Axis of Honor--The McCain-Palin-Lieberman connection

Weekly Standard ^ | 9/15/2008 | Noemie Emery

[American Quilter]

"...McCain is neither a liberal nor quite a conservative. McCain is an honor politician--aggressive in opposing corruption, hypersensitive to inauthenticity or dishonesty, addicted to big causes, essentially uninterested in what most conservatives take to be the substance of politics," which tends to tax-cutting, or family-values crusades.

McCain believes in small government and he is pro-life, or rather he prefers these views to their opposite numbers, and he can be relied on to back them. But the singular passion that a Grover Norquist pours into tax cuts, or a right to life activist pours into his movement, is channeled in McCain's case into the concept of honor, and to the "big causes" that often transcend party politics. At this time, his "big causes" are war and peace--national defense, national security, the war in Iraq, and the larger war on terror--and domestic reform, i.e., corruption and spending. These concerns led him to Palin and Lieberman, who are the twins of the two halves of his politics.

Lieberman is his twin on the war, Palin his twin on domestic affairs, which to him means clean government. This is why he could pair with either quite neatly, though they differ with him (and with each other) on any number of issues. In McCain's view, these issues are of lesser or no consequence. This may not make sense by a normal political calculus. But he is not your normal political animal.

A conviction figure, a man of honor who takes huge risks on behalf of his causes and values--in Vietnam, and in risking his political career on the surge when the Iraq war seemed most hopeless--McCain finds kindred spirits in those who do likewise...

[American Quilter]

I found this to be an interesting analysis of John McCain's character and values, and his reasons for picking Sarah Palin (after almost picking Joe Lieberman) as his running mate. It also gives us an idea of how he'll function as president. I recommend reading the whole article.

[BenLurkin]

Ping

[goldstategop]

A fascist on free speech, a guy who wants to institute mass amnesty for illegals and the man who wants to create a big government "climate change" cap and trade program to run our lives. That's John McCain the Democrat. McCain is many things but being a true Reagan conservative isn't one of them.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[American Quilter]

Thought you mind find this interesting, as I did.

[cousair]

It is true McCain isn’t a true Conservative nor will be be another Reagan. That will never happen. It may not be what a lot of us want, but it is what we have, and the alternative is a total destruct of American Capitolism, Democracy and what Liberty we have left. The ticket therefore, is a good one and since the addition of Palin, there are a lot of us who maybe didn’t want to vote with enthusiasm before, but will now.

[Reagan Man]

McCain being inspired by Reagan and Lieberman being inspired by JFK is one thing. Comparing JFK to Reagan is a fallacy. Reagan was a great leader. JFK is an historic figure, just not a great President.

John McCain is better than Obama and Sarah Palin is light years ahead of Biden.

Still, McCain remains a loose canon. Conservatives are motivated and excited by his courageous choice of the Alaska Governor. If they do become the next POTUS and VPOTUS, lets hope Palin has more influence over McCain, than McCain has over Palin.

[swain_forkbeard]

If McCain’s side of the street is national defense and Palin’s is domestic and social issues then that’s not a bad deal.

[Reagan Man]

opps.... cannon, not canon

[angcat]

Thanks AQ!

[American Quilter]

You’re welcome, angcat!

[American Quilter]

Still, McCain remains a loose canon.

I think that's a useful description. I found this article interesting because it provides some kind of understanding of his thinking. It provides a context for understanding why he holds some conflicting positions, such as supporting the war against Islamofascism on the one hand, and supporting open borders and illegal immigration on the other.

[Aquinasfan]

I found this to be an interesting analysis of John McCain's character and values

A genuine insight from a magazine article. How refreshing!

[American Quilter]

I hope you’ll find this article interesting, Great One!

[Logical me]

Where have you been? There is no such thing as a liberal or a conservative anymore. Whats wrong with you. We should decide which candidate will best serve America instead of the foolish taking apart based on their conservatism or liberalism. Can you grasp that? McCain is not perfect but would serve America better than Obama. If you cannot put your full weight in McCain you are being foolish.

[American Quilter]

A genuine insight from a magazine article. How refreshing!

Isn't it? I always find her analyses worth reading. I liked this one because I've found McCain's conflicting positions on the issues so frustrating, such as his support of the war against Islamofascism on the one hand, and his support of open borders and illegal immigration on the other.

[Matchett-PI]

Great article! bttt

[Reagan Man]

McCain is an interesting character, for sure. However, instead of abandoning his Reagan roots, he could have served his country better by sticking with conservatism.

Thanks for the post.

[sweetiepiezer]

I was at a Joe Lieberman talk yesterday, he did a good job talking up the McCain /Palin team.
Said he was a Democrat also, he is a maverick in his own right.

[Political Junkie Too]

Lieberman is his twin on the war, Palin his twin on domestic affairs, which to him means clean government. This is why he could pair with either quite neatly, though they differ with him (and with each other) on any number of issues.

That sounds very "Kirk-Spock-McCoy."

-PJ

[American Quilter]

However, instead of abandoning his Reagan roots, he could have served his country better by sticking with conservatism.

No argument here. I was uncertain I could force myself to vote for him until he picked Palin as his running mate. If he'd picked Lieberman, I'd have had apoplexy.