Posted on 03/06/2014 1:48:52 PM PST by SeekAndFind
To clarify, he’s the least popular incumbent in his home state among the many states that PPP has polled this year. This is a survey of Arizona, not of the entire U.S., in case that makes a difference to you. And maybe it should: A former national nominee would probably poll better nationally, based on pure name recognition (and maybe some sympathy for his defeat), than he might among locals who are following his Senate votes day to day.
But let’s not let the fine print spoil this. At last, my friends, people of all partisan stripes have found something they can agree on:
If you don’t understand how a politician can be nearly equally obnoxious to voters across the spectrum, check this out. It’s not quite equal once you delve into ideology:
McCain’s endless boosterism for amnesty and for aggressive interventionism abroad has landed him in an unusual sweet spot with voters. He’s far too disdainful of Obama to earn much goodwill from Democrats for his moderation on immigration, especially liberal Democrats who aren’t as comfortable with hawkishness as many Obama fans are. And he’s far too disdainful of “tea party hobbits” and “wacko birds” to earn much goodwill from conservative hawks, especially after his cheery partnership with Chuck Schumer on the Gang of Eight bill. Imagine how difficult it is to be a war hero, a former party standard-bearer, and an elder statesman in the Senate and be this universally disliked. Choosing the wrong policies isn’t enough, I think; you need to alienate people on a gut level with your attitude too. Somehow Maverick’s pulled it off. I’m impressed.
Here’s my favorite data point. How many years has McCain been pushing immigration reform now? I know, I know, he became a border hawk temporarily from 2008-10 in order to win his primaries, but no one took that very seriously. And besides, voters are interested mainly in what politicians have done for them lately. McCain’s been a warrior for amnesty fans ever since immigration reform got going last year. You’d think Latinos in Arizona would be softer on him than other groups. Not really:
He trails by more than 40 points among Latinos in head-to-head hypothetical Senate match-ups with Democrats Gabby Giffords and Richard Carmona. Head to head against Janet Napolitano, whom he leads overall by eight points, he trails among Latinos by 25.
Exit question: Is it time to start the McCain retirement watch in earnest?
Yet he keeps on getting reelected. Go figure...
Easily too
But when you tell these amnesty loving Republicans that legalizing the invaders will only hurt them at the polls, they can only parrot the talking point “we have to be an inclusive party welcoming to Hispanics in order to bring them into our camp.”
They know it’s a lie. That doesn’t matter. Losing even more future elections doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is keeping the money flow coming in from Big Business.
Looks about right, IMO. And, still he champions amnesty for illegals despite his abysmal ratings among the hispanic demographic.
Truly a clueless RINO.
I’ll always honor his service, but he has been a monumental failure in the Senate.
I think JD Hayworth had a shot at taking him out, but Palin saved his bacon.
My vote for least popular is Harry Reid! I detest that shriveled up excuse for a human being.
That looks good now, but by the time 2016 rolls around, if he runs for re-election the voters will have gone brain dead as they do every time McCain is on the ballot.
The Hairy Reed is a DISGUSTING, DESPICABLE little girlie guy who has no redeeming qualities that are evident.
Juannie, we knew ye too long and well. Bob
I would have thought Harry Reid by a mile...............
She’s still in love with McDemocRat. Pathetic.
Ditto that. Every time I hear that effeminate voice I want to haul off and belt him.
I detest McCain but I don’t hunk he’s even in my top 10 of all Senators.
Jeff Flake, Kelly Ayotte and McCain are the most hated Senators in the country.
“The Hairy Reed is a DISGUSTING, DESPICABLE little girlie guy who has no redeeming qualities that are evident.”
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That’s just his good points!
I loathe several senators more than McCain: Dirty Harry Reid, Turban Turbin, and Babs Boxer to name three.
What’s his popularity in Arizona — that’s the only place that counts.
And they keep reelecting him.
Considering that his competitors for this honor include the likes of Schumer, Mikulski, Reid, and Murray, it says a lot for McQueeg. He certainly has the tools and the determination.....
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