McCain reaches out to blogs…on the left; Update: “A new standard for transparency and accountability”
Scroll down for updates…
The McCain campaign holds weekly blogger conference calls with its candidate. There are many questions I know you’d like asked, but I’ve never been able to ask them because I haven’t been one of the privileged few conservative bloggers allowed into the McCain sanctum to ask those questions for you.
Yesterday, I learned that several far left-wing blogs were invited to participate in The Maverick’s blogger conference call session (it’s part of that Big Vision Thing). I e-mailed McCain’s New Media guy, Patrick Hynes, asking if I could participate in the next blogger conference call.
After all, McCain said yesterday he’ll “listen to any idea that is offered in good faith and intended to help solve our problems, not make them worse” and “will set a new standard for transparency and accountability” and “will work with anyone, of either party, to make this country safe, prosperous and proud.”
If he’s willing to take questions from hostile liberal bloggers, why not take some from conservative bloggers who represent substantial readerships with dissenting views on how best to make this country “safe, prosperous, and proud?”
I’ll keep you updated.
Here’s the WashTimes’ account of McCain “widening his dialogue” with blogs on the left, including a blogger who posts at The Huffington Post–and even non-political blogs:
Sen. John McCain’s presidential campaign is trying to tap a new audience of potential voters by taking his campaign message straight to liberal and nonpolitical issues-based blogs, which reach millions of readers but don’t often delve into conservative politics.
The strategy was in full swing yesterday when Mr. McCain invited non-conservative bloggers to join his regular blogger conference call, just hours after he delivered a major speech previewing his war strategy and other priorities for a first presidential term…
…Mr. McCain’s campaign said the Web outreach is a logical extension of an attempt to reach voters beyond his base. It also builds on his successful use of conference calls with conservative bloggers during the Republican primary, which blunted many of the harshest criticisms of the senator.
“The plan is to take the work we’ve already built on with conservative bloggers and to open up a dialogue with non-conservative bloggers and even nonpolitical bloggers,” said Patrick Hynes, Mr. McCain’s point man for blog outreach.
“We hope to be the most accessible and transparent campaign in history, to take advantage of what we think is one of the campaign’s strongest assets, which is Senator McCain himself, and frankly to empower voters who are also bloggers to get the answers they need to decide who to vote for.”
Even sports bloggers will get a chance to hang with McCain:
Going forward, Mr. Hynes said, the campaign would like to have Mr. McCain talk to sports bloggers, too, as a way to “humanize John McCain as something other than a carbon-copy politician running for office, delivering talking points.”
On yesterday’s call, Mr. McCain fielded seven questions, including three from non-conservative bloggers: Kate Sheppard, political reporter for environmental Web site Grist.org; Joanne Bamberger of PunditMom (http://punditmom1. blogspot.com); and Erin Kotecki Vest, who blogs at catchall site BlogHer.com as well as liberal sites HuffingtonPost.com and MOMocrats.com.
“I give them an A for effort,” Ms. Vest said in a phone interview after the conference call.
She asked Mr. McCain whether the vision he laid out yesterday of U.S. troops succeeding in Iraq by 2013 didn’t amount to the sort of timetable he has criticized when Democrats propose a specific date for withdrawal.
Mr. McCain shot right back: “Either you didn’t read or didn’t understand my speech. One of the two.”
Ms. Vest said she “read it and understood it just fine, and I don’t understand how 2013 isn’t a date.”
She said she doesn’t expect bloggers to be as nice as some of the traditional media have been in asking him questions, and was thankful for the chance.
“The fact that I could ask my question and have it smacked down is farther than a lot of people could get,” she said.
Yeah, tell me about it.
***
This is indeed an instructive example of how a McCain White House would run: He’ll talk to the far left. He’ll talk to “acceptable” conservatives. But the grass-roots Right? Immigration enforcement proponents? You’ll be as out of luck as you would be with Barack Obama in office.
Commenter MadMoney: “I need a list of the pre-approved conservative blogs so I can read those and learn to love the change we deserve.”
Heh. You’re screwed.
***
Update 10:17am: I kid you not. I just received an e-mail from Republican Internet strategist David All touting McCain’s liberal blogger outreach.
It is titled: “McCain: Model of effective blogger outreach” and touts the Washington Times article:
I wanted to share with you a story that quotes me running on the front page of today’s Washington Times which reports on John McCain’s willingness to reach beyond his likely allies in the blogosphere to disarm his critics on the left and further amplify his message with niche bloggers.
And that’s what’s so noxious about this entire illusion of “outreach.” Not that McCain exercises his prerogative to shut out unacceptable conservative blogs, but that he and his promoters are so self-congratulatory about their illusion of inclusion.
Update 10:35am: Now, the RNC is sending out the Washington Times article. Just got an e-mail from the RNC online communications director: “If you post on it, please can you send me a link.”
I did.
Update 11:36am Eastern: Just heard from Patrick Hynes: “Yes, you will be invited to all future calls.”
Stay tuned.
Hey, now that the McCain campaign is embracing a “new standard of transparency and accountability,” how about opening up the weekly blogger conference calls to other conservative bloggers who haven’t had a seat at the table?
Post your recommendations in comments.
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Trackbacks
- The Conservative Pulse: Noonan on the Republican Party, Mitch for VP?, and more at The Liberty Preservation Alliance
- Media Mythbusters Blog » Blog Archive » Media Bias Roundup - 05/16/08
- Interesting McCain Speech « Tai-Chi Policy
- Invitation To A McCain Blogger Conference Call - Black Bear Blog - Black Bear Blog is for hunters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Liberty Pundit
- Advice for McCain « Obi’s Sister
- Access to 2008 Candidates for Prez: What It Might Mean for Bloggers
- Meet the New Press… International Baccalaureate-Palooza!
- GraniteGrok
- The Republican Party’s Resident Minority show’s her lameness « The American Nationalist News Service
- The McCain Blogger Call, again (!) | MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
- Radio Left
- Tragic Tales of Woe « The Poor Man Institute
- Michelle Malkin » 31,072 scientists John McCain needs to talk to
- McCain excludes Malkin from blog conference calls - Southern Maryland Community Forums
- Blogs Receive More Clout Than Ever in 2008 Presidential Campaign | Blog World Expo Blog
- Right Wing Nation » Blog Archive » It’s About Time
- The Other McCain: RNC/McCain fusion
- McCain excludes Malkin from blog conference calls - Southern Maryland Community Forums
- Michelle Malkin » When the shoe is on the other foot
i’m going to go out on a limb and say he’s trying to court the left while the fight between Hill and BamBam marches on. not to mention, it gives him the cred to say that at least he’s attempted dialog with all media, as opposed tot he dem candidates.
after all, he’s got to be pretty confident a conservative 3rd party candidate won’t surface and it’s a pretty safe bet after listening to the dems for the next 5 months will force conservative voters hand in casting their vote for him.
besides, it looks like he’s outsourced courting the conservative vote *cough*Fred Thompson*cough*
at the end of the day, this election is so important that (non)votes of principle could mean a reincarnation of the Carter years with more damaging results.
It drives me INSANE when McAmnesty “reaches out” to liberals and the Democrats. Whenever a Republican “reaches out” to a Democrat, why does it feel like us Conservatives are going to get screwed? Why don’t the Democrats ever have to “reach out” to the Republicans?
Hey Juan, how about reaching out to Conservatives once in a while? Throw us a bone here dude!
I can understand the idea behind McCain “reaching out” to other groups, but just like Obama wanting to talk to Iran it won’t change their minds.
I need a list of the pre-approved conservative blogs so I can read those and learn to love the change we deserve.
If McCain plays this marriage thing in california right, he can ride it right into the whitehouse. But that would mean reaching out to the right.
it’s our daily dose of McCain abandoning his base and going to the dark side. if Obama was half the man he thinks he is and had a wife whom I could respect as first lady I’d vote for him in a heartbeat, but that’s not the case. Now it’s not so much voting for McCain for McCain it’s just to keep out the worst thing that can happen to America, electing Obama from happening. This election is atrocious. (barf)
Given this info from MM, I hope that other conservative bloggers — LIKE POWERLINE — will discontinue participation in these conferences.
ajmontana, its another 49/51 election for sure.
Sports bloggers you say? Maybe I should’ve used the sports blog I’m a part of instead of my own in my attempt to go to the national convention.
Then again, the RPW is letting me in their front door. Speaking of which, time to pack up the laptop and hit the road.
He is just reaching out to his base.
This man is assuming and taking for granted that he has a loyal base among conservatives and is therefore brushing them aside - man! He is senile! He is not fit to be president.
Michelle, you’re too smart for McCain’s liking. My guess is that he would rather hide than talk to you.
I’d rather see a dem win than allow for McCain’s wholesale betrayal of what was once a conservative party.
That to me is the lesser of two evils.
Once again McCain is “reaching out” to Conservatives with a punch to the face.
Huffington Post no less.
Doesn’t Ed Morrissey take part in Team McCain calls?
I often hear fervent believers say “God won’t put anything on me that I can’t bear.” I take that as an an indication that He intends to prevent John McCain from becoming the POTUS, perhaps using one of Satan’s own (Barak) to work His will.
I am SHOCKED, SHOCKED I SAY!
/sarc off
This shouldnt be a surprise. Sad, but not surprising.
Doing the job other politicians just wont do…reaching out to conservatives.
Yes, he does.
Problem with McCain is he thinks he is in control.
When the votes come in, he will see he just gave the election to Obama to the glea of the Democrats.
Then he will just blame the conservative Republicans, who he has showed such contempt for.
On occassion. If memory serves, that dates back to the Captain’s Quarters days.
It would be interesting to have the boss take Ed’s spot one of these weeks.
She has proven too smart for OReilly also. He now prefers talking to dopey blonds.
I do believe McCain thinks he’s doing the “right” thing. Famous last words “I did the right thing and gave up the Presidency for it..ain’t I special!?”
We’re So Screwed.
Mister P, I have to agree but I also have to agree with TrueSoldier. I think the day after election day, he’ll be out blaming the Republicans and may even jump ship to the Dim side but at the same time, he thinks he’s being the swell and is “reaching out” although they’d just as soon spit at him as talk to him.
Also, gotta agree with you Mister P on the dopey blondes on O’Reilly. I can’t stand that Margret Hoover, she’s so annoying. Don’t get me started on the two law gals either. Why is it that the only conservative gals that get on tv are blonde? Am I a true blonde, only my hairdresser knows for sure!
Michelle,
McCain’s response to you will be an excellent barometer of what he thinks of conservatives in his own party.
I keep going back to his speech at CPAC, and his committment to work tirelessly to bring conservatives back into the fold. To date, the only “work” in that regard has been to dispatch his minions to discredit, chastise and berate conservatives. McCain’s “my way or the highway” message has done nothing to unite the party. Rather, it is sending a loud and clear message that he is willing to jettison the ballast of conservatives in order to pick up the support of more liberal voters not associated with the Republican Party. And if there was any doubt as to McCain’s willingness to leave conservatives in the dust, one need only look at his very recent public statements on immigration, drilling in ANWR and the global warming folly.
I believe McCain is on for a surprise. Neither Democratic candidate has openly tried to alienate any sect within the party. Despite McCain’s liberal platform views on energy, global warming and immigration, those voters will remain loyal to the Democratic party in November. His attempt to court them is really a fool’s errand. In the meantime, McCain has very openly and intentionally moved to sever his ties with conservatives, assuming that they will “hold their noses” and remain loyal to the Republican Party in November. It would be one thing if he has at least given lip service to the promises made at CPAC, but it is quite another thing when conservatives are sent a message to fall in line, or else. It would appear that while McCain has cleaned up his language, he has found another way to deliver his infamous “F” bombs via his actions, with conservatives as the bombing target.
IMHO I think O’Reilly is complete philanderer who gets his kicks looking at those “off color” videos he’s always got going on his show.
Am I the only one wishing that this campaign cycle had been recorded on TiVo so I could hit the rewind button and start over?
Well I probably won’t vote for any presidential candidate this time around and I will definitely vote against any incumbent.
Small baby steps and maybe we can finally get a government that is responsive to sane Americans.
More bile for my morning coffee. The truth is “facts is facts” and McCain has relegated conservatives to a fringe group, no amount of pixie dust is going to change that in this man’s mind. How do we force the man to listen?
I don’t want this man as President. I don’t want the other two either. This is a screwed up nomination. What is wrong with these people. When was the government formed to bail out and pander to every ’sympathy’ group out there. “Real Americans” are doers, not hopefuls.
McCain seems to be running a pretty good campaign to me. Pragmatic. Sensible. Even honorable.
The fact that Malkin hates everything about McCain (and goes off everyday about it) has (although I like various Malkins views) ironically helped me understand McCain a little better. And respect him for it.
Darn you, Mister P. That is so hateful, dis’ing our champion, MM, with the sly trick of such faint praise. [grin]
McJohn doesn’t want to talk to the likes of us. We’re mean………….
Clearly McCain harbors deep resentment, for whatever perceived slight, toward conservatives.
It is apparent that “we” need to steel ourselves for the next 4 years.
We need to plan and prepare for treh 2010 elections in each and every district. As well as the 2012 elections and beyond.
If we do not find, cultivate, and support conservative candidates in every district in this great country, then republicans will continue this leftward march.
I speak with several of my conservative/republican friends every week who complain, but cannot name a single person runnign for any office thi9s fall other than the presidency.
And they have never in their lives given the first nickle to help any candidate.
Continue this behavior and we get will continue to get the government the left is willing to pay for. Often to be repaid with our tax dollars later.
I vote, I research, I complain, I write, and I donate.
I’m truly beginning to think a vote for Obama will be the best strategy for a conservative candidate in 2012. We had to have a Carter to get a Reagan.
Why doesn’t the RNC do something? Their contributions must be at an all time low. Go figure.
Redefining passionate disagreement as “hate:” Straight out of the McCain/La Raza-The Race playbook.
Good lord, what a dysfunctional, clueless party. No wonder these people are stunned when they lose. Thank god for the Libertarian party.
#34:
Jukin, if only that were true. It wasn’t Carter who begat Reagan, it was a groundswell of conservativism, spurred by Buckley and Goldwater and cultivated over the preceding 20+ years. Carter was the tipping point. You have to have a conservative in order to elect a conservative, and the party has no interest in putting one up.
Yea, mbviews. MM only passionately disagrees with McCain. Myself, I have stepped over the line: I hate the POS.
Why does McCain think he has to “reach out” to liberals? This is a political war. Why bring the enemy into your camp? McCain and the republican party are in for a very hard lesson this fall.
I hope this is part of a Corleone strategy:
Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer…
But I doubt it.
Michelle #36
Don’t you just love the seminar poster?
Y’know, I’d reached the point where I could hold my nose and vote for McCain, if only to vote against Obama/Clinton, but I am rapidly reaching the point where I simply can’t. His “big” speech, his constant ignoring of his base, his absolute disdain for Conservatives, his CONSTANT pandering to the Left and the open borders crowd…
I just don’t think I can do it. I am reaching the point where I simply can’t see a difference between the three candidates any more. National Security is the only thing at this point that would get me to pull the lever for McCain, and unless he makes some radical turns between now and November, even that may not be enough!
*Exasperated Sigh*
#40:
Because he is one.
Keep in mind McCain did do time in a POW camp and fought for our Country and he may be suffering from the residual effects of Stockholm Syndrome, “hate” is a strong word. I don’t “hate” the guy, I might loathe him and may think he needs some heavy political strafing from conservatives, even if it means getting the little “O” in office (as opposed to the Big “O” that McCain served on).
McCain gives new meaning to the term “RINO”.
#43….”sigh”
I’m really beginning to feel the same way….
Suffering from the residual effects of Stockholm Syndrome????
Maybe if he were praising the Viet Cong up and down and offering them his sympathies, but no…political expediency, pandering, and turning your back on (supposedly) your party’s base is not a residual effect of Stockholm Syndrome
#45 - True
We Are Screwed “08
underseige247, I admire your manners, which are decidedly more delicate than my own. But honestly, hate/loath…isn’t this a distinction without a difference. (There is the absolute necessity for MM to maintain a certain decorum so that she does not risk becoming a clown like Oberman. Myself…I feel no such constraint.)
Dang right, she’s too smart for O’Reilly! Not only does that wimp prefer blonds, but he also luvs Geraldo!
McCain won’t listen to us, and Fox News pretends we don’t exist. I keep emailing my GA Senators and my district Rep, trying to impress upon them the seriousness of the conservative rebellion against McCain, in the (apparently) vain hope that they will so inform the RNC.
We are so screwed!
Not for the first time, I wish “None of the Above” was on the ballot.
http://www.bobbarr.org/
Bob Barr?
The only thing motivating anyone to pull the lever for McCain is a sheer terror of the fresh hell an Obama regime would visit upon us. That the Dems insult conservatives is to be expected; that McCain seems to take us for granted while he courts those who hate him and would never vote for him is appalling.
I hate to say it, but if the country’s going to go to hell in a handbasket, I’d rather it happen sooner than later. Just get it over with. Bring on Obama and the end times.
Geraldo is dopey but he’s no blond.
No, WisCon, these people on the left are not his enemies.
I absolutely agree with Truesoldier #3 that this is mostly a waste of time. However, it’s McCain’s candidacy, and he can decide to run in an inclusive way, or an exclusive way. The democrats claim to be inclusive, but I doubt they will do anything of the sort if they win. McCain is very much flawed for many reasons, obviously. I disagree with his wanting to ‘out democrat the democrats.’
And this headline is a little misleading. McCain does not “reach out to blogs on the left”, he reaches out to everyone. Blogs on the right, blogs on the left and non-political blogs where people ‘don’t often delve into conservative politics.’
It’s fine to disagree with McCain. Absolutely fine to be passionate about it.
What I am seeing of these late weeks and months are comments such as “Myself, I have stepped over the line: I hate the POS.” and “I hope that other conservative bloggers — LIKE POWERLINE — will discontinue participation in these conferences.” as self-destructive as the infighting in the democrat party between Hillary and Obama.
Our system, and the people who voted for McCain are responsible for choosing a candidate that we don’t like. Wouldn’t that be great if more people voted for Thompson. Or Romney. Or whoever. When people claim that McCain is going to be worse than Obama, it’s an outright lie. He’s a crappy candidate and he’s our crappy candidate. I’m really tires of seeing the disagreement over McCain morph into making him out to be something worse than he actually is. I’ve seen this done over the last 7 years to president Bush. By the democrats. First based on disagreements, and then speculation, and then by outright lying to justify their opinion that they now claim as fact.
I don’t want to see this same ridiculous thing happen to McCain.
I’m sure the GOP could nominate Hugo Chavez and many Republicans would convince themselves that they had to vote for him, or the world would end.
I lost respect and interest in O’Reilly when he refused to defend (as if she needs defending) MM against Heraldo’s tirade against her. A gentleman and a real man (O’Reilly seems to be neither) would have done so. I dont think I’ve watched his show since.
You might want to tell the people on the left that, because they think they’re his enemies.
Then it’s a mystery to me why you keep supporting him. Why not simply support an actual Democrat?
Blogger war!
Looks like Sullivan is making fun of you Michelle.
Yes, Michelle, Bob Barr. He’s a libertarian and I guarantee you he’s more closely aligned with your conservative values than John McCain is. He’s certainly in line with those of our founding fathers. While no one is ever going to agree 100% with a politician’s views on a host of issues, I think you’d love his wielding of the veto power.
No, he is YOUR crappy candidate. I’m a conservative, not some “my Republican party right or wrong” lemming.
If the American people want left wing politics, lets let the Democrats give it to them. That way, when they learn their lesson, there will still be a conservative party for them to turn to.
#58: that’s because you are loyal to a party rather than to principle.
He’s another corporate Republican with a slightly different spin.
McCain you ***ing RINO.
If they (and others) vote for a democrat, more than the republican, then the democrat will win.
If you (and others) don’t vote for McCain, while others vote for a democrat, then the democrat will win.
If I vote for McCain, and don’t vote for Obama, and more people do the same, then Obama won’t be the next president.
I’m not the one participating in a democrat being elected president in 2008, flenser. Again, it’s sad to see a disagreement with McCain transform into ‘McCain is a democrat’ or that he’ll be just like Barack Obama or even worse than Obama. It’s not based in reality.
But McCain does not take us for granted. McCain hates us as much as any other Democrat does.
Spoken like a true GOP cheerleader…My party, right or wrong.
Some of us are loyal only to conservatism and don’t give a fig for those who merely find it convenient to run as Republicans.
I’m not a McCain supporter. I have disliked him since the Keating 5 scandals. I guess I’m like Mitt. The central issue for me is to win the war against Islamic Fascism. The choice has come down to two bad choices. However, one will surrender and the other will continue to fight.
You remind me of the idiots on the left who had the mentality that president Bush was not their president when you make comments like that.
I didn’t vote for McCain. I voted for Romney. My candidate lost.
And now we are going into the general election. And we are going to see Obama against McCain. Time to make a choice.
Well- everything that I’ve been thinking has been stated…..
MistarP speaks of the Insipid (my word) blonds on Fox…
justin stated - Carter so we can get a Reagan…
So..I’ll just keep saying :
The LESSER OF TWO EVILS has gotten us noooooo where!…
The R party has become as socialist as the D. party.
It IS time for CHANGE!!!!
From,
The Red Head
What is your problem?
Bob Barr!
no thank you.
Rebuild the
It’s more like McCain is reaching for the moonbat vote.
If he is serious about reaching out to the real Democrats (not the screeching whining Code Pink-George Soros-Ted Kennedy-Barbra Streisand-Keith Olbermann wing nuts), he needs to start by talking to guys like Joe Lieberman to see what’s really bugging real democrats.
I’d be willing to bet there are democrats out there who hate higher taxes, jobs going overseas, pourous boarders and high gas prices.
Being hamstrung by Democrats in Congress to tap our oil resources in Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico should be at the top of his bitch and moan list against the Democrats. Not this pandering to the pretend tree hugging enviro-wingnuts and the Gulfstream liberals.
You are the one participating in a liberal being elected president in 2008. But since the only thing that matters to you is party I suppose you can justify your actions to yourself.
Your chronic dishonesty is getting tedious. Technically speaking, McCain is not a member of the Democratic Party. The practical difference between he and they is negligible.
I am not a GOP cheerleader.
I do not want to see Barack Obama elected president.
What part of that do you not understand?
Bye.
Rebuild the Republican Party,
District by District.
Get involved, quit hiding.
Research and learn the issues.
Support local candidates and urge them to go forward.
I do not expect to win every political battle, but I intend to engage.
The left never tires of the fight, and I respect them for that. They are often dead wrong, but they are consistent.
If someone is not willing to fight every day for their ideals and vision for this country.
THEN PERHAPS POLITICS IS NOT THEIR SPORT.
What is your problem?
If you think I’m factually wrong about something, then try to demonstrate it. For instance, try to show that McCain does not hate conservatives as much as the Democrats do. I’d like to see you try.
wise_man said:
My principles and beliefs are not something to be ransomed by choice; they are my core, and I am guided by them and I act on them.
khan said:
I say this as a humorous anecdote to describe McCain’s capitulation to illegals, not Viet Cong. Lol.
Ignatius Reilly by all means I’m not trying to influence the way you feel about McCain; go right ahead, more power to ya.
Did anybody listen to Rush yesterday discussing the theme “We’re screwed” and voting for non-conservative Republicans?
His conclusion, which I totally agree with was:
SCREW THEM!
I might be the only one voting for McCain, but it’s not really a vote for him, as much as it’s a vote against the democrats.Every day I come on here and there’s more garbage on McCain, and I feel a little sicker inside for it, but I just can’t bring myself to vote for a marxist with muslim ties for president. I’ve stated before that the only reason I’ll not vote for McCain, will be his giving up on the war. I’ll probably get a lot of flack for this next statement, but the safety of this country is more important at this time than any Republican princples. If Obummer and what’s her name goes in, how’s the Republican princples going to help us then?
We won’t get the country back for at least eight years, and by then it might not be worth having, for it darn well won’t be as we know it today.
#80 flenser:
Exhibit A: “I’ll build the goddamned fence if they want it.”
What do you think McCain is going to protect the country against? Not our home grown enemies, since he’s one of them.
As a conservative, I used to think that, well, at least McCain is better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick.
But instead he keeps showing me - he’s much more like a knife in the back.
The complete failure of the Republican Party to get a conservative candidate was not conservatives’ fault. To paraphrase RWR, “I didn’t leave the Republican Party. The party left me.”
I guess I can’t blame McCain for turning to the lefty blogs and trying to bring liberals into his camp. He has to since it’s got to be obvious to him and his campaign that conservatives just aren’t buying what he’s selling and that a great many are planning on skipping over the box for POTUS when they vote. But he’s making a huge error. Liberals will never vote for him. They will vote for Obama. I don’t see how he can get enough votes to win.
Exhibit B (from this week) : “Our southern border is now secure.”
I’m thinking of voting Barr simply because I can’t figure out which of the evils is lesser..
i’m not going to vote for McCain just for the hopes of a crap shoot he will give for a conservative judge nominee.. and knowing his willingness to ‘reach across’ and ‘get things done’ he will sell out the judge nominations for just that reason.. getting a judge nominated..
can you guess who will be in charge of the senate when McCain does that?..
Henryinga - If McCain is elected, yes, he may be able to continue to fight Islamic thugs. However, while we will continue to beat the enemy overseas, what will be happening here? Even with McCain will we have a country worth defending?
Your “we” is not our “we”. Your “we” seems to mean “we Republicans”. Our “we” means “we conservatives”.
And we conservatives are not going to have the country regardless of which turkey is elected in November.
The erosion of our Constitution, the increase in the power, role, and involvement of the federal government are more of a threat to this country than any outside militaristic force. You may think he’ll protect our borders (ha!), but he sure as hell is attacking the country from within.
And Bob Barr is the answer to all our problems? Heh.
http://www.lp.org/issues/option.shtml
Aka making all drugs legal; so Libertarians think making crack, heroin, and meth all legal and free for everybody and anybody to use is a good thing?
Michelle,
If you’re looking for recommendations, I would seriously hammer him on his La Raza appearances. I would take him to task over immigration and our security. I know you’re a tough girl, but…please dont pull an O’Reilly and go easy on him. I want this man to be ASHAMED of his actions. I want him to know the EMBARASSMENT of siding with the wrong side on this. He needs to know that he’s drawing the ire of his BASE and that we’re not going to tolerate his shenanigans AT ALL.
Take this man to task. And do it with your usual style and wit
Thats all i can recommend.
McCain is moving the Republican Party left away from its base and he appears to be in process of purging it of any pro-border security conservatives. The end result will be a historic loss of congressional seats to the Democrats and the White House to a neo-Marxist appeaser of terrorists. McCain is still smarting from his humiliating loss in the McCain-Kennedy amnesty fight and I believe he is determined to purge the party of its border security supporters. McCain seems to believe he can win without the base of the party and pickup support from liberals by embracing leftist positions. He seems willing to continue his fight for amnesty despite the opposition of a large majority of voters from both parties to the idea. His advisors seem to think the party base will still vote for him because they have no choice. I think they are in for a big suprise this November.
Gotta agree with wise_man here.
My first presidential vote was for John Anderson. I had just turned 18 and I bought into the line that Reagan was a trigger-happy cowboy who would bring nuclear destruction on us all.
Ahh, the indiscretions of youth. How I regret not being able to say now that I voted for Reagan twice. But I did have the opportunity to experience the Reagan years first hand. Yeah, he made some mistakes - show me anybody who doesn’t. But on balance, he was (IMHO) the greatest president of the 20th century (at least).
I’m not saying that McCain is Reagan. Far from it. The man holds the conservative movement in contempt because of perceived wrongs done to him in the 2000 campaign. His stances on most issues do little to separate him from the average, run of the mill democrat. But even if they aren’t great by conservative standards (and the aren’t), they are a darned sight better than the socialist policies of either HRC or BHO.
No, McCain isn’t my first choice. He wouldn’t even be on my list of conservative candidates. But given the choice, I’ll take him over either of the two clowns running with the (D) after their name.
I’m sick of everybody saying “Let the dems have it” or other such nonsense. This country is entering a perilous time. We simply can not afford for either HRC or BHO to occupy the oval office, especially with control of both houses of the legislature.
Bob Barr, Ron Paul, Ralph Nader, etc. aside, there are NO OTHER VIABLE candidates in this election outside of McCain, Clinton and Obama. Not casting a vote is just as bad as voting for either of the two dems.
So yes, I will hold my nose and vote for McCain - even if he chooses the Huckster for his running mate. To simply lay out and in effect give my vote to HRC or BHO just won’t cut it.
In the mean time, I will continue to hold my state and local GOP’s feet to the fire to field solid conservative candidates for office at all levels. The tide will turn again (as it always does) and I’d rather have the good guys only have to drag the country back from the edge, as opposed to having to rebuild it from scratch.
/end of rant
The answer to all our problems? No, but he’s a damn good answer. (And I don’t know why you are providing a link for the libertarian party TO a libertarian.)
Well, there you go with that strawman again. Libertarians don’t advocate drugs to be free for everybody and anybody to use.
But yes, I believe drugs should be decriminalized and legalized. Rehabilitation is a better solution than incarceration. You’re an adult, I’m an adult. Why should government tell you what you can or can’t put in your body if you aren’t infringing on anyone else’s life, liberty, or property? Who owns your body, AG, you or government?
Governmentdrone, In my mind, McCain is not a viable candidate.
That puts you in a very small minority, good luck with that.
#98:
I despise this argument; it’s so disingenuous. What this argument boils down to is: if you don’t vote for the winner, then you’ve wasted your vote. As I stated above, my principles and beliefs - my core - are what guide me, not a letter in parenthesis behind someone’s name.
You deserve flak for this statement. Republican principles (at least the conservative/libertarian ones it is supposed to be based on) are what has made America the most successful society in history. Respect for individual rights and freedoms, and a freedom from government oppression is paramount to a free and open society. What you are advocating is the worst kind of totalitarian socialism. The devil’s trade of freedom for security, an implicit trust in big government to make you safer from international boogeymen.
Re: #58
wise_man,
Many will agree with your criticism of my referring to McCain as a “POS.” Fair enough…hot rhetoric is not privileged against a critical response.
What amazes me is that you lump right into the same basket my criticism of other blogs (like Powerline) for participating in McCain blogger Q&As that explicitly exclude MM.
Your idea of what is over-the-top McCain derangement includes criticizing him for shutting out so responsible and important a conservative voice as MM merely because she is critical of him?
Your expectation of everyone getting into line takes my breath away.
let me help ya griz
Hippies and anti-war people
ban transfats and things “bad” for you, make porn more mainstream, and legalize pot
Drug legalization jargon.
I’m guessing advocacy for gay marriage/unions, but this could stretch to lower age limits for minor/adult relations, as well as overturning of sodomy statutes in certain states, etc.
cynical a bit, but had to help
On May 16th, 2008 at 11:39 am, jkstewart2 said:
If your central issue is the war on terrorism, then yea, mcamnesty is the guy for sure. Unfortunately for me, massive immigration (especially illegal) is the central issue. And I am completely hosed on this issue with these candidates. Terrorism is a concern, but how can we truly fight terrorism while levaing the borders wide open and allowing muslims to immigrate here legally which are the same group repsonsible for 99% of all terrorism around the world (god forbid I said the obvious). While at the same time importing millions of uneducated socialist loving illiterates who will suck off the gov’t teat. What good is stamping out terrorism around the world, which is relatively small threat to us currently, if the homeland devolves into a broke, minority squabbling, 3rd world hellhole?
#101:
AG, I don’t care if my beliefs are popular or are reflective of the majority. I’m not a sapling that bends in the wind of popular opinion. My roots are strong.
I was really hoping you’d answer my questions, or at least hoped they would have given you pause for thought, but I am optimistic at times. Instead, a dismissive comment that didn’t acknowledge them at all.
So why is it ok for local, state and federal government to regulate something completely legal - cigarettes. Oh yeah…right…all this 2nd hand smoke that’s cause people to drop like flies - by the way - I don’t smoke..This is a completely liberal issue. They seem to be very concerned nowadways about those who smoke.
No to McCain, yes to voting. We can sit around and talk about about how you HAVE to vote McCain because blah blah blah, but there are six months left and you have given up. No to McCain!
This election is so obviously about more than just parties and much of it comes down to control of the country by Congress. Listen to McCain and he talks about it all the time. The history of the US is laden with struggles between congress and the President, between the courts and Congress, between the states and the federal gov’t and these will continue. The fact we have three Senators running for Pres (yes I realize soon it will be only two) only confirms one thing and that is that Congress will win the Presidency. McCain wants to fill he cabinets positions and others with democrats and other congressional fellows.
We gave up on our ability to allow our own states to run the government years ago unfortunately and this will just be another capitulation, but this time of the executive branch to the legislative.
This election is so much more about control by the central gov’t against the people than it is about parties and unfortuantely, up until this time, we have no candidate.
#105:
you are way off the mark on all of that. for example, libertarians are not advocating the ban of transfats or anything “bad for you”. quite the opposite. and for the record, i’m peaceful and honest, and i am neither a hippie nor anti-war. I don’t think you understand libertarianism at all.
You act as if I don’t know anything about Libertarians and that you are one. I get what you stand for, and I agree with some points of Libertarians and disagree on a whole lot more of them, hence why I fit in with the conservative camp (the one that tends to post here the most since this is a conservative blog).
Give me Ronald Reagan any day, best President I ever lived under. It’s a shame we haven’t been able to produce anything close since then to lead this great country.
#108:
apart from government buildings, it isn’t ok. not in my book.
Ahhh…I think it is that part where you not only smacked around people who are harshly critical of John McCain but also people who have been harshly critical of George Bush.
If John McCain were a Captain of a Naval ship there would be an investigation launched centering around the morale problem on board. When it was discovered what he has been doing he would be relieved of command. I saw an article referring to the McCain mutiny but that’s wrong McCain is no Captain Queeg he’s worse. McCain is reaching out to the left, thats right, the same people that have taken the side of islamists over our troops. If anyone thinks he will fight the islamists as they should be fought I’m more inclined to believe there will be more reach out programs under him, you know, brining them here so we don’t have to fight them there. The trouble is McCain has never been right in the past so why would anyone think he will be right in the future? If someone is wrong time after time hoping they will all of a sudden get it right is a dream a gamble, it’s a lotta hope on the premise that he will change. The immigration debate and his subsequent smackdown by the people made him mad real mad, he lost face heads are going to roll. Well maybe he understands the enemy better than I thought.
No, I was just disappointed that you didn’t answer my questions and instead chose to go with a dismissive, sarcastic response.
I agree. Unfortunately, the man is dead and he’s not going to be running for president any time in the future.
McCain’s thinking is transparent enough: unlike 2004, in which George Bush won with a huge get-out-the-vote effort by the Republican base, in 2008 it will be the political center - true independents and “moderates” of both parties - that decides.
With maybe a little less than 6 months to election day, there’s nothing to change the smart money bet that 2008 is going to be a bad year for Republicans; “victory” may turn out to be nothing more than preventing the donkeys from gaining veto-proof majorities in both houses of Congress while hanging onto the presidency.
Things are this bad partly because the conservative base is upset and demoralized. If they rely on a 2004-style grass-roots mobilization, Republicans — not only McCain — might as well concede every race right now.
But more important from McCain’s perspective is that the Republican brand stinks right now — not only with conservatives, but with a lot of folks in the center as well. Lose the center this year, and it doesn’t matter whether the base supports you or not.
Playing the numbers, the question becomes whether by campaigning as a moderate and a centrist instead of as a conservative McCain can gain enough ground in the middle to make up for the lukewarm support he’s going to get from the conservatives. It’s still too early to tell what the answer will be.
*sigh*
OK. Go ahead and make your “statement” by not voting. Or throw away your vote (yep, throw it away) on this election’s “flavor of the month” third party candidate.
kahn, your principles and beliefs won’t matter much when we have a president in power that just may start throwing away some of our constitutional rights (can you say serious assault on the second amendment? how about the “fairness doctrine”?) Frankly, I’d just as soon not take that chance.
Just don’t complain when President Obama takes office with control of the house and the senate. After all, McCain is worse than Obama or Clinton, right?
I fear for my country.
Point taken Khan; I was reading Times while in the doctor’s office not too long ago and came across an article that I thought summed up the differences between leaning heavily in the Libertarian view vs Conservative view:
Times article
Honestly people, how the hell did this guy get the GOP nomination? INCONCEIVABLE! It sickens me every time I think about it.
Re: khan
I always enjoy reading your comments. Calling out republicans who want strict government enforcement of social norms and religious doctrine shows a real schism in the republican party. The term ‘Social Conservative’ is used to identify people who are actually supporting ‘Social Authoritarianism’ which makes the former label an oxymoron. A true ‘Social Conservative’ would advocate that drugs/prostitution/homosexuality/alcohol are despicable vices, but they would recognize people’s freedom to choose to partake. Authoritarians depend on their government to enforce their morality on the general populace, for the greater good.
Of course, dependence on government leads only to bigger and more oppressive government, and little to negative impact on the vices targeted.
If we do have a split in the republican party it will be with the true conservatives leaving. The republican party will be left with the authoritarians and globalists, who advocate for bigger government in every aspect of the publics life.
When did I advocate totalitarian socialism? I’m not voting for Obummer. That’s where that kind of socialism will come from.
To be clear, so I do not give the wrong impression.
I will not vote for a democrat. No matter how disappointed I will be in McCain, the only way we have any chance of even being considered is with a republican in office.
I will not be a part of turning complete control of our economy, our values, our military and our foreign policy over to a Democrat controlled, House, Senate and Executive Branch.
With 2 impending Supreme Court retirements awaiting January 20, 2009. You can be assured those will be Bader-Ginsburg clones under a democrat adminsitration.
No matter how disappointing a McCain presidency will be, I will not turn my back and cede complete top to bottom control of this great country to a democrat party which is more and more embracing of socialism each day.
If you imagine a McCain presidency, like I do, to be an impending disappointment. Take the emotion out of it and look at the alternative option.
I vote and will vote this time. I have been disappointed before, sometimes with the results. Both of the winner and the resulting winners choices. But I vote.
Turn your back if you want. I cannot. I will do as much as I can to have my little voice heard.
For those willing to work for the future of this party, you have a partner.
For those who are reassessing what their core values are, we will be here waiting for you.
As for me, some of my core values are, a strong military, Conservative politicians who believe the government best serves the people when it protects and serves the people.
Not when it bleeds and feeds.
The government best serves the people when it gets out of the way of business, not when it treats business as an adversary.
Government is best when it treats the peoples earnings as the peoples instead of treating the people as an ATM to be abused.
I could go on, but this is not about me, what we do in the next few months and next few elections will determine the future direction of our country.
I cannot guarantee anything other than that I will be engaged.
How about you?
I would, in counter, debate that point for a moment.
Incarceration for drugs…its against the law right now. that is the penalty.
There is anecdotal evidence, and