Free Republic

WASHINGTON - Mitt Romney had already sent out invitations for his Phoenix fund-raiser, offering supporters the chance to meet him in a Chase Field luxury box over a $300-per-person lunch or a $3,000 VIP reception. But when former rival John McCain called with an offer to be listed as host for the event in his hometown, Romney happily went back to the printer for a new invitation with McCain’s name emblazoned on it. Yesterday, McCain’s gesture helped Romney’s political action committee raise about $80,000. It also consummated an 18-month rapprochement between two competitors who battled for the 2008 GOP presidential...

People like John McCain and others who have been part of the self-absorbed, navel-gazing and corrupt Washington environment for a quarter century no doubt resent someone not "of them." But it is indeed odd when Sarah Palin, a bright, shining light for conservatives remains the prime target of the existing machine, while Mark Sanford and other hypocritical liars are serenaded as getting a raw deal by the very public daughter of a defacto leader of the party.

Because McCain looks like a midget standing next to Romney. I’m serious. I was just watching FOX News cable (H&C) going over the VIP picks for McCain, and they just showed McCain and Romney standing together and, man – did you see it? - the height difference is so noticeable, I mean, it was comedic. I swear. I just had to laugh – that WAS my first reaction. No, this thing isn’t going to work. Image matters. I voted for Romney ... but … Image matters. It just does. Go Lakers. Maybe. By the way, Obama called Asian basketball players...

This is built on two articles from Rush's show today. I've added a few photos and links. "John McCain to Rush Limbaugh: Calm Down, Reach Across Aisle" February 6, 2008 BEGIN TRANSCRIPT RUSH: McCain had a press conference today, standing in front of the Straight Talk Express bus, was heading out there, standing with Joe Lieberman, and who else was there, Lindsey Graham. Here's the AP version: "Boosted by his big night, John McCain asked his loudest conservative critics Wednesday to 'calm down' and support his Republican presidential candidacy, as Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton girded for more rounds...

McCain considers setting benchmarks for Iraqis By Margaret Talev McClatchy-Tribune Tucson, Arizona | Published: 01.26.2007 WASHINGTON — Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., one of the most stalwart supporters of the war in Iraq, said Thursday that he might propose that the Iraqi government meet certain benchmarks for the United States to continue its engagement. Fellow senators and independent political scientists said McCain's thinking reflected growing concerns within the Republican Party about the course of the war, and also might mark a turning point for the likely 2008 presidential contender, whose previous unconditional backing of the war may have hurt his prospects....