Should McCain join the House Oil Party?
posted at 8:05 am on August 6, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
John Boehner extended an invitation to John McCain yesterday to join the House Republican caucus in their rebellion against Democratic stonewalling on a vote on drilling. McCain had offered to come off the campaign trail if Barack Obama would also agree to do so and join Congress in an open debate and an open vote to rescind the federal moratorium on drilling in the OCS and interior. The House Minority Leader tells McCain to come regardless of Obama’s participation:
In a briefing with bloggers in House Minority Leader John Boehner’s office August 5, Rep. John Shadegg, R-Ariz, said he would “love to have McCain come speak on the floor” as part of the protest. He said he believes inviting a senator to speak on the House floor would not violate House rules and challenged House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to stop it.
“Yes, I think it is something he [McCain] could do. I mean, technically, we are trying to abide by the rules of procedure for the House,” Shadegg said. “[W]e begin with a prayer, the pledge and we are speaking from the well — with one exception, we’re not taking questions from the gallery, but we are trying to accord ourselves normal decorum from the House floor.”
It’s definitely an intriguing offer, and McCain should accept immediately. No matter where he’s campaigning at the moment, he will not get more or better press than if he arrives at Capitol Hill with the lights off. It would also force the national press to cover the revolt by House Republicans, and perhaps even produce televised coverage of the speeches in the darkened chamber.
It might also force action by Nancy Pelosi to call the House back into session. Normally, a Senator wouldn’t go into the House while the lower chamber is in session, but no such restriction exists at the moment. The only way Pelosi and the Democrats could keep McCain from exploding this to the top of the headlines would be to do exactly what the GOP wants — to call the House into session, and keep it in session.
There are no down sides to a McCain campaign visit to Capitol Hill. He’d get great press, he would underscore Democratic obstructionism on energy, he would demonstrate party unity, and he would put pressure on Obama to respond with something other than tire gauges and cuts in electricity. Any campaign events he has to postpone couldn’t have a fraction of the impact this appearance would have, both for himself and the GOP. Someone on Team McCain should be redirecting the jet now.
Blowback
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I sure hope he goes…That would be soooooooo cool…
twiggman on August 6, 2008 at 8:09 AM
Do it! Do it NOW!!!!
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 8:12 AM
He isn’t there already??
Better get crackin’, McCain…this is an opportunity ya can’t afford to miss.
[Of course, I'd like to see a lot more GOP Representatives, and a few of those like-minded Dems show up.]
coldwarrior on August 6, 2008 at 8:13 AM
It would also force the national press to cover the revolt by House Republicans, and perhaps even produce televised coverage of the speeches in the darkened chamber.
That’s the best reason right there.
darwin on August 6, 2008 at 8:14 AM
Not only go but live stream it.
- The Cat
MirCat on August 6, 2008 at 8:14 AM
McCain said he’d come off the campaign trail and go to DC if necessary. And Mac going woud bring the media, which has been blatantly absent at the Hill.
JetBoy on August 6, 2008 at 8:14 AM
Talk about some monumental free press! Go John GO TO WASHINGTON!!!! It’s a win -win!!
Tim Zank on August 6, 2008 at 8:15 AM
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!
Linh_My on August 6, 2008 at 8:17 AM
This is good because isn’t Obama heading off to Hawaii for a “vacation” this week?
McCain addressing the issues … Obama relaxing in Hawaii. Who could pick a better contrast?
darwin on August 6, 2008 at 8:18 AM
BTW, here’s an idea I’ve been wanting to post but wanted to wait for a very fresh post relating to it.
You want to help the GOP gain back congress? Here’s what you do. Create flyers that explain that Republicans want drilling, which will cause prices to go down (be sure to explain why) and that democrats are against it. Also (and this is important) mention (IN BOLD) that the democrats have controlled congress since January of 2007. Explain the price different between when they first took control until now. Then, post what the difference was between 2000 and the end of 2006 when Bush and the Replubicans had control.
Now, once you’ve made these, tape them at every gas pump you go to. Feel free to ask the owners first. After all, they are business owners and I’m sure they are well aware that the less gasoline cost, the more people will buy.
Also, post the flyers at other places that will remind people how much gas has been costing. At Giant food stores, for example, there are bulletin boards where you are allowed to post anything that isn’t offensive.
Get the news out!!!!
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 8:20 AM
He needs to go!! This is getting better and better! Go GOP!
becki51758 on August 6, 2008 at 8:21 AM
Do it, & you’ve got my vote!
hoi polloi on August 6, 2008 at 8:26 AM
The house Republicans have energized the base (finally) by showing some fight & heart. McCain could really get things fired up by showing up and demanding that Congress critters get their collective asses back in their seats and get the work of the American people done now. Pelosi is acting more like Hugo than an American leader of it’s people. Call this bitch out for the world to see, and Johhny Mac will really get the base fired up… Money can’t buy such results.
Keemo on August 6, 2008 at 8:30 AM
I’ve been doing that for months every time I fill up. Like yesterday.
As for McCain, it’s a pretty slow news period in Washington right now, and this would be so out of the ordinary that the press couldn’t ignore it. It would energize the base, bring in converts and really put some fire to the feet of the do nothings on the other side.
pistolero on August 6, 2008 at 8:30 AM
Come on John boy – show us your ENERGY. !!!
jake-the-goose on August 6, 2008 at 8:30 AM
Surprise, surprise, you still have to dig your way through the MSM website to find any mention what-so-ever of what’s going on with the GOP protest.
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 8:32 AM
He should go. It’s a great opportunity to remind everyone that the Democrats are in charge of Congress
, and more specifically, they are blocking action on energy.
They should look into the rules more closely though. I think a Senator can’t go on/speak on the House floor, but it might be OK since it’s not in session. Either way, he could always say a few words of encouragement out in the hall.
forest on August 6, 2008 at 8:33 AM
I think he should do it, but maybe he’s trying to stay “above the fray”.
Oh, and now we know why Pelosi was so insistent on adjourning last week.
flipflop on August 6, 2008 at 8:37 AM
I dont expect much from McCain except that he will keep poking conservatives in the eyes for the next four years. Get ready.
moughon on August 6, 2008 at 8:45 AM
Get out in front of this issue, CAPT McCain and you will be President.
NoDonkey on August 6, 2008 at 8:48 AM
forest on August 6, 2008 at 8:33 AM
He doesn’t need to go on the floor; gather the troops out on the steps, and deliver a speech that backs Pelosi up against the wall, while providing much needed energy to the base. Drill now, drill every where, make America energy independent.
Keemo on August 6, 2008 at 8:53 AM
just do it!
trailortrash on August 6, 2008 at 8:54 AM
Absolutely, he NEEDS to do this. With the way he has been running his campaign, it sometimes seems as if McCain doesn’t even want to win.
If he snubs this, then it’s for sure. He took a good turn in not backing away from his recent humorous ads, and he needs to keep the ball rolling and march onto the House floor, showing that he truly supports what the Repubs are doing.
Grafted on August 6, 2008 at 9:00 AM
What are you waiting for Johnny?
Go, go, go, go, go!!!!!!
IrishGirl17 on August 6, 2008 at 9:06 AM
Pelosi has no viable option here, as the power brokers that fund the Democrats will not continue to shell out the money if Pelosi doesn’t do exactly what she is doing. This could be the time where a campaign can seize the moment and ride it to victory. The Dems are exposed here, which is the reason why the media refuses to report this story. Johnny Mac, this is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate to the American voters just exactly why we can’t afford to have Democrats in control, and exactly why Americans can’t continue to support a media that works against our best interests.
Do it Johnny, do it now.
Keemo on August 6, 2008 at 9:07 AM
Exactly, if McCain support this and joins House Republicans, the media can’t continue to play deaf, dumb and blind.
Think big, CAPT McCain. You may be able to parlay this into taking back Congress from the worthless Democrats, if you play you cards right.
The Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader are both, by far, THE WORST in American history. Pelosi and Reid are incompetent and completely corrupt.
Think big, CAPT McCAin.
NoDonkey on August 6, 2008 at 9:12 AM
This could be the moment when the tide turns, McCain needs to seize the moment.
JimK on August 6, 2008 at 9:12 AM
McCain and the entire GOP congress!
Truly though the house GOP needs to be including wasteful spending as well! Highlight Murtha and Pelosi’s wasteful crap!
Zaggs on August 6, 2008 at 9:27 AM
He won’t do it. He doesn’t have any clue about the middle class suffering and he also wouldn’t want to do anything that bold.
TimothyJ on August 6, 2008 at 9:30 AM
Money to McCain if he goes. That’s my pledge.
RushBaby on August 6, 2008 at 9:30 AM
This is so mavericky it’s perfect for McCain.
Buy Danish on August 6, 2008 at 9:31 AM
Let’s not forget that McCain was complimenting Pelosi just about her leadership a couple of weeks ago.
The man is too far to the left and lacks the moral fiber to openly confront the Democrats in power. Suggesting a frustrated Democrat like McCain to support a GOP initiative is just crazy talk! If, however, the GOP is able to wrap it up in a citizenship giveaway and have Teddy Kennedy suggest it to him, John McCain would be on the next plane to DC.
highhopes on August 6, 2008 at 9:34 AM
No, you don’t want ‘mavericky’. He got the maverick name for screwing the GOP every chance he got…party line is what he needs to do. Celebrating the ‘maverick’ nickname is like having a pet name for your wife’s boyfriend.
Given his history, my cynicism says no way he shows he up. He’s going to weasel out.
Personally, I hope he finally does the right thing and backs up his party and stands with them. This will be a big test…can the leopard change his shorts? (h/t Terry Pratchett)
austinnelly on August 6, 2008 at 9:35 AM
This sort of thing isn’t McCain’s style. It would look like he is wearing his conservatism on his sleeve.
Should McCain join the Republican party?
Valiant on August 6, 2008 at 9:45 AM
Aren’t we all forgetting that McCain agrees with the Democrats on this one?
In his heart of hearts, he does not want to drill.
Valiant on August 6, 2008 at 9:50 AM
“I don’t relate to the hard right. I think that’s common knowledge. It’s time to reinvent the Republican Party. And I think my dad can do it.“ – Meghan McCain.
Anita on August 6, 2008 at 9:51 AM
Hey, McCain Campaign!!! ARE YOU LISTENING??
If McCain shows up, makes a media splash to highlight the democrat energy obstructionists, I’LL DONATE MONEY! Simple as that!
I think a few million other disillusioned conservatives will too.
Fishoutofwater on August 6, 2008 at 9:58 AM
He won’t do it.
He has not REALLY changed his mind on allowing drilling. It is only a campaign ploy. Showing up and joining the protest would be too much of a commitment for him to be willing to make.
In the unlikely event that he does head back for a photo op, it will be only to tweak Obama’s nose and try to fake a few more conservatives into thinking that he is worthy of their votes. He will NOT praise the GOP Representatives for taking a stand.
Wait and see.
LegendHasIt on August 6, 2008 at 10:00 AM
White House says no to special session of Congress
Valiant on August 6, 2008 at 10:04 AM
“The man is too far to the left and lacks the moral fiber”
Yes highhopes, he’s amoral. But at least he’s not a miserable crank like you and the so-called conservative “WE HEART OBAMA SO MUCH IT MAKES OUR HEAD HURT” brigade.
It’s great being lectured on “real conservatism” by guys who probably haven’t left their basement since the Reagan Administration.
You should start a new movement – Agoraphobiacs for Obama/Paul/Barr/McKinney.
NoDonkey on August 6, 2008 at 10:05 AM
“White House says no to special session of Congress”
Thanks for that news flash from three days ago.
NoDonkey on August 6, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Ho, hum…
Does anyone here think McCain would actually do this? Or are we just talking out of our bottoms?
He’s only the Maverick when it comes to being anti-Republican and anti-Conservative. Don’t expect him to do somthing this “daring”
(I hope, however, that I will have to eat my words…)
seanrobins on August 6, 2008 at 10:08 AM
You know this is an important opportunity when the bots show-up here in force with the big negativity push.
Keemo on August 6, 2008 at 10:09 AM
I would love to be wrong about McCain on this one. However, like Bush, he is WWDWMTD.
What would the Democrats want me to do?
Valiant on August 6, 2008 at 10:12 AM
It’s too much to say that it will force the MSM to cover the protest, but it will probably get at least a mention, especially if McCain says something quoteworthy.
This is all about Pelosi, as another post noted. Our best hope of getting rid of her is to defeat her loudly and completely by opening up the California coast for drilling. We won’t get a Republican, but we might get a loony left Democrat–who will not have Pelosi’s seniority. And that will make all the difference.
njcommuter on August 6, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Yes, he should go there and drag the press. And all his democrat pals.
dogsoldier on August 6, 2008 at 10:27 AM
You have a serious problem with letting others speak their minds, don’t you? You may not be a donkey but you are one giant jackass.
highhopes on August 6, 2008 at 10:40 AM
A message for those with MDS.
You Paulnuts and libs-posing-as-conservatives say “Don’t vote for McCain! Don’t vote for McCain! I’m conservative although I don’t ever bad-mouth Obama! Don’t vote for McCain”.
You know what? The dems/libs took the 2006 win as “The U.S. wants to go further left”. Libs I talked to stated that and congress obviously figured that. So what do you think would happen if Obama won? And don’t give me that “McCain needs to lose so we can get a true conservative in” crap. Yes, I know McCain is not conservative. He’s a moderate just like GWB. But you know what? If Obama and a veto-proof dem congress are in control, there is no way a “true conservative” will be able to undo the damage that they cause.
Let me put it to you all this way. Remember prohibition? Remember why that didn’t work? Because something that has been completely legal since the birth of this country was all-of-a-sudden made illegal. Now imagine if Obama gets in and everyone gets “free” health care. Now what would you suppose would happen if someone took that “free” healthcare away from people. Trust me. Once that Pandora’s box opens up, you won’t ever be able to close it.
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 10:47 AM
I can already see the ad:
McCain: Ameerica, you cannot see me, but I am standing in the House of Representatives where the lights oare off, because that is the energy solution for Obama, Reid, and Pelosi. If someone disagrees with them, they just turn off the lights. And if the Democrats are reelected, and Obama is elected president, this is exactly what will happen to all America.
McCain: Now if you want your lights to stay on, and the price of gas to fall, go http://www.JohnMcCain.com and http://www.dontgomovement.com for a real plan for energy, and vote for me and the Republicans this fall.
McCain: I’m John McCain, and I approve of this ad.
ConservativePartyNow on August 6, 2008 at 10:52 AM
A message for those with NUMA (Nose Up McCain’s A$$).
A McCain win will be the dismantling of all conservative opposition.
With an Obama win, there will be a fight and debate on the issues.
With a McCain win, we’ll lose on all the same issues because the Republican Party will be forced to go along and pass McCain’s liberal agenda
Valiant on August 6, 2008 at 10:53 AM
“You have a serious problem with letting others speak their minds, don’t you?”
Like your liberal brethren highhopes, you think you should be allowed to spout off and no one is allowed to counter you or dispute what you’re saying.
No dice. Every time you spout off here in an attempt to get Obama elected, I’ll counter you.
That’s free speech.
NoDonkey on August 6, 2008 at 10:55 AM
“dismantling of all conservative opposition”
And I supposed you and highhopes are examples of “conservative” opposition.
Yes, we must appease the “let’s lose elections!” crowd.
Sorry, but the miserable cranks and the wet blankets who hate McCain, have other issues.
Namely, that you will never support a viable candidate. Ron Paul is not a viable candidate.
I’m about winning elections, beating Democrats, not about purity contests.
NoDonkey on August 6, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Apparently if you prefer the more conservative candidate to win (you’re dilusional if you think Obama is more conservative then McCain) then you obviously have your nose up McCain’s butt and think he’s the greatest guy in the world.
Where then a veto-proof democrat majority wins the fight anyways.
Strange. I thought the GOP fought against amnesty that Bush was so much for. I thought the GOP was 100% behind Bush when it came to Harriet Myers. You mean the GOP was for the whole Dubia deal?
Again, argue against what I said earlier, not “you obviously love McCain because you would prefer him to win over Obama”.
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Me and my “liberal brethren!” You ought to go into comedy with lines like that. Misanthropes with anger management problems, bitter personalities, and insults instead of discussion points make the best comics. I’d say it’s your calling particularly if you also happen to be a drunk or have some other trait that would explain your lack of “people skills.”
Is it too much to ask for you to give a defense of why one should vote for McCain based on McCain’s position? Your troll-like behavior of having it all boil down to voting against Obama is annoying and counter productive. Besides Iraq and your (flawed) contention that McCain is a fiscal conservative give positive reasons why we should vote for a man who supports amnesty for illegals, cap-and-trade, higher corporate taxes, Kyoto, and a whole slew of anti-business proposals put forth by McCains Democrat allies. Can you make that case Giant Jackass?
highhopes on August 6, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Miserable crank. So-called conservative. Haven’t left their basement. Liberal brethren.
Is that “countering” or “disputing”?
————————–
I’d love to believe McCain is serious about this. He really could win the election if he’d keep hammering it.
I’m still trying to figure out how drilling squares with global warmism and a nice, big, fat carbon tax. He wants to raise the price of energy. Drilling will lower the price. The difference is, the gummint gets the price increase under his plan.
misterpeasea on August 6, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Yes I’m “dilusional”. There is very little difference between the candidates on the issues. Besides McCain’s 100-year occupation of Iraq, you can’t name a single substantive difference between them.
Elections are not about representing the people or upholding the Constitution. They are about raw power and controlling the purse strings of a bloated federal budget.
Republicans in the minority set clear Constitutional markers for governance. And yes, the GOP was all for Miers and amnesty- it was the base that killed them.
Bush does not hate his base- McCain does. If you have one ounce of faith that the base will have any influence over the McCainites, you are the delusional one.
In fact he will fight harder for his liberal policies the more noise the base makes.
In reference to John McCain and his conservative targets
Valiant on August 6, 2008 at 11:15 AM
“Is it too much to ask for you to give a defense of why one should vote for McCain based on McCain’s position?”
If you haven’t figured it out by now, high_and_hopeless, I’m not wasting my time explaining it to you. You keep up with the issues. If you think a patriot, a solid fiscal conservative and a rock solid record on national defense isn’t enough to make a conservative vote for him over a pinko pansy like Obama, I’m not wasting my time.
I don’t have any interest in persuading you and so-called “conservatives for Obama” of anything.
Personally, I think it would be better if you and your fellow Paulnuts stayed permanently away from the GOP. Form a Wet Blanket third party and poll at 1%. Vote for the lunatic Barr.
Because the only candidates you people will support, are candidates who won’t win.
Deep down inside, you want to be an angry, seperatist loner, don’t you?
NoDonkey on August 6, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Please don’t feed the trolls.
Valiant on August 6, 2008 at 11:20 AM
probably only way media give this widespread attention is for McCain to do this.
jp on August 6, 2008 at 11:25 AM
MDS, in my view, should stand for McCain Default Syndrome. It’s about all about ignoring McCain’s positions but supporting him anyway because he’s the Democrat who happens to have an “R” behind his name and is less evil than the Democrat with a “D.”
For those of disappointed with the outcome of the sham primary process that allowed McCain to slither to the top of the ticket, the time to be vocal in our opposition is now. While John McCain is still in need of support from the GOP base it is time that he gets the message that his continued antagonistic approach to social conservatives and evangelicals will hurt him in November. The bleating “not Obama” sheep give him cause to think that he can ignore issues that are important to many Republicans.
In other words you are giving tacit support of McCain’s amnesty scheme, calls for Kyoto ratification, and refusal to drill in ANWR. If that’s fine with you- great! McCain’s the fossil you need to support. If, on the other hand, you disagree that we should be giving away citizenship to millions of illegal aliens, the time to voice that is before the election. Don’t be a giant jackass just because you dislike Obama more. Make your voice heard now when it matters.
highhopes on August 6, 2008 at 11:26 AM
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
misterpeasea on August 6, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Mmmm….let me see. The GOP in congress with a GOP President wound up listening to the base. Yet, you think the GOP in congress under another GOP President will all-of-a-sudden completely ignore the base. Nice logic you have there.
Let’s see:
Univeral healthcare-
McCain: against
Obama: for
Raising taxes-
McCain: against
Obama: for
Pork-
McCain: his record shows against big time
Obama: his record (as small as it is) shows otherwise
Iraq-
McCain: Biggest mouthpiece for the surge that saved the Iraq war.
Obama: Against it from the start
Oil-
McCain: Admitted his mistake and said “drill here and drill now”
Obama: Ummm….ummm….inflate your tires.
Abortion:
McCain: pro-life record
Obama: pro-choice of damn near every kind of abortion
Must I go on?
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 11:32 AM
There’s no reason for McCain to go to the house floor, and many reasons for him not to. He’s trying to make everyone forget he’s a Republican this year. See the latest ad ‘Broken’ as an example. And how can he demonize Big Oil if he’s there?
skipkey on August 6, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Why was it a sham? Paulnuts didn’t get two votes?
Who was your candidate, high_and_hopeless, and what nefarious powers kept him from winning the nomination?
You guys claim to be conservative, but your perpetual victimhood sounds more like Democrats.
Do you really think the McCain campaign cares at all about what’s written in the comments section of this blog or any other blog? Please, you are not really that naive, are you?
“the time to voice that is before the election”
I actually agree with you. Voice it all you can, but at the end of the day, real conservatives will vote McCain. They will not sit at home, nor will they vote for Bob Barr.
NoDonkey on August 6, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Still waitning for you to responde to this:
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 11:35 AM
He helped save Iraq, I’ll give you that. Is that a reason to elect him President now?
McCain is not against raising taxes. He wants to tax energy to fight global warmism. That’s a tax on everybody. A big one.
McCain might have been against pork at one time, but he’s not anymore. Or what do you call giving our money to illegal immigrants in the form of tax breaks, tuition, Social Security, etc? Oh, and how’s he going to keep the deficit from exploding after adding tens of millions of illegals to the gummint tit? I’m thinking tax increases, see above.
McCain is schizo on oil/energy. How does drilling square with fighting global warmism? How’s the lower price of oil going to help if he slaps a big ol’ global warmism tax on it?
He wants to spend our money like a drunken sailor on illegal immigrants. And confiscate our money like a liberal to fight global warmism.
You must go on.
misterpeasea on August 6, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Yes, as a matter of fact. Your bullets are hardly adequate to prove there is a substantive difference between McCain and Obama on social issues. The devil is in the details you so conveniently ignore.
Raising taxes, for example. McCain has stated that he is against raising SOME taxes on MANY Americans. In other words, he’s leaving the door open to enact his increases on corporate taxes, follow through with his plan to cap oil company profits, and also increase the tax rate for the wealthiest Americans. So, your bald statement that McCain is against tax increases is at best a misstatement but I’d venture it is closer to being a dishonest representation of the facts. Another instance is your statement that McCain is pro-life. That’s a bit inaccurate since what McCain really says is that it is an issue that should be left to the states. That’s the right answer IMO but hardly the staunch defense of unborn life that you suggest.
Beyond that you cherry picked issues as to why one should support McCain. Why for example, don’t you point out that both McCain and Obama favor some sort of amnesty scheme? Their common cause on global warming and Kyoto?
In the grand scheme of things McCain and Obama agree more than they disagree on most issues. McCain happens to be more hawkish when it comes to Iraq but is that enough to make him the best liberal for the job? It’s not as clear an election as you would suggest because there is no clear difference between the candidates- no matter how much you McCain Default Syndrome sufferers demand we call McCain a conservative.
highhopes on August 6, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Compare his record with Obama. Compare what he said vs. what Obama’s said.
Yet his senate record show pro-life voting. Also, he would rather let it up to the states (which I would prefer as well), yet Obama wants abortions for all.
But there “schemes” are different. You deny that because you are mad that not everyone wanted Ron Paul the Truther Magnet to be president. Notice how different (and there is a HUUUUUUGE difference) between McCain’s plan on energy vs. Obamas (and yes, that includes stuff regarding “global warming”).
BTW, if Obama winning is so much better, then respond to what I said earlier:
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Yes McCain will completely ignore the base.
This is from McCain’s health care speech:
It is better than socialized medicine I grant you. However, he wants to give tax credits for insurance premiums which means he (or somebody) will have to raise taxes to pay for it.
McCain will have to raise taxes because he is against pork- not big government. Pork is a tiny percentage of big government. Big government is what McCain does when he reaches across the aisle- every time.
I must have missed that. Here is what he actually said on June 11.
He said that he opposed drilling in ANWR for the same reason that he “would not drill in the Grand Canyon… I believe this area should be kept pristine.”
He has repeated this since January and not backed off from it.
On abortion:
McCain Poised to Flip on GOP Abortion Platform
He wants the middle of the road on this issue which I grant again is different from Obama but will lead to the same end- more dead babies.
Valiant on August 6, 2008 at 11:52 AM
I thought I had.
First off, a troll on here keeps claiming I’m part of the elect Obama to get a real conservative in 2012 crowd. I’m not and never have been. It’s bad political strategy to plan on losing “for the greater good.” Conversely, it is absurd to paint McCain as a solid conservative when he has found more common cause with Democrats during the last eight years to include publically hectoring Rumsfeld (not the place of a Senator IMO), denying qualified jurists seats on the Federal bench because of Democrat objections, and his tepid support of Alito and Roberts to the SCOTUS.
Your presumption is that McCain will act like a moderate if elected while Obama and a veto-proof Congress would run amok with a liberal agenda. I’m predicting now that McCain with a veto-proof Dem Congress is going to work with that party very closely and pass legislation that has nothing to do with the conservative agenda. The only limits would be public reaction to universal healthcare (dead issue IMO) or amnesty (coming in some form but better packaged to pretend it isn’t what it is). McCain doesn’t have the moral fiber to stand up to liberal ideology so he isn’t going to be some great bulwark for the conservative movement. If anything he’s the crack in the conservative dam that’s going to break apart two decades of conservative progress.
highhopes on August 6, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Socialized medicine, which Obama wants.
I’m referring to off-shore drilling. Just a few days ago McCain himself (it’s even link on this site) said “Drill here, drill now” and even stated no restrictions.
Meanwhile, Obama wants “limited” (read: no) drilling off-shore.
Rape as an exception is “middle of the road”? Dude, you’re really reaching. Obama is “abortions for all”.
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 11:59 AM
He’d re-teach the country that liberalism doesn’t work. Tell me, how to convince the Republican party that moderates are not acceptable? And no, Bambi would not magically produce a true conservative, but there are plenty of true conservatives out there who would be elected once Bambi’s liberalism starts making more of a hash out of everything.
Er. How would a President McCain matter at all wtih a veto-proof Dem Congress? And almost anything one Congress can do, later ones can undo. Especially domestically. Your example of Prohibition kinda undermines your argument. An amendment to the Constitution was nullified because the country didn’t like it; if the country doesn’t like universal health care, it will go away.
It’s not free health care, and no one is going to think it is, because it will, uhm, cost a lot of money, including through higer taxes. Not to mention crappy care and long waiting lines.
misterpeasea on August 6, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Let’s see.
Reagan granted amnesty and raised taxes. Yet, you’re waiting for the next Reagan. Interesting…
Seriously, though, the purpose of the general election is to vote for the candidate, out of all the runs running, that you would prefer. It’s not “vote for the person, wether they are running or not, that you want”. McCain won the primaries. Deal with it. I wanted Fred to win but he waited too long to start his campaign.
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 12:02 PM
So how’s the getting-rid-of-affirmative action working out? How’s that privatizing social security working out? How’s that banning abortion working out?
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Strange. People on welfare think they are getting “free money”. People here are boasting that Canadians are getting “free healthcare”.
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 12:06 PM
The lets blow another election in some vague hope that it will produce a “true conservative” candidate.
As if that exists. The “lets lose elections!” crowd will find some impurity in order to keep their panties in a bunch. That’s what they do.
Besides, you guys thought it was a great idea to lose Congress in 2006? How did that work out in producing these mythical, pure, conservative candidates, huh?
NoDonkey on August 6, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Reagan granted amnesty. Look where it got us. Can we learn from our mistakes? Or must we do the same stupid thing again because Reagan did it?
Reagan raised taxes? That’s news to me. If tax rates were raised, it was against his wishes. Still, I’d love to have a link to Reagan’s tax hikes.
misterpeasea on August 6, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Looks like you missed my point.
NO candidate is perfect. Even Reagan had his flaws.
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 12:09 PM
McCain will never do it.
It’s too political and that’s not the kind of campaign he’s running.
Besides, that would take political advantage to McCain’s opponent.
And we can’t have that, can we.
Kini on August 6, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Hi moron. Did you skip the part where I said Bambi wouldn’t produce a true conservative? Or is your reading comprehension not quite up to par?
And I didn’t want to lose Congress in 2006.
Just stick to calling names, you really can’t manage anything substantive.
misterpeasea on August 6, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Socialized medicine is a non-starter. Ask Hillary. They’ll take the incremental approach preferred by the likes of McCain.
OK, McCain says he wants to drill offshore. He certainly is not a leader in the area of energy policy and is clearly pandering.
Rape isn’t the issue and you know it. It is all about opening the door to
more dead babies.
Valiant on August 6, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Getting rid of affirmative action is progressing nicely.
Privatizing Social Security has not gained public support yet. If it does, it will happen.
Banning abortion. Since the SCt has made it a constitutional right, what exactly do you expect Congress to do about it?
Are you really trying to argue that Congress can’t undo what a previous Congress has done? Because there’s SCt caselaw that says exactly that.
misterpeasea on August 6, 2008 at 12:15 PM
No matter what McCain says, if it’s even remotely conservative he’s “pandering”. In other words, doesn’t matter what McCain does, you don’t want him to win and you won’t vote for him.
You’re a lost cause. McCain could author a bill that says “Drill whever the hell we want, build an electric fense on our southern and northern border, and torture the crap out of our enemies” and you would still say “oh, he’s just pandering”.
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 12:20 PM
That’s not what I”m saying at all. I’m saying that congress is far less likely to take away anything “free” from the “poor” or “minorities” once it’s voted in. Don’t believe me? Again, Affirmative Action still exists, so does Social Security and many other “free” programs. What instances are there in the last 30 years where congress took away “free” programs or anything involving giving minorities a leg up.
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Back on topic. Has anyone heard if McCain has decided to go? Ed, any word? Updates?
upinak on August 6, 2008 at 12:24 PM
If he is not pandering, he’ll show up to support the House Republicans (the purpose of this thread, remember?)
If he shows up, he wasn’t pandering and I’ll apologize. If he doesn’t show up, you’ll rationalize somehow that he is really a conservative that deserves your vote this November.
Valiant on August 6, 2008 at 12:25 PM
I’ve known he wasn’t a conservative since for many years. He’s a moderate, though, not a liberal. I would much rather have a moderate in office them a hard-left lib like Obama.
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 12:29 PM
I haven’t seen anything yet.
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 12:30 PM
In my paleo-con world view, moderate = liberal because the outcome is always the same.
Valiant on August 6, 2008 at 12:54 PM
A true maverick would do this…
electric-rascal on August 6, 2008 at 12:57 PM
President Ubama is just too horrible to imagine!
SaintOlaf on August 6, 2008 at 1:01 PM
So you must think, then, that if John Kerry won the 2004 election then everything would still be exactly the same as it is now? Bush is a moderate and Kerry is a liberal. So I guess if we go by your logic then we would still be currently suceeding in Iraq and have two excellent conservative judges put into the supreme court if Kerry had won.
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 1:05 PM
I am “dealing with it” by making it clear that I will not automatically support McCain when his positions are so similiar to his opponent. That doesn’t mean I’m going to vote for Obama but the real issue here is that McCain thinks he automatically gets my vote because of the faulty logic you sheeple are using instead of standing on principle.
highhopes on August 6, 2008 at 1:28 PM
McCain in 08 is the John Kerry of 04. The ideology just shifted further to the left. I would suggest that what comes out of a McCain presidency is virtually identical to what Kerry was proposing in 2004. It’s to be expected considering the fact that McCain almost bolted the party to be part of a Kerry administration.
highhopes on August 6, 2008 at 1:32 PM
Are you smoking the same stuff “high and hopeless” is, Mr. Pee Pee Pants?
Plenty of true conservatives out there who will be elected is NOT saying that Bambi’s election will not produce a true conservative (as if the likes of you has any idea of what one is, in any case)?
So it won’t produce just one, but several? But I’m the moron, non-name caller?
It’s so tragic that McCain won’t get the miserable, cranky and completely disoriented as to time and space vote this fall. Losing .001% of the vote will kill his chances.
NoDonkey on August 6, 2008 at 1:34 PM
A true maverick would be LEADING this. McCain hasn’t even committed to showing up on Capitol Hill- you know the place he used to work before he became an official crabby old guy running for office.
highhopes on August 6, 2008 at 1:41 PM
We’re “sheeple” becuase out of the two candidates that have a chance in hell to win, I’m going to vote for the one that I think is better? Whatever, man.
Meanwhile, I’ve explained how illogical your view is. You keep saying “they’re simular, they’re simular”. I tell you how they are different. You say that I’m wrong, and then post things McCain does/says that is still different from Obama.
Either you’re a Paulnut or a liberal posing as a democrat. Only way to describe your “logic”.
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 1:42 PM
Should be “explain your logic”.
DethMetalCookieMonst on August 6, 2008 at 1:42 PM
He should announce his intention to give a “Major Speech on Energy Policy” from the floor of the house chamber, NOW.
DaveS on August 6, 2008 at 2:01 PM
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