Scott Brown: My model for governing is … John McCain
posted at 4:58 pm on January 21, 2010 by Allahpundit
No whining now. We all knew the score.
Brown said his model for governing would be McCain, who would also be the first appointment in a packed schedule of meetings that morning. “I have great respect for Senator McCain,” he said of the Arizona senator, who was one of the first establishment players to support his seemingly quixotic bid against Attorney General Martha Coakley. “I’ve known him for a while, long before this, and you know he is a war hero and kind of a maverick independent thinker. While I want to be a Scott Brown Republican, I want to rely on everybody on both sides of the aisle,” he added, “I’ve told my leadership already that I’m not a rubber stamp for anybody.”
And Brown expressed reluctance to be associated at all with the Tea Party movement that helped elect him.
“There may be members of a certain group that supported me,” he said, “but I had supporters from every walk of life. And to focus on one specific group is a disservice to the campaign — it’s inclusiveness in making sure that everyone has a voice.”
Follow the link for his reply to Glenn Beck. According to Ben Smith, Brown’s already recorded a robocall for McCain, which means Maverick now can boast of having the endorsements of “Marco Rubio Republicans” and, er … “Charlie Crist Republicans.” Dave Weigel offered on Twitter to bet me 10 bucks that Brown will end up with a primary challenge after he antagonizes the base with one too many maverick-y moves. I’m inclined not to take that bet, although if it does happen, I think he could turn it to his advantage for the general election, framing himself as the pragmatic moderate besieged by ideologues of both sides. It’s harder for a Democratic challenger to scream “wingnut!” at him if a Republican challenger’s screaming “RINO!” at the same time.
Here’s his presser with McCain via Greg Hengler. Exit question: Is Scotty B going to torpedo The One’s plan to close Gitmo?
Blowback
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Brown can be a McCain Republican if that’s how he sees it.
JUST SO LONG AS HE DOESN’T TAKE ANY LEADERSHIP POSITIONS!!
katy on January 21, 2010 at 5:18 PM
Not a bad week. Perhaps Olbermann can put a cherry on top by finally succumbing to his mental defect in some entertaining way this evening or on Friday.
toliver on January 21, 2010 at 5:18 PM
I might support an underfunded primary challenger for just that reason.
MarkTheGreat on January 21, 2010 at 5:18 PM
water boarding that is
runner on January 21, 2010 at 5:19 PM
Apples. Oranges.
To be elected President of the United States, you don’t have to win Massachusetts. You remember President McGovern, don’t you?
CDeb on January 21, 2010 at 5:19 PM
This is supposed to be a problem? If voters start electing McCain Republicans all throughout the northeast, rather than Obama libs, uh, I do believe I can live with that.
Erich66 on January 21, 2010 at 5:19 PM
Lol AP I knew you’d work Charlie Christ into this post from the headlines. What a tool that guy is if he thinks those who supported Brown in MASSACHUSETTS are going to flock to him in FLORIDA.
Yeah, pass.
clement on January 21, 2010 at 5:19 PM
Not really. Some people just don’t want to be free.
SirGawain on January 21, 2010 at 5:19 PM
I wouldn’t support him for POTUS, either.
And the only reason I supported Mitt was bcs I know he has excellent character & he is a great bussiness man.
Badger40 on January 21, 2010 at 5:20 PM
This.
And let’s let the guy vote on a few things before we figure out exactly who he is.
Asher on January 21, 2010 at 5:20 PM
Exactly. And that’s all there is to it.
Molehill meet Mountain.
fogw on January 21, 2010 at 5:20 PM
You don’t get the comparison. I’d rather have a conservative instead of a RINO. And I’d rather have a RINO than a Liberal. In this case, the choice was between a semi-RINO and a Liberal. We got the better deal.
Daggett on January 21, 2010 at 5:20 PM
I agree.
These are the people who vote for people like Obama.
Badger40 on January 21, 2010 at 5:20 PM
Palin on Oprah tomorrow..Oprah’s network..I don’t know but I did discover that she was born Jan 29th when I looked it up.
I only watch Fox and the Military Channel. I see fewer Dems that way.
IlikedAUH2O on January 21, 2010 at 5:21 PM
It changes from day to day. Which is the big problem with it.
MarkTheGreat on January 21, 2010 at 5:21 PM
hah ha ha. Just so long as he supports Roe v Wade.
Grow Fins on January 21, 2010 at 5:23 PM
McCain has to run right this election season to win his seat. That hopefully will restrain his impulse to help liberals and Obama.
Thankfully Reid personally antagonized Snowe, she seems adament that she won’t help.
RAH on January 21, 2010 at 5:23 PM
Weigel, et al, aren’t in touch with reality yet, I guess. What is the deal with that? It is, after all, still Massachusetts.
gocatholic on January 21, 2010 at 5:24 PM
Anybody who knows McCain, would know that would never happen. McCain never forgives and he never forgets. He was a thorn in Bush’s side for 8 years because he felt that Bush had said mean things about him during the campaign.
He feels the same way about how Obama treated him in 2008. His animosity towards Obama has more to do with spite, than principle. But I’ll take anything I can get for now.
MarkTheGreat on January 21, 2010 at 5:24 PM
That’s a mighty long reach you’ve got there, Mr. Gadget.
CDeb on January 21, 2010 at 5:24 PM
I hope that he is not too much like McCain… is he going to vote for immigration “reform”?
Dale on January 21, 2010 at 5:24 PM
I don’t care. We needed him for one day. We won. Obamacare is dead.
Anyway that Obama would stump for McCain? Love to keep his perfect record going…………….
JeffinOrlando on January 21, 2010 at 5:25 PM
So that’s it, huh? We’re going to extrapolate from Brown’s win and grassroots support that the GOP as a whole needs to look like McCain’s brand of republican? Even though the entire nation had an opportunity for McCain’s brand of republicanism just a year ago and rejected it? Oh, I’m sorry that was because he chose that right wing extremist Palin, who is now receiving praise for her, ahem, moderation in campaigning for McCain. I’m so confused by the “definition” wars. Brown wins and it proves he’s a Tea Party kind of guy. Brown wins and it validates everything McCain believes in. Brown wins and it proves Frum was right. Brown wins and it proves that Reagan conservatism is on the ascendancy. Brown wins and it proves the Right should give up on social issues. Brown wins and it validates Obama’s agenda. Brown wins and it repudiates Obama. I’m dizzy.
Weight of Glory on January 21, 2010 at 5:25 PM
Brown got elected , that is a big plus. If he is a moderate that is better than a Kennedy or an idiot like Coakley.
Beside if he is bad he can be voted out in two years. From a gun rights perspective they got a A NRA rated member versus a F rated member. That is a plus.
RAH on January 21, 2010 at 5:25 PM
We were all going to hold our noses while voting for McCain for president, so this isn’t a big deal, just a little bit of a let down.
tommer74 on January 21, 2010 at 5:25 PM
Brown to McCain: “I’m from Massachusetts. What’s your excuse?”
Ronnie on January 21, 2010 at 5:25 PM
I was hoping to see some snapshots of the meeting he had with Kerry today. Kerry couldn’t even hide his disgust for 2 minutes with Brown in the room. I did notice that Brown seemed a little sheepish during the photo-op though. He needs to get rid of that, the Dems will eat him alive if they since weakness. Anybody else catch that?
conservativescientist on January 21, 2010 at 5:25 PM
There are unfortunately, a lot of people who have no interest in other people’s freedom. They view you as nothing more than a source for their weekly govt check.
MarkTheGreat on January 21, 2010 at 5:26 PM
hah ha ha. Just so long as he supports Roe v Wade.
Grow Fins on January 21, 2010 at 5:23 PM
Hah ha ha. You’re out from under the covers, too? It’s been a great week, hasn’t it? And there’s always tomorrow.
kingsjester on January 21, 2010 at 5:26 PM
As if that ruling could ever apply to you.
Ronnie on January 21, 2010 at 5:27 PM
Since the government won’t be subsidizing them through ObamaCare, does it really matter?
BadgerHawk on January 21, 2010 at 5:27 PM
Save the character space and just put “Stop liking Brown.” It’s obvious what these type of posts are trying to do. Overall, McCain has been good and has been one of the strongest voices in opposition to Obama. Sorry, it’s true. Brown’s great.
Narutoboy on January 21, 2010 at 5:27 PM
Just what issues held by the Democrats are most appealing to take the time to reach across the aisle?
mobydutch on January 21, 2010 at 5:28 PM
Grow Things, you are really desperate.
Should you be more concerned with how many seats are really up for grabs.
This is nothing to us.
Badger40 on January 21, 2010 at 5:28 PM
At least he has his head on straight regarding terrorism.
And his response to the Glenn Beck trashing was classy.
Disturb the Universe on January 21, 2010 at 5:29 PM
Brown’s going into the Senate, not onto the Supreme Court. I assume you do know the difference.
That must be cold comfort, considering your messiah’s agenda is in a death spiral right now. “Ideological purity” can wait.
ddrintn on January 21, 2010 at 5:29 PM
Palin had to support McCain . Otherwise she would be ungrateful for her chance at VP that McCain gave her. McCain at least gave conservatives a gift by propelling Plain to national notice.
McCain refusing Obama due to spite is a plus. Too many times McCain stabs his own side.
RAH on January 21, 2010 at 5:29 PM
Meh. Brown is probably marginally to the right of McCain, propably will end up getting a 80ish ACU rating once his senate voting is clear. Probably similar to Thune, which also has a ACU rating in the 80s.
Which is fine for a US Senator, but not who I want to run for POTUS in 2012.
Because let’s face it, a cardboard cut-out of Nixon would beat Ogabe in 2012. Why vast such a opportunity on a “meh” conservative like Brown, Thune, Romney or Daniels?
Norwegian on January 21, 2010 at 5:29 PM
What YOU need to worry about, GF, is if Brown supports Beastiality.
Say goodbye to your sheep.
HornetSting on January 21, 2010 at 5:29 PM
So what?
Ask him if he supports amnesty for illegal aliens.
Ask him if he supports cap and trade.
Ask him if he supports waterboarding.
Ask him if he supports McCain Feingold.
We’ll see where the rubber meets the road.
Until then, I’m not going to get bogged down into the politics of formalities for crying out loud.
He just won the big seat from Massachusetts, and just knocked the Socialists on their asses.
Saltysam on January 21, 2010 at 5:32 PM
yeah. Good thing Senators have absolutely no role in the confirmation process.
Terrific. Then just admit you’ll never win with “real conservatives” because America hates them. Go ahead, be done with it.
crr6 on January 21, 2010 at 5:32 PM
Show me some evidence that America hates them. America seems to hate moonbats much, much more intensely. But, um, then you’re a “centrist”, aren’t you? ROFL
ddrintn on January 21, 2010 at 5:34 PM
Does this mean shAmnesty is back on the front burner?
Let’s hope not.
brtex on January 21, 2010 at 5:34 PM
Brown is smart to stroke McCain’s ego. McCain will take him under his wing and show him how the sausage factory works.
John the Libertarian on January 21, 2010 at 5:35 PM
When he doubled down on his support of RomneyCare, he lost the character issue for me.
MarkTheGreat on January 21, 2010 at 5:35 PM
Does it tickle to have Rachel Maddow whispering in your ear?
fogw on January 21, 2010 at 5:36 PM
Immigration hawk Mark Krikorian on NRO says Brown is “pretty good” on immigration.
Jon0815 on January 21, 2010 at 5:37 PM
He’s already stated that he does not support late term abortions and he is in favor of many right to life issues such as parental notification.
MarkTheGreat on January 21, 2010 at 5:37 PM
40% of Americans hate themselves.
WashJeff on January 21, 2010 at 5:38 PM
You never ever ever win majorities when you run “real conservatives”. Ever.
And every few political cycles you get all fired up about “ideological purity”, because you’ll win if you return to “core principles”, but you abandon those core principles in a matter of months.
And yet a man nearly everyone here (including you, I’m pretty sure) has called a “Marxist” was elected president by a huge majority in the electoral college. How exactly do you reconcile that?
Center-left, yeah. I just seem radical to you guys because you’re so far right, you think Hitler was a “leftist”.
crr6 on January 21, 2010 at 5:38 PM
Brown will never get 100 from the ACU. But put things into perspective folks. The guy he is replacing got a lifetime rating of 3. That’s right a 3. So if the worst RINO fears come true and say Brown gets a 30, hell people that’s a 10 fold improvement.
As long as he is 41 against ObamaCare, he could vote with Harry Reid 100% of the time and it will still be a giant victory for us.
angryed on January 21, 2010 at 5:38 PM
Dare I say it…OLIGARGY…WE GOT SNOOKERED AGAIN…
jerrytbg on January 21, 2010 at 5:38 PM
Told ya so.
Decider on January 21, 2010 at 5:39 PM
I haven’t even read the comments yet, but, to react (possibly preemptively):
Shut up, JetBoy.
;-)
notropis on January 21, 2010 at 5:39 PM
So? Graham voted to confirm Sotomayor.
ddrintn on January 21, 2010 at 5:39 PM
Probably around 75-80% of those would be “RINO’s” by your definition. Even if they weren’t, you still don’t have a governing majority with 40%.
crr6 on January 21, 2010 at 5:40 PM
Would you look thrilled to be in a picture with John Kerry??? Especially after meeting with a real Vietnam War hero?
rockmom on January 21, 2010 at 5:40 PM
Yeah, but at least Scott Brown’s daughter is hotter and more talented.
MopeyDick has Meghan Thunderthighs, blond of hair, loud of mouth, short of brain.
’nuff said!
pilamaye on January 21, 2010 at 5:40 PM
Death by a thousand cuts is still death…
jerrytbg on January 21, 2010 at 5:40 PM
O/T
Prepare for Armegeddon~
National Enquirer will submit for Pulizer on John Edward’s debacle.
If they win~locust watch!
HornetSting on January 21, 2010 at 5:40 PM
Did you get dropped as a baby on your head?
Reagan 1980, 1984
Gingrich and Co. 1994
Bush in 2004. He didn’t govern as one, but he sure as hell campaigned as one.
angryed on January 21, 2010 at 5:40 PM
heh. I’m surprised they even bothered with a rating.
crr6 on January 21, 2010 at 5:40 PM
ROFL…moonbats are always somewhere near the “center”. Just another of their delusions.
ddrintn on January 21, 2010 at 5:41 PM
you think Hitler was a “leftist”.
crr6 on January 21, 2010 at 5:38 PM
He was.
notropis on January 21, 2010 at 5:41 PM
America and Massachusetts are not the same thing, genius.
No wonder AirAmerica is deal. Judging by crr6 and Grow Fins, the average liberal is too stupid to operate a radio.
CDeb on January 21, 2010 at 5:41 PM
Show me a time that America has rejected a “real conservative”. Not that the term means what you think it does.
MarkTheGreat on January 21, 2010 at 5:41 PM
Zing. And Obama had to campaign as one to win.
ddrintn on January 21, 2010 at 5:41 PM
Aww, look who thinks he has something to crow about. Aren’t you cute. Hey, when Boxer loses too, you can cuddle up with your new “well at least he’s not a ‘true conservative’” blanket. Now go back to sleep.
Weight of Glory on January 21, 2010 at 5:42 PM
Santorum, 2006.
crr6 on January 21, 2010 at 5:42 PM
Because he didn’t run as a Marxist. In fact, one of the most common refrains from brain-dead pundits is their surprise that Obama has turned out to be a leftist when they thought he would govern as a moderate.
PackerBronco on January 21, 2010 at 5:42 PM
If we’re talking John McCain circa 2009, that’s fine with me. Why is it that folks on our side of the aisle will tear someone down relentlessly for being a RINO, but they’ll never give that same person credit when they uphold conservative ideals?
Remember when McCain lost in 2008 and a lot of us were terrified that he’d cozy up to Obama and carry water for his administration? Well that sure as hell didn’t happen. Let’s give the man some respect for standing up to The One. Yes it came a year too late, but better late than never.
Doughboy on January 21, 2010 at 5:05 PM
Totally agree with you.
heshtesh on January 21, 2010 at 5:43 PM
Ummmm…was that national?
ddrintn on January 21, 2010 at 5:43 PM
I see on this thread a couple reasonable folks upset about this, but the fact that the trolls are trying to make a big deal about it should say that it isn’t anything more than Brown showing loyalty to someone he respects going into a tough primary fight.
TwilightAuthor on January 21, 2010 at 5:44 PM
Less than 20% self identify as liberals. Only a few percent self identify as communists.
So America hates you and yours a lot more than they do the rest of us.
MarkTheGreat on January 21, 2010 at 5:44 PM
Time will tell what Brown says, and does as Senator. Yes…we all knew the score. However, on key issues, such as national security, smaller government, lower taxes, he hits the high mark with me.
If he sways to far over to the left, I’m sure he’ll hear about it, and unlike some, I think he’ll listen , rather than tell his constituents he knows what’s best for them, and walk away.
capejasmine on January 21, 2010 at 5:44 PM
Wow, America voted in PA?
Did you flunk geography at the same time you were flunking everyone else?
MarkTheGreat on January 21, 2010 at 5:45 PM
That big-spending amnesty supporter?
Many, many RINO’s in there.
He campaigned as a “compassionate conservative” who would “reach across the aisle”. And by your own admission, he governed like a liberal.
crr6 on January 21, 2010 at 5:45 PM
Oh, but people like crr6 and Obama and Pelosi are “center-left”, dontcha know. LOL
ddrintn on January 21, 2010 at 5:45 PM
He was. Specifically he was a fascist which a variant of socialism.
MarkTheGreat on January 21, 2010 at 5:46 PM
Goldwater, ’64.
I hate to help the troll, but I had to say it.
notropis on January 21, 2010 at 5:47 PM
You said “Americans”. Are you saying PA’ers aren’t Americans?
Anyway, it’s a pretty representative swing state, and it was a recent election. It was the first thing that popped into my head. Americans were disgusted by the sheer wing-nuttery of the man.
crr6 on January 21, 2010 at 5:47 PM
Yeah, I thought about that too.
crr6 on January 21, 2010 at 5:47 PM
All I want from him is
A no vote on ObamaCare
A no vote on any Porkulus 2/TARP 2
A no vote on the bank tax
A no vote on nationalizing student loans
A no vote on closing GITMO
If he gives me those – he can call himself whatever type of Republican he wants to be honest.
gophergirl on January 21, 2010 at 5:48 PM
Apparently Scott Brown’s win has caused various states of psychosis among HA’s trolls. Like Howard Dean on Matthews claiming the Mass. race was a positive for democrats. The coping mechanisms are pretty hysterical.
Erich66 on January 21, 2010 at 5:48 PM
Just so long as you take advantage of Roe v Wade.
JusDreamin on January 21, 2010 at 5:48 PM
The platform wasn’t RINO. What was it you “centrists” called it? “Contract On America”? LOL Funny how in retrospect all those despised GOP winners from the past become magically “centrist RINOs” after a decade or so.
ddrintn on January 21, 2010 at 5:48 PM
He’s going to do just fine. He’s made it clear where he stands on all the significant issues. And…remember he belongs to MA. It’s their say, not ours. We all can comment until the end of time, it is what it is. Personally, I like his professed stands on just about everything. But then, I’m a New Englander too.
jeanie on January 21, 2010 at 5:48 PM
crr6 on January 21, 2010 at 5:48 PM
Good grief, gang – can’t we just hold off and see what he DOES and not be so reactionary over what he SAYS?
For Pete’s sake – isn’t there a chance he is saying nice things because like Sarah, McCain has helped him out?
Queen0fCups on January 21, 2010 at 5:49 PM
No, he said “America”.
ddrintn on January 21, 2010 at 5:49 PM
Poor crr6. I’m guessing even liberal sites won’t put up with you. Good thing you can come here, eh?
capejasmine on January 21, 2010 at 5:49 PM
I see your Goldwater and raise you McGovern.
MarkTheGreat on January 21, 2010 at 5:49 PM
crr6 on January 21, 2010 at 5:48 PM
Americans refers to individuals. America, refers to the country as a whole.
Try learning some basic english. If your third grade teacher is still talking to you, perhaps she’ll help.
MarkTheGreat on January 21, 2010 at 5:51 PM
Apparently he does, so I guess you’re happy.
However, he also supports strong parental notification for minors, no late-term abortions, and NO federal funding. Which, if you care to check, is the eeeeevil Republican agenda short of a successful SCOTUS challenge to Roe v. Wade. All of that is also reflexively opposed by NOW, Planned Parenthood, EMILY’S list, et. al. who are your fellow supporters. So just how happy ARE you about it, or are you just trying to score a point?
JeffWeimer on January 21, 2010 at 5:51 PM
Or Mondale. Or Dukakis. Or Kerry.
ddrintn on January 21, 2010 at 5:51 PM
And you have a governing majority at 21%?
Any citizen that believes in a smaller less powerful federal government is welcome to my political tent.
WashJeff on January 21, 2010 at 5:51 PM
^ Or Gore. LOL
ddrintn on January 21, 2010 at 5:52 PM
He!!, even Roe doesn’t support Roe V. Wade anymore.
capejasmine on January 21, 2010 at 5:52 PM
I would rather have him be McCain than Snowe or Collins!!!
deidre on January 21, 2010 at 5:52 PM
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