Posted on 02/11/2008 6:15:31 AM PST by Nextrush
John McCain is a "strong conservative."
That's the message that President Bush put out on "Fox News Sunday" yesterday.
How does one define "strong conservative?"
Is it defining waterboarding of terrorists as torture like John McCain has?
Is it when one wants to close down Gitmo like John McCain does and give suspected terrorists the rights of American citizens.
And speaking of the rights of American citizens, is a "strong conservative" one who wants amnesty and a path to citizenship for people who enter America illegally.
Well, that's one where President Bush and Senator McCain have been on the same side.
And then there's the McCain-Feingold anti-free speech legislation. Senator John McCain proposed it and President George W. Bush signed it after opposing it during the 2000 election.
I just don't see how a "strong conservative" could gang up with 13 other senators to prevent approval of President Bush's conservative nominees to federal courts.
That's John McCain who did that, by the way.
Does a "strong conservative" oppose President Bush's tax cut plan like John McCain did?
If we're going to accept the definition of John McCain as a "strong conservative," then we're going to have to change the definition of "conservative."
For instance if John McCain is a "strong conservative," does that make Hillary Clinton a "conservative" and Barrack Obama a "moderate?"
And on the other hand does that make President Bush an "extreme conservative" for disagreeing with McCain on some of these issues? Heck, does that mean Ronald Reagan was an "extreme right winger?"
While we've gone through September 11th and its aftermath seeing a strong leader defending our nation, we've also seen signs of a liberal attitude from this same leader about spending billions of dollars on everything from AIDS in Africa to the Medicare prescription plan.
President Bush's self-described "compassionate conservativsm" has included all that and when it came to court nominations, the infamous Harriet Miers nomination to the Supreme Court. Fourtunately, conservatives got John Roberts and Samuel Alito for raising our voices to demand strict constructionists on the court.
I suspect that a President John McCain would require us to raise the decibels quite a bit more often than we have to now.
But getting back to my point, considering all the wasteful spending proposals from Washington including elaborate fisacos like the trailers during Hurricane Katrina and now the current election year "stimulus package" that looks like vote buying by incumbent politicians, is it safe to say that President George W. Bush has lowered the standard of what one calls "conservative" in this country.
And now we're supposed to accept John McCain as a "strong conservative" successor to him.
I guess you'll all want to pick up the theme of national security and I think that's an important one.
Many think McCain should be elected on that alone.
But what is going on in regards to national security right now.
Have you heard any speeches about the "Axis of Evil" lately? No, you haven't.
U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker is involved in talking to the Iranians right now. You'll notice violence is down in Iraq. And then there's the National Intelligence Estimate saying Iran has suspended its nuclear weapons program. Is there a quid pro quo? What's going on with our foreign policy?
The United States has cut a deal with North Korea that will supposedly end their nuclear program. Does anyone believe that?
And what about the Middle East in general. There is a push to get Israel to cut a "peace agreement" with the Palestianian Authority as Hamas rains down missiles daily from Gaza. President Bush seems bent on getting some kind of agreement before he leaves office next January.
The conflict will not end until Israel's enemies are defeated. A "peace agreement" would be folly and only compromise Israel's security.
Will McCain carry on that initiative as a "strong conservative?"
Frankly the "strong conservative" thing to do would be to allow Israel to defeat its enemies. I admit the Olmert government is weak, but still let them defend themselves.
McCain called for more troops in Iraq and it looks like the President synched with his ideas by having the surge.
Will there be anymore synching on Gitmo later this year?
The stage for the "strong conservative" McCain has been set, but does that mean we have to attend the show. For now, I say no.
I'm still looking for a "strong conservative" frankly because there's no way John McCain fits that suit.
And if all the obviously not conservative policies described above are "conservative" it looks to me like "conservative" is now considered something a lot less than "conservative."
I will vote my conscience in the Pennsylvania Primary on April 22nd.
And I hope Mike Huckabee does well tomorrow as the alternative to John McCain in Virginia and Maryland.
John McCain despises strong conservatives.
Standard FReeper Answer:
"Whatever it is, it sure ain't YOU!!"
I’ll be voting my conscience in the May 20th primary here in Kentucky, not that it matters at that point...but I won’t be voting for either Huckabee or McCain. Neither are conservative, unfortuantely. If the President caves to McCain on Gitmo, then it will be a travesty for our nation.
Delete McCain.
Where's a legitimate third party when we need one?
If Mr. McCain came out as the moderate liberal he is, I could see voting for him.
But branding himself as a “conservative”, that’s just not accurate and will lead to confusion among people as to what a “conservative” is.
So do Hillary and Obama.
McCain is not a conservative. He will kill what George didn’t when he takes office, if elected POTUS.
true,
but you’re electing a socialist.
Once again, Bush is damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t’t. I don’t know why anyone would want to be president of this country! Or at least any Republican.
In Northern Ireland, I’d vote for the Christian socialist Ian Paisley’s Democratic Unionist Party in a heartbeat, considering the alternatives are worse including the Marxist Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein.
But Huckabee has been demonized a little too much. I can handle the idea that he is more “conservative” than McCain although I admit we have a way to go.
Bush (socialist lite) doesn’t have the reputation to tell conservatives that McCain IS a conservative!!
The media attacks on the President often caused us to defend him and ignore the liberal things going on in the president’s administration.
Its almost like the President-Mainstream Media conflict was a diversion from reality that incited our emotions and anger leaving our minds on hold.
I was angry as a young man when the media attacked Gerald Ford and Richard Nixon, but they were still “moderates” no doubt.
At least Pres. Bush heard and heeded conservatives on the Miers debacle. McCain is a different creature. If the Viet Cong couldn’t have their way with him, what hope can conservatives hold?
Not that it means much. On election night, he’ll be in bed at an hour appropriate to his age.
NO, the liberal insiders such as fred barns have elected a socialist by default.
He’s going to lose no matter what. Sure there will be plenty of people intimidated and ridiculed into voting for him but it’s not going to be anywhere near enough.
The sad thing is the people the media is dragging out of storage to endorse him. Frankly I don’t care what Eisehower’s granddaughter or Franklin Roosevelt the 7th thinks.
No McCain, no pain.
Least you forget RONALD REAGAN who everyone is now claiming as their guiding principle did the following.
1. Raised taxes substantial while Governor of Calif. oops there goes the fiscal conservatives.
2. Signed the most liberal abortion bill while Governor....oops there goes the the relegious right.
3. After leaving office campaigned for and made TV spots for the Brady Bill....there goes everybody on this board.
4. The largest loss KIA of a single American Unit since WW11 occured in Lebaneon where Hamas sent a suide bomber that killed over 200 Marines as they slept...what was the response ....Reagan pulled out and never went after the organization that did it....can we all say cut and run...
The point is I would definately vote for Reagan if he were on the ballot but he isn’t and this litmus test everyone is making and holding everybody to would had disqualified him as a candidate. Not to mention that everyone is breaking Reagans two cardinal rules...
1. We are all Americans after 5 oclock,
2. Speak no ill will against fellow Republicans.
You had better wake up and smell the coffe because the cult of Obama will make you long for the Clintons. A no body who can read a speech written by John Kennedy”s speech writer seems all he can do. Look at the numbers they are bringing out...
Finally McCain can’t loose the primaries....impossible even if Huck runs the table which he won’t because its proportionate.
You’re speaking of Barry O and his Magical Mystery Cult Tour, yes?
I'm not sure the Viet Cong didn't have their way with him. The way he carries on, he often sounds more like a Saigon streetwalker than an American War Hero...."Hey, you big mist-ah Teddy Kennedy, you want numbah one good time? Me show you real good time! Only two dollah!"
I don’t believe anything Jorge says anymore after his famous “Three Stooges” move with the beached whale and McAmnesty himself on amnesty. Bush is all blah blah from now til he rides into the sunset.
I swear...those RINO supporters would vote for Hillary/Obama if they switched parties. For some reason, that 'R' by the candidate's name makes every liberal policy somehow "acceptable." (*snark*)
I know I shouldn't have laughed at that mental visual, but I sure as heck did! ;-)
Bush has done more than anyone to get either Hillary or Obama elected. He’s been a disaster for the conservative base in the republican party. The left can’t stand him. The right conservative base has been kicked in the teeth by him. Why should he care? The support of special interest and big business allows him to do whatever he wants.
I watched a sound bite of Chris Wallace’s interview with the President where he ( Bush ) just went on and on how McCain was a true conservative and he would stand for conservative principles and blah blah...
One moderate defining another moderate as a conservative. I usually listen to the President but walked out on these words.
If he is the example of a “strong conservative” give me ARNOLD!!
I like Bush ... but I don’t agree with every position he has. Been saying that for years. Tack this onto the growing list of disagreements. Conservatism is a three-legged stool. McCain’s looks more like a pogo stick.
GOP on Super Tuesday(Those who know them best)
Arizona: John McCain 47%
Arkansas: Mike Huckabee 60%
I like Mike!
I guess I need to drink more kool aid, cause none of this stuff is believeable anymore.
Our “Downgrade Controversy” begins....
LLS
Your points are spot on.
Reagan could never be nominated by GOP conservatives in 2008 (especially on FR) due to their dogmatic intolerance and demand for perfection.
If Reagan could come back to life, he would be aghast at the intolerant bigotry of many "conservatives" who not only resent (some) candidates for having wealth, they also hate (some) candidates for belonging to a Judeo-Christian denomination to which they don't approve.
Intolerance seems to have infected a portion of the conservative Republican base as it has the entire Democratic party.
“Only a liberal would attack Reagan”
Nice try LLS, but you know full well OnRiver wasn’t attacking Reagan.
No one is perfect. I will give you that. But McCain is no conservative and I will not vote for him. You espouse fear monger tactics by claiming that Hildebeast or Obama would be so much worse. If this country is going to go to hell let the liberal left be at the helm.... they have the map and know the way intimately.
I will not vote for McCain if he were the last person on earth... in fact he is the first person I actively wish to catch a bullet. I pray for that to happen daily. Does that make me a bad person? I don’t care at this point.
Even with Reagan’s faults, he is lightyears ahead of McCain on every issue. He was president during a different time, he was also created a new coalition that never existed. McCain knows of this coalition but gives the finger to each one.
I don't understand this. Where were you looking? There were "strong conservatives" (whatever you mean by that) running in the primaries. Weu had Fred Thompson, Duncan Hunter, Tom Tancredo. They didn't win. For whatever reason, they didn't garner enough support to stay in the race.
Many on FR (not you necessarily, but many) seem to be of the mindset of "my guy didn't win so I'm going to quit and stay home." IMO this election is still worth fighting if for no other reason than to keep Hillary Clinton, an Alinsky-Marxist socialist, and/or Hussein Obama, an Alinsky-Fabian socialist, out of the White House. I don't know what your specific definition of "strong conservative" is, but being a quitter is neither "strong" nor "conservative".
It seems to me many of the primaries are winner-take-all. Ironically this is because of Rudy’s folks.
Fall in line like a good little drone and swallow the crap they are feeding you.... go ahead.... its how you catch pigs anyway...
There was a chemistry professor in a large college that had some exchange
students in the class. One day while the class was in the lab, the prof
noticed one young man, an exchange student, who kept rubbing his back and
stretching as if his back hurt.
The professor asked the young man what was the matter. The student told
him he had a bullet lodged in his back. He had been shot while fighting
communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his
country’s government and install a new communist regime.
In the midst of his story, he looked at the professor and asked a strange
question. He asked: “Do you know how to catch wild pigs?” The professor thought it was a joke
and asked for the punch line. The young man said that it was no joke.
“You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting
corn on the ground. The pigs find it and begin to come everyday to eat the
free corn. When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down
one side of the place where they are used to coming. When they get used to the
fence, they begin to eat the corn again and you put up another side of the
fence. They get used to that and start to eat again. You continue until
you have all four sides of the fence up with a gate in the last side. The
pigs, which are used to the free corn, start to come through the gate to eat
that free corn again. You then slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd.
Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom. They run around and around
inside the fence, but they are caught. Soon they go back to eating the
free ;corn. They are so used to it that they have forgotten how to forage in the
woods for themselves, so they accept their captivity.”
The young man then told the professor that is exactly what he sees
happening in America . The government keeps pushing us toward
Communism/Socialism and keeps spreading the free corn out in the form of
programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, tax
exemptions, tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to plant
crops, welfare, medicine, drugs, etc. while we continually lose our freedoms, just a little at a time.
One should always remember two truths: There is no such thing as a free
lunch and you can never hire someone to provide a service for you cheaper
than you can do it yourself.
If you see that all of this wonderful government ‘help’ is a problem
confronting the future of democracy in America , you might want to send
this on to your friends. If you think the free ride is essential to your
way of life, then you will probably delete this email. But God help you
when the gate slams shut!
McCain Constantly and consistently voted with liberal Democrats. He is in all but name a Liberal Democrat.
Data from the ACU does not support your assertion:
McCain lifetime ACU rating: 82.3
Billary lifetime ACU rating: 9.0
Obamalama lifetime ACU rating: 9.0
I'm not a McCain booster, but my guess is that a liberal 'Rat would have a somewhat lower ACU score.
The wicked witch could shrivel up and die this year herself.
Its so wild out there.
Some people are really bitter about this McCain business.
I’m collecting signautures to get delegate and state committee candidates on the ballot for the PA primary and some people feel like “the system” has stolen their chance to vote for their candidate.
These folks won’t support anything or anyone so they won’t even sign for these candidates to even get on the ballot.
What is there to be afraid of anymore?
We the people will endure, survive and prevail in the end.
These political hacks can’t scare any of us anymore.
LLS
He was illustrating how no candidate or president has a “prefect” record, even Reagan.
You’re the one that’s trashing everyone on this board who doesn’t agree with you. At least in this one case with unjustifiable accusations. Doesn’t help your cause much.
LLS
#19 was more than mere food for thought.
"Loose cannon" McCain is a disaster in the making for the republican party. The RNC has the foul stench of Soros and Socialism all over it now.
he didn’t “constantly and consistently”....do you know word definations and no one has ever gotten rankings from the left and right groups that shows he is a conservative.....you cherry pick to make your case and totally ignore facts,,,,,is diahonesty a conservative tradition in your family ...
bOY ARE YOU DEAD WRONG...Reagan would have voted for McCain just like his wife will. She loves him....but then I guess you know more about him than she does. I suggets you read his letters....there in book form....then come back and spew your lack of knowledge...
I worked for him twice... I actually talked with him more than once... did you? He loved Nancy dearly. Reagan and his wife were entirely different people. You are one pathetic shill.
LLS
did you work for him when he came out for the Brady Bill after leaving office....I met him...he was a human being like the rest of us...as for as being a shill...I suggest your actions are inline with being a shill....Reagan would never talk with your hate about anybody especially a fellow Republican....
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