“Stay positive and stay focused”
I wanted to share a message I received from a Republican staffer on the Hill–where they know John McCain best. Many GOP staffers will not support John McCain, but they share the principles I expressed yesterday in my Quo Vadis column:
John McCain is the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party. That is unfortunate, and I am sad to say that I cannot support him – as is the case with many people I know – for many of the reasons explored repeatedly on NRO and other places. As a Hill staffer, those of you who share my view and I know what is at stake – at least as much as anyone… from the confirmation of judges to the War on Terror and beyond. But, as a Hill staffer, many of us find him to be a petty, often vindictive man who treats people – from Senators to junior female staffers – disrespectfully and, frankly, without the manners appropriate for a Senator, much less a President.
His votes and stances are a matter of record and have been fully explored in many places. But we, as Hill staffers, have seen his personal vitriol up close and personally. Whether it has been personal confrontations with Senators or his cussing out of and demeaning comments toward staffers – whether it was his arrogance and dismissal of concerned conservatives displayed during the “Gang of 14” or his or his staff’s constant, repeated – often vindictive and very personal – undermining of conservative principles in the immigration debate – John McCain has proven time and time again that his worthiness to lead our Party, much less our nation, is more than questionable.
I believe it matters who you choose to follow. The “lesser-of-two-evils” argument is always compelling, but I simply have come to the conclusion that John McCain, for all his patriotism, is not the kind of man I want to follow and that I want to represent me, my country and my Party.
That said, the next 9 months will be an important time for conservatism. Whether you are a conservative, like me, who chooses not to vote for Senator McCain, whether you are a conservative who chooses to hold your nose and vote for him, or whether you are fully behind him, it is important to remember two things… 1) it is absolutely reasonable to support him in the face of Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton – potentially the most liberal individuals ever to run for the American Presidency – individuals who will undermine our military, choose activist judges, expand the size of government, raise taxes, show contempt for the unborn and the institution of marriage and otherwise disregard fundamental American values; and 2) you must show up to vote for conservative Senators and Congressmen regardless of your disaffection for Senator McCain or your frustration (shared by many of us) with the current Senate and House Republican leadership.
Regardless of who wins the Presidency this November, the best hope conservatives have to affect public policy in a positive direction is to get highly motivated to gain conservative seats in the Senate and the House, not to sit around moping about the likely nomination of John McCain. We must stay positive and focused…
See what others have said
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- Riehl World View
- That was the electoral week that was « Ned Raggett Ponders It All
- Quo vadis, conservatives? - Michelle Malkin @ Townhall.com « Kevin’s Korner
- Far East Cynic
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- Michelle Malkin » John McCain endorses Hillary’s “good character, honesty, integrity”
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- Coup d’etat in America! Fraud succeeds…. » Winds Of Jihad
- Marginalized Action Dinosaur » lock and load, Obama won. 150 years later it’s still about slavery…
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Categories: John McCain
Ed Driscoll
» Charges Filed In Kenneth Gladney Case
The Other McCain
» Alan Colmes, having fun at #1Riehl World View
» Bet: Ratings Fail - Oprah/Obama Christmas SpecialMudville Gazette
» The five-year planNewsBusters.org
» Oprah To Do Primetime Christmas Special With The ObamasRiehl World View
» Dowd: Dem Elites Displeased With Obama As Palin Rises
I couldn’t have said it better myself. Time for another Gingrich revolution. A takeover of Congress by ordinary conservative citizens.
Who will stand up? Yes, I’m thinking and praying about it.
I heard something VERY interesting yesterday on Laura I.
Basically it was this, if Bush’s approval rating is lower than it’s ever been, and Congress’s (House and Senate) approval rating is even lower than the Presidents, then why did we choose 3 Senator’s to run for President? (Hillary, Obama, McCain)
My plan is to vote Republican in the local and State elections (making sure we don’t get another RINO). I have no idea what I’m going to do with McCain at this point. I’ve told myself I will not vote for him, but when I get in there and see Hillary/Obama on the ballot, I’m not sure what I’ll do.
I will vote for the troops in Iraq and Afganistan. That means I’ll have to vote Republican.
If McShame is the candidate, then he’ll get my vote. But I won’t be voting for him, I’ll voting for the troops.
And, well, there it is……
And our options now are what? Clinton/Obama appointed judges?
I’m as sick over this thing as anyone, but what choice do we have? We can’t take the ball and go home.
We don’t have the ball. Do we hope he’ll pick a great VP (FRED)?
I don’t know. I’m just really lost at the moment.
ACHefty said (#1):
Gingrich was fake. He hardly tried to pass the “contract with America” bills. He ushered in a wave of pork and sleeze that the Democrats are finally pulling us out of. (Pork is not going down fast enough, but it’s down for the first time since Gingrich.)
I am still in a quandry about voting for him – but the alternatives are truly mortifying for me.
I know for an absolute fact that I will do all I can in local & state elections, as well as congressional races, to advance conservatives into those positions.
As for the top-slot, I honestly do not know at this point, but whatever I do, will be done in the best interest of our troops.
unrelated.. dhimmitude.
If McCain were some kind of cupcake liberal, would Ted Olsen, Tom Coburn, Frank Keating, Phil Gramm and Bill Kristol all be supporting him? Does anyone really think that with Ted Olsen helping McCain select judges, there would be no difference between McCain judges and Clinton judges? Just look at the US 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals where at last week’s appellate argument in the Lynn Stewart case, a Clinton ultraliberal judge named Calabresi congratulated Stewart on her “public service”. Please be serious.
Ooh… are we in a Friday Funnies category? That was a hoot.
Remember that it was Senate Republicans who stood firm and saved billions in the stimulus package – billions that the Democrats wanted to laden it with including additional incentives for unemployed slouches so they didn’t have to find work as soon as they should…
LGM, I have to disagree with you. To argue that the Democratic Congress before 1994 wasn’t “sleazy” is awfully disingenuous. And most of the “Contract with America” bills did pass. (Except for term limits. The party in power never wants to pass term limits.)
But if anyone thinks that there needs to be another Republican Revolution, sorry. You have the Supreme Court and the presidency. The GOP is going to need a whole lot more time in the wilderness before that happens.
Ok, if I do vote for McCain.
- Will he truly secure the border before dealing with local illegals?
- will he cut out any and all pork projects?
- he will let the troops win in Iraq
I do not like McCain personally, but if we can secure the border – why not begin there? Instead of nothing with Hill or Obama
We know who John McCain is … we will not just walk away. Instead, we will voice our dissent, come November, by writing in someone other than those three for President and, between now and then, work to elect and reelect those ‘down-ticket’ who will represent our values in Congress.
lgm – I am surprised. I would think you, of all people, would know how to spell sleaze.
On February 8th, 2008 at 9:18 am, jrlingreenbay said:
Some of live in Michigan.
Clearly, you don’t.
I beg of you all:
PLEASE
I G N O R E
H I M
DUH statement for the day.
Now does everyone get it?
On February 8th, 2008 at 9:26 am, On-my-soap-box said:
The question that I would ask, is… do YOU get it?
Apparently not.
McVain is no more for the troops than Obama or Hillary. Protecting the so called “front door…war on terror” while leaving the back door open (immigration and the border) is not a vote for the troops.
If McCain wins the election, a conservative majority in the Congress will be obliged to follow him over the cliff of socialism as they did with Bush.
Our efforts should be to get conservatives elected at the state, local, and congressional level and to keep McCain away from the Oval Office at all costs.
It is the only way to preserve a loyal opposition. Note the key word “loyal.”
Why They Can’t Vote for McCain by Mona Charen on Townhall.com
What?
I have been thinking of standing up also. When I voted last Tuesday, there were NO GOP candidates running for our local Illinois House and Senate seats.
Rep. Rahm “You people better not ask us for anything ever again.” Emanuel also had no opponent for his re-election.
Running in my district may be a tough row to hoe, but I’m just the guy to do it.
Irish Rose:
Perhaps I painted with too broad a brush in my statement.
Any honest person knows that there are many people who have no incentive to get off unemployment. They milk it for all it is worth.
A recent letter to the editor in a state newspaper discussed a side-issue related to unemployment regarding unemployed deadbeat dads and a new law requiring them to apply for 15 jobs per week, but NO requirement for them to take any of the jobs they were offered.
Jobs are out there – if you’re out of work, and your local area has none, then you look outside the area. Individual responsibility. Yes, it is unfortunate that some people lose their jobs for whatever reason – but sitting around waiting for your government check is not what responsible people do.
Sorry – harsh, but true.
There are many reasons for Conservatives to be unhappy with McCain. The reasons to support him and continue to pull him to the right are the war on terror and the SCOTUS. To me, as a conservative, these trump the rest. McCain for eight years will be a challenge. Retreat in the face of Islamofacism and a liberal SCOTUS would change America forever.
I can’t vote for McCain. I can’t just vote against the Democrat. McCain represents the things I hate in government as much as Hillary or Obama. Restrictions on freedom of speech, Lack of respect for the rule of law(immigration), foolishly thinking that government can help the economy with more intervention, using a fad idea to exert more control over personal choices (global warming). None of them believe that personal freedom is the source of this country’s strength.
I have faith that this country will survive any of these fools, so I will wait for someone I can trust.
It wont matter if you do or do not vote for McCain. Obama or Hillary will be the next Prez. we lost, face it.
The rally cry for a conservative nominee came wayyyyyyyyyy to late.
I’m so frustrated of voting for the ‘lesser of two evils.’
A good choice would be a breath-taking change.
Yeah the Republican nominee will get my reluctant vote.
There is plenty of room for conservatives among independants. Come election time, we are the ones who control the outcome. Without the independents Bush loses in 2000. There is never a reason to sell ones soul to a political party
Take back the House, the Nanny and the Congressional Democrats are sitting ducks. Put all your time and money onto a venture which stands the chance of maximum return.
Don’t bother with the RNC, give money direct to your House member, or if your member is a whiny a$$ liberal, adopt a member from another district. If everyone would support their conservative House member and adopt another from an out of state district, we could change the world.
Stop the Democrat … Think grass roots.
Contract with America, Part 2
Item 1: Term limits!
Item 2: FairTax and repealing the 16th Amendment
Item 3: Repealing the 17th Amendment
Item 4: Balanced Budget Amendment
Item 5: Pork = Illegal
Item 6: Did I mention term limits yet?
Item 7: Adopt a 10th Amendment Commission to begin paring down the size, scope, and reach of the Federal Beast
Item 8: Term limits.
I assure you the democrats will make sure the republicans stay alive and well.
The main issue that I see at work here, is the absolute refusal of the inflexible far-right partisan faithful to tolerate ANY candidate that carries even a whiff of moderate centrism.
That says a lot more about the political and moral frigidity of some conservatives than it does about John McCain, don’t you think?
Whatever, no matter.
Clearly, our troops are a disposable commodity to many on the right if supporting a candidate who supports them, does not fit the party meme.
On February 8th, 2008 at 9:38 am, On-my-soap-box said:
Click the link and read my comments, genius.
In the war on islmaofacist terrorism, you can support winning (vote Republican) or losing (vote Democrap) or be a conscientious objector (don’t vote). There are no other options. Pick one.
Gee, that was just swell. Some insight on the real McCain from an unidentified “Hill staffer”. Was that a democrat or a republican? A real patriot who advises the unwashed masses while wearing a ski mask. What did McCain do, cut in front of you at the cappuccino machine?
Irish Rose, have you not read ANYTHING on this site recently about John McCain? ‘a whiff of moderate centrism’ – that’s like saying Adolf Hitler had a ‘whiff of antisemitism’.
Clearly just a troll.
Irish Rose – I was just reading an article about this, you can check it out here. I assert that standing up for our conservative principles and desiring a candidate that represents them is not intolerant. I also assert, looking at your comments in #s 31 and 32, that you have the attitude of a dissmissive teenager.
And that’s precisely what they’re doing here in Michigan. We were one of 2 states that LOST population last year.
What?
#29
I like your list – can I add one more?
TERM LIMITS!
Irish Coffee, how are the AA meetings going for ya? genius.
Irish Rose is hitting the Wild Irish Rose this morning.
The idea that we are STUCK with McCain is the problem. The system has let us “political and moral frigidity conservatives” upset. Not all the states have voted. The MSM made their choice. The other candidates caved “for the good of the party”.
You have proof McCain will be the “military man” and allow us to win the war or do you just WANT to believe it. The rest of us see him as the man who will “reach across the aisle” and pander to the liberals. Within 100 days, he will have a date that our military will pull out. Day 101, AQ will be dancing in the streets.
Take a long – HARD – look at McCain’s record. Take a long – HARD – look and his lies.
No, BO and Chill will do no good in Washington. We know it as fact. McCain will be worse because he will take a “united” conservative party to Washington and crush it.
We agree there as McCain is not electable.
Soap revokes Barry F’s pass card.
Don’t feed the troll.
I’ll take option #2
Many states have gained population through the huge influx of illegals. Michigan doesn’t even have enough “jobs Americans won’t do”?
Old Tanker: That is how the economy works – give and take.
What Michigan needs to do, in that instance, is creative incentives to draw business IN to the state, not create a dependent unemployed class of citizens waiting around for the state or federal government checks because they lost their jobs.
Sounds like many Michigan residents in that situation did the right thing – go to where the jobs are. When the state loses enough income tax revenue, perhaps they’ll wise up.
Not exactly a type of statement to endure McCain to conservatives, don’t you think. I think his rudeness and arrogance is catching
We still have some months yet, before the Convention. At the Convention, the platform and policies will be finalized. I’m not going against the Republican party yet, until I see what the Convention brings. I see Clinton wants to bring home the troops, “within 60 days of my taking office.” Well, she is not on my voting list for sure.
Food for thought, that I really do hope will take the nonsensical “McCain’s better for SCOTUS” argument off the table forever…
McCain, of all candidates, simply doesn’t have the right to play that card. He was one of the prime movers and shakers who made it abundantly clear that the President is not entitled to an up or down vote for nominees – that a handful of rogue Senators can veto him at will and control judicial appointments at all levels.
So of all the arguments to hold my nose and vote for McCain, that one has to be the least convincing.
Sorry, but I think that the above is bratty sentiment. What the guy quoted in this post is actually saying:
The hot-tempered McCain cursed subordinates and me out several times. [okay, so the guy is jerk]. . . and, therefore, to get him back, I will vote for the somewhat Muslim Obama who will pull out all our troops and we will lose the War on Terror. . .rather than vote for the jerk who will keep us proactive against the Muslim terrorists and will keep the fight abroad.
All because McCain was rude to me and others. Our feelings come before the feelings and mission of the troops abroad.
I seem to remember McCain is a senator. (Though he couldn’t manage to get to a recent important vote!) Well, let him put his money where his mouth is. He should start introducing bills right now to seal the border, drill in ANWR, get tough on ALL illegal immigrants, and the other items of concern to those he wants to vote for him.
What’s stopping him? Come on, he’s supposed to be a ‘maverick’. I want actions, not more words!
I will vote for McCain. I cannot let a dimm get into the Oval Office without at least
trying to stop that from happening. Some of you may think that I am “caving in,”
but rest assured that I am not. I am going to work to get real conservatives elected
to the house and senate and I am going to continue to keep up with what is happening in Austin and DC and continue to make my voice heard. I cannot sit down and let what will happen happen. That is not the way to create change. If I
don’t like McC, too bad. This is the hand we have been dealt and now we have to
figure out how to turn it to our advantage. We have only ourselves to blame if we
leave our children and grandchildren a country influenced by HRC or Obama. The
one certain way one of them will get into the Oval Office is if we all refuse to vote
for the GOP candidate.
Rant off/
So does this staffer also suffer from MDS? Does this mean he needs to grow up and calm down? Is he acting like a baby?
C’mon McCain supporters … get busy browbeating this guy into supporting your guy!!
Good grief.
I feel like I’m stuck in a classroom full of fifth graders.
Actions speak louder than words, to quote Michelle. Rohan has hit the nail squarely on the head.
It is time for some action Mr. McCain. If you are not going to resign your seat as Bob Dole did to run for president, get off your butt and show how sincere you are.
On February 8th, 2008 at 10:23 am, zorro said:
And if he doesn’t get up off his arse and tow the party line before the November elections exactly to your demanding conservative specifications, you’ll just hang our troops out to dry… right?
If McCain is elected….
does that mean he is automatically the incumbent next election?
not unless you skipped a few grades.
Only if we can add Term Limits as well…
Irish Rose
I thought you posted that you were through with this site and would be leaving?
You are certainly entitled to support McCain, as others are entitled not to support him. There are more than a few people who are sitting on the fence trying to decide whether to follow their convictions or settle for the lesser evil. The vitriol in mocking their views as childish and worse only serve the purpose of driving them away from McCain.
People actually have the gall to state WHY they find McCain unacceptable. I see little in the way of substance in rationale offered as to why he is acceptable. Demeaning people who are offering their reasoned opinions inly serves to remind those who read these posts of McCain’s historical responses to opposed his views.
Frankly, if your views and actions are representative of McCain supporters (which remind us all of the demeanor of the candidate himself), many people will have little to no desire to become associated with the candidate intolerant of freedom of expression.
You are doing the Democrats work here by driving people away from your candidate by resorting to dismissive juvenille attacks. If you have an intellectual argument to make as to why people should abandon their closely held principles and values, please make it. If the intellectual portion of that request escapes you, whether due to emotional overload or a pure lack of capacity, do your candidate a favor stop the attacks.
Better for people to think you are a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.
Irish Rose (love the name by the way), the point is that McCain said all these sweet nothings in his speech yesterday; however, as nice as they sound, they are just words. He is already in a postion to make changes! He wants to show conservatives they should vote for him? Fine, prove it.
No. BO, Hill, McCain and the Repubs in DC will.
Michelle had it right months ago:
They have no balls.
You still think McCain will have our troops best interests in mind and you are calling us 5th graders? McCain “swift boated” the Swift Boaters. The verterans do not support him.
Oh, he IS the man alright.
#34 On February 8th, 2008 at 9:54 am, Hannibal said:
“Gee, that was just swell. Some insight on the real McCain from an unidentified “Hill staffer”. Was that a democrat or a republican? A real patriot who advises the unwashed masses while wearing a ski mask. What did McCain do, cut in front of you at the cappuccino machine?”
So, the fears and concerns of only certain types of whistleblowers for their job security should be appreciated and understood…as for others, they’re just petty cowards?
#35 On February 8th, 2008 at 9:56 am, nyc123me said:
“Irish Rose, have you not read ANYTHING on this site recently about John McCain? ‘a whiff of moderate centrism’ – that’s like saying Adolf Hitler had a ‘whiff of antisemitism’.
Clearly just a troll.”
and
#36 On February 8th, 2008 at 9:57 am, JW2 said:
“I also assert, looking at your comments in #s 31 and 32, that you have the attitude of a dissmissive teenager.”
Bingo!
You both beat me to it.
BTW, anyone asked WHY Massachusetts and Michigan have LOST population?
I’m desperately trying to get out of Massachusetts ASAP. What was I thinking 3-4 years ago, moving to the state that gave us Kennedy, Kerry, Frank, and Studds?
Regarding Michigan, I’m not sure I’d want to live in the state in which there is also “Dearbornistan”.
Sorry, not a P.C. thing to say, but Sharia creep has to be at least recognized and discussed.
This from the person who broadens the conversation with phrases like “whatever” and “read my comments, genius.”
i am a conservative first not a republican first. i am looking for a conservative candidate. come november i will write in a candidate if one is not there. as i see it three liberals are running for president, one just happens to have an r behind his name. means nothing to me. zero.
my affiliation is not affiliated as of yesterday. and JOHN MCCAIN IS NOT A MODERATE. HE HAS VOTED MORE LIBERAL THAN HILLARY from 1997-2007. Check out his record. Paaaleeezee people. Stop just chanting McCain’s montra.
His ACU rating from 1997-2007 is 50. Folks that is a liberal, not a moderate!!!
I have been called worse. Genius happens to be my favorite!
Good advice, Michelle. The near future may be a thing depressing to behold, but there’s hope for 2012:
http://www.redstate.com/stories/elections/2007/bobby_jindal_saves_louisiana
From what I’ve been able to tell so far, he’s a true conservative, very smart and charismatic, the “anti-Obama,” if you will. I think he deserves to go far and probably will. Let’s watch him carefully over the next four years to see how he handles the governorship of Louisiana.
Every issue near and dear to a conservative heart is going to be fought in the SCOTUS. The court is barely holding the line with 5/4. With Hillary or Obama it will be 5/4, 6/3, liberal. If that happens every liberal group will flood the courts to overturn laws that they see unfavorable to the liberal agenda.They will hamper the Commander-in-Chiefs ability to defend this country. The hideous partial birth abortion will be guaranteed. Terrorists and illegals will have full rights of the Constitution. Free speech rights will be lost. Gun ownership will be attacked. Property rights will be eroded. The SCOTUS will redraw local districts to favor liberal voting in elections. These groups are highly funded and motivated and they are the same groups that pour millions into Hillary and Obama’s campaigns. AS I said four or eight years of McCain would be a challenge. Four or eight years of Hillary or Obama would set the conservative movement back for forty years.
That is absolutely not true. During the VFW convention that Bush, McCain, Thompson, Clinton, and Obama attended and gave speeches at in Kansas City, McCain, of all the presidential candidates, received the most enthusiastic response from veterans. My father works for the VFW and was at the convention. The troops and veterans really respect him, especially his position that we not lose the War on Terror and that we continue to fight until we win.
Of course, some would rather we lose the war than vote for McCain, knowing well that an Obama or Clinton will make us lose the war.
All this term limit talk. Where were you guys in 2004? They were conveniently ignored by the Republican Revolution after assuming power in 1994. And they were ignored all the way up until the Dems took back Congress.
If you want to have people respect your desire for term limits, you have to speak up in the good times and the bad times. Not just the latter.
Again Michelle, if you were really interested in being “positive” you would not be posting tidbits like this one.
I understand that you are groping for the middle ground here, but the flavor of “positivity” in the letter above is extremely disingenuous, in my opinion.
I said it in the thread that I linked to above, and I’ll say it again here: you have the power of the pen, and the power to either divide our party or unite it by the material that you post and the words that you choose.
Our options are, what they are. No amount of whining, wailing, gnashing of teeth and robe renting is going to change that.
If you truly support our U.S. Military, and I believe that you do, then use your pen in the way that you use it best.
Jesus changed water into wine, and He was your example. Moving the bitter heart of the conservative party toward the center is going to be difficult, but it is absolutely necessary for our survival. We have to start somewhere.
Tre’s statement reflects my view entirely.
Thank you for your columns in the past couple of days rallying conservatives, Michelle. Sometimes it is so easy to get totally disillusioned about politics and want to give up. I will definitely be doing some research about which true conservatives I can support in my district and state.
Gabe
I concede, there are veterans who do support him. Broad brush – my apologies (I hate when people do that and I just did it myself – grrr). Now that I have done this, can you do the same? There are plenty of veterans who do not support McCain.
Truth: McCain DID “swift Boat” the Swift Boaters.
So Irish Rose, you now expect Michele to be Jesus. Well why don’t you put the same expectations on McCain?
Irish Rose (#70)
“They’ve [moderates] said for years that the only way Republicans can win elections is to move to the center. Their opinion is not based on convincing data but wishful thinking. History is not their friend. Republicans win big with conservative ideas, provided they have inspiring candidates. Moderate ideas dilute the message and deflate the movement, zapping it of its verve and enthusiasm.”
-David Limbaugh
On February 8th, 2008 at 10:45 am, Gabe said:
.
This is absolutely true.
Thank you for stepping up to the plate.
Oh noes, I’m getting the “we don’t like your comments, and wish you would just go away!” treatment!
What to do?
R O F L !!!!
Thanks lgm. With everything that went on the week I needed a good belly laugh.
If I am stuck with McCain, then so be it.
He is sufficiently not Hillary/Obama to protect more of the country than them, so once again, the lesser of two evils argument is the only choice.
Not voting is a choice: for Hillary/Obama. I can’t accept that. The thing to do is get at McCain via grassroots and other channels to make him come to his senses, particularly on the matter of illegals.
Romney needs to set himself up for a 2012 or later election, when the Republican party will deem it “his turn” like they did to McCain.
That said, here is an interesting thought: I could put a lot more faith in McCain if he picked a good VP, that could fill in the weak spots of McCain.
Forget Huckleberry.
Assuming the obvious choice, Mitt didn’t want the job, I nominate Zell Miller for the post.
Can you imagine the uproar about a Republican/Democrat ticket (at least with a Democrat I can trust)? He would get the southern vote, particularly the disaffected conservative Dems who are wondering what the hell happened to their party in the past few decades.
It would be fun to watch.
It would be wrong to act against McCain, RAlert, and there’s really no need to anyway, since his candidacy is hopeless from the get-go.
But your other part is correct; people can have an impact on the candidates for local, state offices and for US Congress. This is where they can make a difference. Local elections usually work on a different dynamic for each locale.
I don’t buy it.
Borrow-and-spend combines the liberal spending and big government philosophy of the Democrats with the irresponsibility of a reformed Democrat (Reagan) or of a reformed drunk (Bush). Not what I call conservatism.
Packing the Supreme Court with Catholics is conservatism? Sounds more like theocracy.
And last but not least, George Washington had it right on Israel and the neo-”conservatives’” War on Terror when he said:
While I posted yesterday that, out of respect for Mitt Romney’s gracious request to unite, I would listen to what McCain had to say and watch to see if his actions reflected his words.
There are mounting reasons, that are cooling any desire to keep an open mind. Among those reasons are the following:
Actually, you are the one who said you were going away, remember?
Liberals WHINE about how unfair things are, how they hate things.
Conservatives DO things to change how things are.
Are you a WHINER or a DOER?
Frankly a large number of you here are coming in firmly on the WHINER side.
You look to be too cowardly to stand up and fight the harder battles for your principles.
You’d rather take easy route: ineffective “symbloic” shots at McCain. If thats what you are doing, stop and look at yourselves. You have more in common with Daily Kos lib basher whiners than you do real conservatives.
You’d apparently rather whine than fight the GOP to force in conservative planks on the plaform about the issues where McCain fails. Fight for planks on amnesty, immigration, border security, taxes, judges, global warming hoax, amongst other things.
You’d rather spin and gripe about McCain’s flaws than start the HARD WORK of supporting and campaigning for local, state and congressional conservatives.
If there are none in your blue state area, there are ones in tight races elsewhere, like Bob Schaffer taking on surrender-crat ultra-lib Udall in the Colorado Senate race, who needs your help and support desperately. Yet its the cowards way out for you, jacking your jaw here about McCain instead of digging in for the fight ahead.
Then there is the VP fight. We can still raise our voices and get a solid VP conservative candidate in there. Someone that can become a deserving conservative leader in 2012 after we lose in 2008, or he can be a conservative conscience in “President” McCain’s ear if he gets elected.
But to get there, you need to stop whining about people (even McCain) like little liberal children and stand up and fight for issues like real conservatives.
For all of you panicking about the welfare of the troops thinking McNasty is the only answer take a freaking chill pill! Having worn the uniform for 25 years and once again privileged to work with them as a civilian I think I know a little bit about how this generation of selfless volunteers think and act.
I joined the Air Force in November 1975 and have first hand experience of the lack of funding under the peanut farmer from Georgia (worst President in the 20th Century) the build up of the Regan years and the reduction in force starting with Bush I and the total gutting and exhaustion of the military under Clinton who stressed the force by sending us to every corner of the world to act as the worlds police force. You need to really get informed of how the Air Force is gutting itself reducing personnel to pay for weapon systems they desperately need to replace their aging fleet of aircraft. The bad news is the cost savings in not paying salaries or benefits has gone to fund combat operations so the only thing Air Staff has accomplished is wearing the remaining troops out even more.
One thing I have learned those of us who put duty, honor, and country before personal gain will always be there. It is never about gaining wealth or glory it is about working as a team to accomplish the mission not matter what the cost.
The political class has always reduced our abilities to fight since World War II by never issuing a formal declaration of war and establishing rules of engagement that have pretty much forced the military to fight with one hand tied behind their back to include the prosecution of troops for doing their duty in this current conflict. They still are willing to reenlist and volunteer to go back over to the AOR until the job is done. Be it the Senator McNasty or any of the other liberal Senators running for POTUS the military will survive.
I find it very interesting the staffers on the Hill do not trust or respect the behavior of Senator McNasty. I can’t thank Michelle enough for providing more information to reinforce my decision not to vote for him.
On February 8th, 2008 at 11:00 am, Alphonse said:
Wow.
No comment.
Purplepeep (#80) makes an excellent point. All this gnashing of teeth my be a waste of time. Even if all the voters who dislike McCain agreed to vote for him, given the demographics of the country, the percentage who don’t pay taxes, then number dependent on the government for their income, McCain could very well lose in November anyway.
So local and state elections are key.
We all know that you have a problem with jews. Now we know that you have a problem with Catholics too. President Bush is nothing more than a reformed drunk? George Washington knew jews were bad for America just like you, huh? Too many Catholics on the SCOTUS makes a theocracy? WOW.
You, Alphonse, are no Conservative. You are a bigoted jerk who has never done anything here but bash races and religions on a very simple-minded level. Go campaign for RuPaul the diminutive neo-nazi whacko. You deserve each other.
Jim M.. you got it right.
the push from the McCain folks is obvious: SHUT UP CONSERVATIVES AND FALL IN LINE…
this conservative says, nope. oh, and you’re dreaming if you think McCain can beat Hillary or Obama. Those polls(indicating he would) were not verified as to their appropriateness regarding gathering of populations and sample testing.
wake up folks. the minute the republicans declared mccain their candidate they lost the race for president. even if the conservatives do fall in line, he will not win.
all we can hope for is a single term for the democrat that wins. and, pray that a Governor that is conservative runs in 2012. Senators and congressmen/women are not qualified to run the greatest nation on God’s Green Earth. PERIOD. They do not have the qualifications. That is why there have only been a few that have been given the opportunity.
Oh and George Bush was a moderate, John McCain is a liberal. Think about it? Republicans are moving to “reach across the eisle” to democrats so well they are now just as liberal.
Although I agree with the first two lines of your rant I have to object to the rest. How do you know what the commenters on this site are doing on local levels, etc.?
And I have long been wondering why questioning the views of the apparent nominee is “whining.” Personally, I think we should be looking at where a politician stands, what his record shows, what he will do in office, etc. And if that doesn’t match our conservative values, are we just supposed to grin and bear it? Discussing the things we don’t like about him does not automatically equal whining.
Not sure what your point is there, Jim, but it looks like you’re pasting in comments from other comment threads. I think that could cause problems. I believe a better choice would be to respond to the comments in their respective threads.
Think it might also help make comment-housekeeping easier for MM and her helpers.
People,People,People………..Let’s come up with ideas and what needs to be done to move forward from here. Let’s be productive and positive. We have some bright spots in the movement and we need to concentrate on those. I believe we are all here because we care greatly about the country. Onward and upward!
Irish Rose – The way I’ve read it, you are actually getting valid counter-arguments from conservative commenters and ignoring them. It’s not about “we don’t like your comments,” as far as I can see, it’s more about not liking your attitude. You accuse us of being fifth graders and then toss out a little gem like that quote above? Do you really expect to be taken seriously here?
For most of us, that would be true. Alphonse, however, hates more than cares.
*Claps for Boomer.* Thank you!… For everything.
Another reason against supporting McCain:
I am a retired US Army Officer. I know a little bit about fighting battles. When you start to capitulate on critical, core matters, like the very thing you are fighting for, you may gain an advantage in one battle, but you are likely proceeding down the path of losing the war.
People in this country have the freedom to speak and express themselves because some of us were willing to put everything on the line to preserve those and other freedoms. Attacking and vilifying people for a heartfelt point of view is a tactic that has historically been employed by opponents of freedom and liberty.
I have been touting term limits for the longest time. I will always believe in them. When the single failed item from the Contract With America was defeated, Newt promised a “Part 2,” which listed Term Limits as the first item.
Moderates like McCain dismissed that idea as idealistic and unrealistic. Some outgoing Congressmen (whose states enacted term limits) even took to suing the very people who elected them.
So, Rusty, at the risk of starting another fireworks display, I suggest you check the platforms of various GOP state parties and other conservative-leaning organizations. You’ll find that term limits remains a high priority.
To all of you that think you are taking a stand and sitting it out, writing in Newt, Fred, whoever, or voting (God Forbid) for Hillary, you are foolish.
As much as we can all agree we don’t like many of McCain’s stands, I’d vote for him over a Democrat in a second. Hillary equals socialism. Do you get it?
You want a Dem as a President? Throw out your “pride” or whatever you want to call it and stick to the republican party.
Totally agree. If you don’t like McCain, that’s fine. But at this point, your whining about how awful a person he is (never mind his really nice patriotic military family who likes him very much) doesn’t do any good.
Like in the Bambi movie, if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. We KNOW your objections to McCain – it’s well documented.
If you can’t bring yourself to say anything nice about McCain, that’s fine, don’t say anything nice about him. Don’t say ANYTHING about him.
Talk about close congressional races, talk about how bad both the D’s are. Just forget about McCain and the presidency. The president doesn’t have as much control as people would like to think (and he’ll be gone within the decade at a worst case scenario).
In any event, life is too short to spend it railing against someone like McCain so don’t. Your time could be spent more valuably campaigning for conservative Governors in your state (I know we have a good one running in a pretty open contest here in NC in Moore – another WFU grad:)
If you want to write a negative piece about someone, feel free to find anything about Hillary and Obama that you would like. You don’t have to write ANYTHING about McCain over the next year and you’ll still be relevant.
Don’t make yourselves irrelevant by bashing McCain all the time. Use your time and your influence wisely and good things will happen.