were a friggin’ joke!! the DHS director gets to determine if the “benchmarks” were met, no hard target numbers just his opinion. and lettucehead chertoff was willing and eager to please. it would have been the most successful enforcement program ever, within a week of legislation being signed i bet the triggers wouldve been met!! sorry juan mccain, no sale!
chasdal on June 28, 2008 at 3:26 PM
This is a canard. Border security, without strict interior enforcement, is absolutely meaningless. We have tens of millions of foreigners coming through the US every year on all sorts of visas (tourist, work, study, …) and it would be very easy for millions of them to just decide that they like it here and overstay their visas. If there is no interior enforcement (or we say that we must surrender to too many illegals, as McCain stresses we must every chance he gets) then we will just find ourselves in the same exact situation in another decade and there will be no solution, at all.
This “secure the borders” line is a bad joke that too many eat up as being something substantial. There is nothing but interior enforcement, since our country will ALWAYS be open to millions of foreigners, physical borders or not.
progressoverpeace on June 28, 2008 at 3:34 PM
[Texas Gal on June 28, 2008 at 2:52 PM]
I didn’t intend to imply you were defending it. Sorry if you took it that way.
Still, they ought to be looking past the transient games played or are their grandmas here illegally?
Dusty on June 28, 2008 at 3:44 PM
LOL.. I didn’t mean their grandmas, I meant the general climate that was created shifted the debate from enforcing the law to a focus on race and generate sympathy. That was not helpful.
Texas Gal on June 28, 2008 at 4:08 PM
Juan “Z-Visa” McCain is simply an old LIAR! At 72, he wets his pants over the thought of having the possibility of giving AMNESTY to the 25 million criminal Illegal Alien chuntes residing in OUR country. And at taxpayers expense too!!!
DfDeportation on June 28, 2008 at 4:13 PM
People using the deceptive term, “Comprehensive Immigration Reform” instead of the AMNESTY that it is, should be banned from EVERY website for WILLFULLY LYING….
DfDeportation on June 28, 2008 at 4:15 PM
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