Why Fredheads Can Embrace John McCain and Mitt Romney

North Star Writers Group ^ | January 29, 2008 | Paul Ibrahim

[Invisigoth]

Let’s face it: the majority of those who supported Fred Thompson did so because they sincerely believed that he was the only reliable conservative in the race. Few questioned his commitment to conservative principles. Not even his opponents, who picked on his speaking style and campaign schedule rather than his policy proposals, questioned his principles.

Upon Thompson’s withdrawal, Mitt Romney released the following statement: “Throughout this campaign, Fred Thompson brought a laudable focus to the challenges confronting our country and the solutions necessary to meet them. He stood for strong conservative ideas and believed strongly in the need to keep our conservative coalition together.”

Wow! One heck of an admission for a candidate whose campaign has centered on claiming the embodiment of Reaganite principles.

Romney then said that Thompson “focused on pulling together the old Reagan coalition, the conservative coalition of social, economic and foreign policy conservatives . . . And so his leaving the race is sad for those who were big fans of his, but it probably helps my effort in terms of bringing together those Reagan coalition individuals, and it probably will be a bit of a boost for me.”

[gruna]

I was very encouraged when I read the many comments by FredHeads in the five brothers blog that they are enthusiastically behind Mitt now that Fred has dropped out. I also was glad that they are being welcomed very warmly.

I still think Romney will give Fred strong consideration as his runnung mate, unless Fred makes the mistake of endorsing his little friend, McCain.

[AmericanMade1776]

I was not a Fredhead, but I will embrace whoever the winner is of the Republican Nomination, may the best man win, the man that can take out the Democrat.

[MortMan]

That doesn’t detract from his military service, which is the reason I was thanking him. In my not-so-humble opinion, political life is not “public service”. Military life, however, is.

I agree that McCain’s politics are unforgivable with respect to conservatism. (The caveat being his pro-life stance, which I appreciate. But it doesn’t overrule the rest of his transgressions.)

[gruna]

We disagree. Romney is a conservative.

[JaneNC]

I was a Fredhead and I wouldn’t think of supporting McCain. Ever.
Mitt is the best choice at this juncture.

[mad_as_he$$]

Dude, try to sell me one or the other but do not try to make a package deal with me.I cannot stomach both in one sentence.

[Wonder Warthog]

Concur (but dang it’s distasteful). It’s only Romney because McCain, Guiliani, and Huckabee are far worse.

[Terpfen]

But neither will be getting my support. My principles are not for sale.

"Tonight on the CBS Evening News, incoming president Hillary Clinton today announced details of her health care plan..."

[trisham]

McCain is not embraceable.

[MortMan]

That’s the same reasoning as taking the mark of the beast to feed one’s family. And it’s just as wrong.

What is your price for your principles?

[IM2MAD]

>>>I thank McCain for his service to his country.

Since becoming a senator McCain has done nothing but disservice to our country. His tyranny is unforgivable.<<<

Funny, while he was in the military, he was FOR OUR country. Now that he’s a politician, he’s ALL FOR MEXICO

[mbynack]

Is it too much to ask for a candidate that is:

pro-life
pro-military
pro-gun rights
pro-1st amendment (both speech and religion)
pro-WOT
pro-states rights
pro-flat tax
anti-illegal immigration

Why does the GOP always expect me to hold my nose and support some RINO? I’m sick and tired of it.

Ditto. I don't like Romney or McCain. Since I live in Florida and it's an "All or nothing" State, voting for Fred or Huckebee is a wasted vote. I'm voting today, but I'm thinking about just voting on the amendments and not casting a vote for the primary.

I grew up in Massachusetts and still have family there. Romney signed the Gay Marriage act, supported strict gun controls, higher taxes (or "fees" as he liked to call them), and abortion rights. I'm willing to give a little on some issues, but I can't, in good conscious, support a liberal like Romney.

[Terpfen]

What is your price for your principles?

I haven't sacrificed any principles. I wanted Hunter to win. He didn't. Romney is my second choice. He's not perfect, but Hunter wasn't perfect either.

Your high horse lives up to its name.

[gruna]

Glad to hear you’re one of the realists who are capable of adjusting to changing circumstances.

[coramdeo]

I was a Fredhead and I wouldn’t think of supporting McCain.

I just reminded my two voting age children in college to get their absentee ballots. I also reminded them if I find out they voted for McCain or Huckabee they are out of the will.

[TornadoAlley3]

I will NEVER embrace McCain.

[JaneNC]

Supporting Mitt is hardly taking the mark of the beast.
He is the guy who can turn our economy around and he is the most conservative of the contenders.

Supporting McCain would mean the end of America...
Learn Spanish.

And, it would cost us dearly.
The Dems are the same...they all plan to raise taxes and turn this into a socialistic union.

[jwparkerjr]

Well, the list certainly seems to be easy enough, but somehow you’re so right about the lack of a candidate who fits the bill. FredT was the man, but he didn’t catch on. Frankly I think he let the MSM stampede him from the race way too soon. But I don’t blame him, I blame those in the party who would not stand and be counted when the time came.

Maybe between now and the convention lots of people will come to their senses and realize that none of the current crop fits the bill. I think our best bet to get Fred back in the campaign is to keep the contest in a deadlock, so that come convention time there’s no way for any of the current bunch to sew it up.

I think Romney is going to take it in Florida today. I don’t know of anyone who voting for McCain. I really have to wonder about all the polls showing him to be such a popular force here.

For what it’s worth, I went with Rudy. I would like to have voted Romney, but when push came to shove I just couldn’t turn my back on Rudy, who despite his shortcomings, is the kind of man I think we need in these times. We’ll see.

[Sir Beowolf]

Well put! Ditto

[PhilipFreneau]

>>>The caveat being [McCain’s] pro-life stance, which I appreciate. <<<

Pro-life? How about this statement by in 1999: “certainly in the short term, or even the long term, I would not support repeal of Roe v. Wade, which would then force X number of women in America to [undergo] illegal and dangerous operations.” - McCain in the San Francisco Chronicle.

I admit McCain is “Pro-Life”, of late, just as he is “for securing our borders”. It is just another sleazy attempt to trick us into voting for him.

>>>”That doesn’t detract from his military service, which is the reason I was thanking him.”<<<

Not me. No one who has a long history of abusing power and stripping us of our constitutional rights has my respect for anything he may have done in the past.