McCain Suddenly For Bush? Don't Believe It, Folks
I missed commenting on this yesterday when I spotted it on Capt. Ed's site. Yes, it seems that Senator McCain, long believed to harbor a grudge against President Bush for the walloping he handed him in South Carolina in 2000, has become a cheerleader for the president. Above all, ladies and gentlemen, don't let this fool you. Good ol' Chris Matthews, long disdained by conservatives, has the story which is cited below.
It's early on at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference down here, but already we've learned some big news.
Sources tell me that Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., plans to shock his supporters tonight by asking them to NOT vote for him in the presidential straw poll that will be conducted by The Hotline on Saturday.
Instead, McCain will urge his followers to write in President Bush's name.
McCain will tell his supporters that this is not about 2008, but rather about 2006 and supporting the president.
According to McCain's supporters, he'll say: "I think we have bigger things to worry about. So if any friends here are thinking about voting for me, please don't. Just write in President Bush's name."
The straw poll asks 1,800 delegates from 37 states attending this conference who they support as the potential Republican nominee for president in 2008. The three candidates who garner the most votes will be revealed here on Saturday night.
Reacting to McCain's plans, Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman tells NBC, "I'm in favor of anything that focuses people on 2006."
"The first primary of 2008 is what we do in 2006," Mehlman said.
McCain is one of a handful of presidential prospects addressing this conference in Memphis.
All week, we've been hearing about behind-the-scenes maneuvers and thinking on the straw poll. Some speculation has focused on Sen. Bill Frist, R-Tenn., who is expected by some to do well because we're in his home state.
Alex Vogel, an adviser to Frist, said of the McCain move, "I think it seems kind of silly."
"It may have a hint of mischief making," said Vogel.
Frist spokeswoman Amy Call said, "I keep hearing (from rival camps) that the straw poll is not a big deal. If it's not really a big deal, then why are they trying so hard?"
A top aide to another possible presidential candidate addressing the conference said of McCain's tactic: "It's a sign of weakness, I think," because it suggests McCain's team knows he can't win.
Others think Sen. George Allen, R-Va., will poll well because of his southern roots and appeal with the insider crowd.
But today, McCain, who many see as the early GOP frontrunner, will steal the spotlight before the voting even gets going.
Let me be blunt (minus the normal swearing fits I have about McCain) in stating that this is more political opportunism from the senator from my state, Arizona. I have watched this man's career since I turned 18, and I've yet to be impressed by him. I've personally met him, and I was less than enthused after that meeting. While he has been a semi-supporter of GOP politics in the Senate, he is an opportunist; usually jumping to whatever cause will garner him headlines or a spotlight. He made a big deal out of the South Carolina primary defeat, claiming that the president had played dirty pool to win it. OK, maybe so, but politics is a bloodsport, senator. If you can't swim with the sharks, I'd say you need to keep your ass out of the pool.
He had so upset his constituents in Arizona in 2002 over his recent voting tendancies and the CFR bill he and Russ Feingold sponsored that a recall effort was launched in the state. Even after the signatures were filed, and the call went out for him to return home, he refused to abide by the voter's rights regarding their power of recall. A vote in favor of the invasion of Iraq quickly changed fence-sitting minds in Arizona, and the recall fell apart. So, it's his state as much as the nation that isn't happy with this man, and for good reason.
Capt. Ed brings up a point that he supported the president's reelection in 2004, openly praising the president's war efforts. I seem to recall a different McCain from then, and maybe it was due to the fact that both papers in Arizona--The Arizona Republic and valley Tribunes--put him under a microscope. There was constant disdain for the president in regard to the war. In 2004, McCain started making it known that he disagreed with the troop levels in both theaters, Iraq and Afghanistan. He also attacked Donald Rumsfeld, stating he had "no confidence" in him. He relented later and stated the president could have whomever he wanted around him as an advisor.
In addition to CFR, McCain also spear-headed the "Gang of 14" deal in the Senate, preventing Senator Frist from executing the Constitutional Option which would have ended filibusters on judicial nominees by obstructionist Democrats. In that deal, seven of the ten nominees in question were thrown overboard. All ten would have likely passed with their proper up-or-down majority vote had he not interfered. People call this man a "maverick." Hardly the epitome of the term, McCain reminds me more of a pest that keeps sticking his nose into things that don't concern him; even worse is when he ignores the very base he depends on.
So, why is he doing this? Why is he appealing to the SRLC to maintain their support for President Bush and 2006? Simply put, like Hillary, McCain is trying to influence voters to look at him in a different light. The problem is that if you do, you have no one to blame but yourselves when McCain burns you. No amount of redo will help McCain. There are enough people wise to this man's machinations, and make no mistake, folks, his eye is on the Oval Office. No offense, John McCain in the Oval Office is like Daffy Duck at the helm of the Titanic. Definitely not a good idea, and a disaster waiting to happen.
His temper is an important issue, and should be to any potential McCain voter. His temper was his undoing in 2000. Can McCain keep his temper in check with delicate negotiations with other foreign leaders? Might he act impulsively? In my opinion, the answer to those questions are no and yes, respectively. His career lately as a maverick gives me pause on the question of impulsiveness. As for his relations with foreign leaders, I'm not so sure the man can play his emotions close to the vest. He will clearly be frustrated with a diplomat or two; that is a given in any foreign policy negotiation. But does he have the temperament to handle these sorts of situations? I'm not convinced that he does.
Another issue at the heart of his candidacy will be the fact that he is a senator. This makes him prone to compromnise. Honestly, I don't trust his skills as a negotiator in this respect. All too often the GOP Senate that he has been a part of has been willing to give away the farm, and usually with McCain and his RINO cronies leading the way. The list only has a few names on it, and hopefully a couple of those RINOs will disappear when this election is over. This would take away part of McCain's power in the GOP. With less people willing to back him, he may not be able to harm the party to his benefit.
People turned a blind eye to his CFR law until 2004 hit, and the loophole for the 527s was made blindingly obvious. Tons of soft money flooded DNC-enabling coffers. The same "attacks" that McCain condemned were enabled by his legislation. He, in essence, created the same thing he was criticizing. And it is interesting to note that the only group he specifically cited, time and again, on the talking heads shows was the Swift Boat Vets for Truth. And it may have been because they were attacking his friend, John Kerry. But, again pardon the bluntness, John Kerry brought it on himself when he lied--openly--about his service in Vietnam, then proceeded to make his campaign all about that. When the man makes a bigger deal about the war he played a passing role in thirty years ago, and refuses to address his record as a senator, then that record is fair game. Too bad, Johnny, your buddy lost fair and square; just like you did in 2000.
The old adage goes that every senator looks in the mirror and sees a president. I'm surprised McCain can look himself in the eyes at this point in his career. He has sold the GOP out more times than I can forgive. He has berated a sitting US president on his war strategy during said war. He has publicly criticized members of the president's cabinet. He has had questionable business dealings in the past, has upset his own home state, and has tried to steal as much fo the spotlight as he can despite not warranting the attention. The man does not have presidential material. He's a rank opportunist that is trying to mold himself into a different Republic, a la Hillary Clinton. I do hope the nation doesn't fall for this. Four years of John McCain would likely be a mishap-ridden blight.
Publius II
I missed commenting on this yesterday when I spotted it on Capt. Ed's site. Yes, it seems that Senator McCain, long believed to harbor a grudge against President Bush for the walloping he handed him in South Carolina in 2000, has become a cheerleader for the president. Above all, ladies and gentlemen, don't let this fool you. Good ol' Chris Matthews, long disdained by conservatives, has the story which is cited below.
It's early on at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference down here, but already we've learned some big news.
Sources tell me that Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., plans to shock his supporters tonight by asking them to NOT vote for him in the presidential straw poll that will be conducted by The Hotline on Saturday.
Instead, McCain will urge his followers to write in President Bush's name.
McCain will tell his supporters that this is not about 2008, but rather about 2006 and supporting the president.
According to McCain's supporters, he'll say: "I think we have bigger things to worry about. So if any friends here are thinking about voting for me, please don't. Just write in President Bush's name."
The straw poll asks 1,800 delegates from 37 states attending this conference who they support as the potential Republican nominee for president in 2008. The three candidates who garner the most votes will be revealed here on Saturday night.
Reacting to McCain's plans, Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman tells NBC, "I'm in favor of anything that focuses people on 2006."
"The first primary of 2008 is what we do in 2006," Mehlman said.
McCain is one of a handful of presidential prospects addressing this conference in Memphis.
All week, we've been hearing about behind-the-scenes maneuvers and thinking on the straw poll. Some speculation has focused on Sen. Bill Frist, R-Tenn., who is expected by some to do well because we're in his home state.
Alex Vogel, an adviser to Frist, said of the McCain move, "I think it seems kind of silly."
"It may have a hint of mischief making," said Vogel.
Frist spokeswoman Amy Call said, "I keep hearing (from rival camps) that the straw poll is not a big deal. If it's not really a big deal, then why are they trying so hard?"
A top aide to another possible presidential candidate addressing the conference said of McCain's tactic: "It's a sign of weakness, I think," because it suggests McCain's team knows he can't win.
Others think Sen. George Allen, R-Va., will poll well because of his southern roots and appeal with the insider crowd.
But today, McCain, who many see as the early GOP frontrunner, will steal the spotlight before the voting even gets going.
Let me be blunt (minus the normal swearing fits I have about McCain) in stating that this is more political opportunism from the senator from my state, Arizona. I have watched this man's career since I turned 18, and I've yet to be impressed by him. I've personally met him, and I was less than enthused after that meeting. While he has been a semi-supporter of GOP politics in the Senate, he is an opportunist; usually jumping to whatever cause will garner him headlines or a spotlight. He made a big deal out of the South Carolina primary defeat, claiming that the president had played dirty pool to win it. OK, maybe so, but politics is a bloodsport, senator. If you can't swim with the sharks, I'd say you need to keep your ass out of the pool.
He had so upset his constituents in Arizona in 2002 over his recent voting tendancies and the CFR bill he and Russ Feingold sponsored that a recall effort was launched in the state. Even after the signatures were filed, and the call went out for him to return home, he refused to abide by the voter's rights regarding their power of recall. A vote in favor of the invasion of Iraq quickly changed fence-sitting minds in Arizona, and the recall fell apart. So, it's his state as much as the nation that isn't happy with this man, and for good reason.
Capt. Ed brings up a point that he supported the president's reelection in 2004, openly praising the president's war efforts. I seem to recall a different McCain from then, and maybe it was due to the fact that both papers in Arizona--The Arizona Republic and valley Tribunes--put him under a microscope. There was constant disdain for the president in regard to the war. In 2004, McCain started making it known that he disagreed with the troop levels in both theaters, Iraq and Afghanistan. He also attacked Donald Rumsfeld, stating he had "no confidence" in him. He relented later and stated the president could have whomever he wanted around him as an advisor.
In addition to CFR, McCain also spear-headed the "Gang of 14" deal in the Senate, preventing Senator Frist from executing the Constitutional Option which would have ended filibusters on judicial nominees by obstructionist Democrats. In that deal, seven of the ten nominees in question were thrown overboard. All ten would have likely passed with their proper up-or-down majority vote had he not interfered. People call this man a "maverick." Hardly the epitome of the term, McCain reminds me more of a pest that keeps sticking his nose into things that don't concern him; even worse is when he ignores the very base he depends on.
So, why is he doing this? Why is he appealing to the SRLC to maintain their support for President Bush and 2006? Simply put, like Hillary, McCain is trying to influence voters to look at him in a different light. The problem is that if you do, you have no one to blame but yourselves when McCain burns you. No amount of redo will help McCain. There are enough people wise to this man's machinations, and make no mistake, folks, his eye is on the Oval Office. No offense, John McCain in the Oval Office is like Daffy Duck at the helm of the Titanic. Definitely not a good idea, and a disaster waiting to happen.
His temper is an important issue, and should be to any potential McCain voter. His temper was his undoing in 2000. Can McCain keep his temper in check with delicate negotiations with other foreign leaders? Might he act impulsively? In my opinion, the answer to those questions are no and yes, respectively. His career lately as a maverick gives me pause on the question of impulsiveness. As for his relations with foreign leaders, I'm not so sure the man can play his emotions close to the vest. He will clearly be frustrated with a diplomat or two; that is a given in any foreign policy negotiation. But does he have the temperament to handle these sorts of situations? I'm not convinced that he does.
Another issue at the heart of his candidacy will be the fact that he is a senator. This makes him prone to compromnise. Honestly, I don't trust his skills as a negotiator in this respect. All too often the GOP Senate that he has been a part of has been willing to give away the farm, and usually with McCain and his RINO cronies leading the way. The list only has a few names on it, and hopefully a couple of those RINOs will disappear when this election is over. This would take away part of McCain's power in the GOP. With less people willing to back him, he may not be able to harm the party to his benefit.
People turned a blind eye to his CFR law until 2004 hit, and the loophole for the 527s was made blindingly obvious. Tons of soft money flooded DNC-enabling coffers. The same "attacks" that McCain condemned were enabled by his legislation. He, in essence, created the same thing he was criticizing. And it is interesting to note that the only group he specifically cited, time and again, on the talking heads shows was the Swift Boat Vets for Truth. And it may have been because they were attacking his friend, John Kerry. But, again pardon the bluntness, John Kerry brought it on himself when he lied--openly--about his service in Vietnam, then proceeded to make his campaign all about that. When the man makes a bigger deal about the war he played a passing role in thirty years ago, and refuses to address his record as a senator, then that record is fair game. Too bad, Johnny, your buddy lost fair and square; just like you did in 2000.
The old adage goes that every senator looks in the mirror and sees a president. I'm surprised McCain can look himself in the eyes at this point in his career. He has sold the GOP out more times than I can forgive. He has berated a sitting US president on his war strategy during said war. He has publicly criticized members of the president's cabinet. He has had questionable business dealings in the past, has upset his own home state, and has tried to steal as much fo the spotlight as he can despite not warranting the attention. The man does not have presidential material. He's a rank opportunist that is trying to mold himself into a different Republic, a la Hillary Clinton. I do hope the nation doesn't fall for this. Four years of John McCain would likely be a mishap-ridden blight.
Publius II
posted by Syd And Vaughn | 6:44 PM
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