Posted on 04/10/2008 3:57:51 PM PDT by The_Republican
Are the Republicans politically suicidal? I don't think so. The public can oppose you on a specific policy question but still favor you on the issue in general. Richard Nixon was fighting an unpopular war in 1972, but he still crushed George McGovern on foreign policy. Likewise, despite the unpopularity of the Iraq war, John McCain's general hawkishness might still be an asset for him.
A Democracy Corps poll, highlighted by Ed Kilgore, suggests exactly that.
When presented with the choice of a generic Democrat or Republican, voters strongly prefer a Democrat. But when asked to choose between John McCain and either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama, they side with McCain.
Democracy Corps calls this swing group -- generically pro-Democrat, actually pro-McCain -- "wanna-D's." (Yes, it's an annoying phrase.) One factor in the Wanna-D's support for McCain is that just over half of them believe that he'd "mostly bring a different approach than President Bush" on foreign policy. So tying McCain to Bush is important.
But Kilgore identifies what seems to be the crucial factor:
by a startling 33 percentage points, the "Wanna-Ds" say they worry more that Clinton or Obama will be too reluctant to use military force abroad, than McCain being too willing to use military force abroad. Given the wording here, the question is about as clear an indicator of which party's candidates control the "center" on national security as you are going to find.
So there you have it. Iraq may not be popular, but the general perception (which isnot the same thing as reality) that they're willing to fight the bad guys remains a key positive for the GOP brand. Am I saying the Democrats need to try to mimic Republican positions in order to win? Not at all.
A creative approach is needed, and Obama's combination of dovishness on iraq and hawkishness on al Qaeda in Pakistan strikes me as probably the best approach.
But I am saying that the challenge is steep, liberals are far too confident about the political terrain, and Republicans are far from crazy to stick with Bush on Iraq.
McCain needs to get in War of Words with Bush. That would further strengthen his image as a Maverick and someone who does NOT toe the company line. Its essential people continue to believe that McCain is Notbush.
Conclusion: McCain is a Democrat
Republicans can lose on Iraq, but win — I doubt it.
So all the Reagan Democrats make him a Democrat too? And Reagan actually DID issue an Amenesty.
Don’t know but “Both Ramos & Compean, border guards, need to be released from prison now.”
Americans don’t like to lose. If McCain appeals to “Reason” as well as “Pride”, he can get the needed support.
Faulty conclusion. The wool over your eyes prevents clear vision.
Republicans can win if they want to. The question is “Do they want to win?” I haven’t seen it yet.
About what?
Something......anything.
Just thought of it......when McCain gave his foreign policy speech....he put lots of emphasis on LISTENING TO OUR ALLIES.
That is one pereception that is out there.....that W ignores all of our European allies and does what he wants to and is NOT open to any input.
McCain take couple of shots there. If not directly, then inderectly, like he did in that speech.....We Must Listen......
Well, have him bitch slap him then. Maybe he'll do something substantive (by that I mean effective) about illegal immigration then.....
Difference between “guidance” and being “open to inputs” and respecting your allies.
Yes!
Nonsense. Lefties are waking up to the fact that surrender is not going to be popular. McCain’s position should be to win the war and grow the force. McCain should let Iran know it faces extinction before he’d allow them to have nukes.
Ingredients for a landslide.
.....McCain should let Iran know it faces extinction before he’d allow them to have nukes......
The timing will be critical. Iran will be more important than Iraq.
The new rumor will make the Rats reid and Pelosi appoplectic. Reid doesn’t look like a candidate, but Pelosi might really stroke out.
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