Posted on 11/21/2005 11:57:23 AM PST by TexasCajun
With the war in Iraq, higher energy costs and breakneck government spending, the GOP faces a tough round of congressional elections in 2006 unless things change, two key Republican senators warned during a campaign appearance.
"I think if this were not an odd-numbered year, we would have great difficulties," said U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona.
McCain and fellow-Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina were interviewed by The Associated Press when they stopped here Sunday night to campaign for Republican state Attorney General Henry McMaster.
"But we can recover," McCain said. "Reagan recovered. Clinton recovered. We can recover."
The party must show "progress in Iraq, we need a comprehensive energy package and we need to stop this profligate spending," he warned.
"If the election were tomorrow, we'd be in trouble," agreed Graham, who said the party must work to cut spending.
"If we really want to do well in 2006, we need to have fiscal discipline like Republicans campaigned on," he said. "We have lost our way as a party. Our base is deflated and taxpayers don't see any difference between us and the Democrats."
Graham said the party has to again reach the voters.
"You don't have to stop being conservative, you got to start connecting," he said, adding "we need to adjust and if we don't adjust, we're going to be in trouble."
The party, he said, must be honest enough to admit that things aren't going as well as hoped in Iraq.
"Democrats who have this cut-and-run strategy - the public doesn't want to follow that. They want to follow Republicans who understand the war is not going as well as it should but who understand that our security is better off with a successful outcome in Iraq," he said.
The message in Iraq, McCain said, "is we are making progress, we have to make progress and we regret the loss of every single young American. But the benefits of success are enormous."
McCain has been mentioned as a potential Republican presidential candidate in 2008. He said he will not make a decision on a race until after next year's elections.
McCain, looking at Graham, told the crowd of about 100 people that "some people have said this might be a very attractive vice presidential candidate."
The crowd clapped and whistled. Graham simply smiled.
Look in the mirror, @ssholes!
Good Lord help me and the rest of South Carolina figure out what to do with Lindsey Graham!
Spoken by the two leading reasons for discontent amongst conservatives.
What is wrong with men? Have they been gelded?
"I think if this were not an odd-numbered year, we would have great difficulties,"
Numerology?
McLame and his Toady BUMP!
Two asses speak should be the title of this article. Both are RINOs. Graham must think McLame will pick him as his running mate on 08 so McLame can finally pick up the south. But Graham is deluding himself on this one IMO. I will never....ever...vote for McLame. I suspect few will.
ROTFLMAO !
Making comments like that is a sure fire way to improve morale.
If they want to see the problem, they should take a look in the mirror.
There is progress in Iraq, Senator, but you RINOs won't acknowledge it and vote for crap like McCain Amdt. No 1977.
We could have a comprehensive energy package if you RINOs would vote for it.
We could control spending, but you RINOs have trouble voting for it.
And the key thing you've omitted and won't vote for, Senator RINO, is border security and immigration enforcement that is NOT amnesty!
YOU and fellow RINOs ARE the problem!
Not in my case... I was gilded. Or was that Gaulded? I forget!
McCain and Grahm - "We have found the problem and it is us."
McCain and Grahm have been GELDED.
VERY WELL said!!!
These two are just like Jerry & Dean, Laurel & Hardy, they are a joke.....the only thing missing is Hillary, who lately has been traveling a lot with MCCain....
Time to let the hip hoppers have the helm. I'm in the life boat. ;)
These 2 Mutts obviously got too close to the tires while chasing cars. Just when you think they're beginning to behave they go and pee on the carpet right before guests arrive.
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