Now is the Winter of Our Conservative Discontent

American Thinker ^ | February 07, 2008 | Thomas Lifson

[neverdem]

The prospect of John McCain as Republican nominee is inspiring sometimes angry resistance from millions of conservative stalwarts. Ann Coulter's famous support for Hillary Clinton  threatens to spark a wave of conservative "suicide voters"  if the Arizona Senator gets the nomination.

Other Republicans, variously called insiders, party pros, elitists and worse, blithely assure us the alienated base will come around in the end and vote for McCain and the GOP ticket, particularly if Hillary Clinton is the alternative.

Assuming McCain gets the nomination, I am not so sure. It could go either way.

Anger at McCain

Anger has been a consistent theme for 7 years on the left, beginning with outrage over Bush's electoral victory. Anger now has now become a familiar conservative motif, as well. McCain has provoked a profound animus from conservatives ranging from Rush Limbaugh and Thomas Sowell on down to the posters at numerous conservative blogs, emailers to this site, and callers to talk radio. McCain's Legislative sins prominently include McCain-Feingold, McCain-Lieberman, and McCain-Kennedy. All three feel to principled conservatives like monstrous betrayals -- liberalism that can only make things worse.

Then there is the obvious relish with which McCain sometimes sticks it to the disaffected voters to his right, as with his comment on a conference call to bloggers likening ANWR and the Grand Canyon as places we shouldn't drill for oil. The conservative base of the GOP has been dissed by the Senator on multiple occasions like this, in ways big and small.

To be fair, this in-your-face attitude has caused trouble for him on the left as well, witness his remark that we could have troops in Iraq for one hundred years and that would be "fine", in response to a hostile questioner in New Hampshire. This man enjoys challenging, sometimes baiting, his opponents, and when provoked may still retain a little of the propensity for getting himself in trouble that he displayed at Annapolis and as a fighter jockey.

Discontent

McCain's nose-thumbing stings all the worse for conservatives because it has been unusually tough to be a conservative of late. The loss of Congressional majorities still stings. President Bush has been no Reagan, except in his commitment to victory in Iraq and Afghanistan. Bush's fiscal profligacy has been dispiriting, as has his tendency to accommodate Ted Kennedy and other liberals.

Conservatives feel they need a champion. Instead of an inspiring new conservative leader, they have now pinned their hopes on Mitt Romney, who has attracted several major conservative endorsements since McCain became the man to beat. Governor Romney is a fine and able man, but his evolving positions and managerial speaking style do not recommend him for the role of ideological champion.

All in all, it is more than reasonable for conservatives to feel somewhat abandoned. They are unappreciated by McCain, and, so it almost seems, by the party that may be about to nominate him.

Atmospherics

Relentless media portrayals of the supposed misery inflicted on America by Bush and other conservatives also have taken their toll. Conservatives ably critique mainstream media coverage of the economy, Iraq, immigration, and other issues, but these words rarely reach beyond the world of the internet and talk radio. The vaster reach of the liberal media has created an atmosphere in which conservatives have to fight against a media-spawned general public impression that having the GOP run the White House or Congress was a very bad idea.

In the major media, the American economy is never celebrated as a success (though Bush's track record has been good), but always seen as a problem. The now-classic portrayal of coffin makers in Iraq suffering as the carnage has declined crystallizes beyond satire the media's gloom-mongering. Iraq was a horrendous disaster, and then it just vanished from consideration as the Surge turned things around. The media have been telling Americans that things are in terrible shape for seven years, thanks to Bush and the conservatives, and too many people buy it because TV comedians joke about it. There are a lot of parties at which it is not much fun to be an open conservative, and not just in Berkeley.

Schadenfreude Season

The sole pleasure being a conservative now is enjoyment of Hillary Clinton's life-and-death struggle for the Democratic nomination. She expected a coronation and ran into Barack Obama's charisma, likeability and extraordinary appeal to those delighted at the prospect of finally having a black American occupy the nation's highest office. His race card has trumped her gender card.

She and Bill have already drawn down the family wealth and loaned the campaign five million dollars, while Obama is reported to have raised three million dollars yesterday alone, raising the question of how far will the Clintons go in financing her campaign, against Obama, the candidate with all the momentum Hillary was known as a tightwad, so this kind of financial drain must be painful indeed for her, and persuading Bill to cough up the dough from his gigs in Dubai, Kazakhstan and other erstwhile friendly states may be no picnic.

If the Democrats' contest lasts all the way to the convention floor, it will get down and dirty, possibly with Hillary needing to pressure super delegates and make a stink about seating the Florida and Michigan delegations, if she is to win. Americans, including conservatives, will be treated to the spectacle of Hillary Hardball being played on Obama, and Obama fighting back. This will serve as a handy reminder to the conservative base of how bad either Democrat alternative to McCain would be. 

How Many Conservatives Can McCain Lure Back?

Inevitably at least some conservatives will cool their passions between now and November and rally to defeat Clinton or Obama, unless Senator McCain further aggravates and alienates them during the campaign (a possibility that cannot be ruled out). But McCain potentially could expand the number by addressing both the substantive and emotional problems conservatives have had with his behavior. He must win both hearts and minds, to adopt a Vietnam era slogan. Today's scheduled speech by McCain at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) offers an opportunity to begin mending fences. 

On a substantive level, he has to emphasize the part of his record that is consistent with at bedrock conservative values, showing how very different he would be from the Democrats' nominee. His strongest case is in national defense, but he could leverage his record on fiscal restraint into a push for lower taxes while shrinking the deficit. McCain has a career rating of over 80% from the ACU, while his democratic opponents have approximately 10% ratings

Perhaps his biggest opportunity to neutralize previous damage is with immigration reform. He needs to make it clear that he no longer favors rewarding illegal residents with permanent residence or a shot at American citizenship, unless they pay some penalty and get back in line in some symbolically and substantively important way. If he is able backtrack and admit doing so, a door opens for him. 

McCain is almost uniquely endowed with the ability to speak meaningfully about the obligations of citizenship, having so spectacularly sacrificed personally in serving his nation. A ringing defense of the heroic service of immigrant soldiers who have earned American citizenship, along with a plan to reform naturalization processes to make it possible for legal immigration to better meet America's needs and interests, could turn the issue around.

In the realm of feelings, some form of direct or indirect apology can be a useful tool of reconciliation in normal group dynamics. But Senator McCain may not have it in him to apologize per se. But if in some form he acknowledges, directly or indirectly, that he regrets the stress he has created for conservatives, that would help his case on a purely emotional level. He might be able to get some mileage out of agreeing to hear out critics of global warming theory, or acknowledging problems with campaign finance reform, or consider reversing himself on ANWR drilling, painting a picture of a man who can learn from his mistakes.

At the same time, he has to avoid giving centrist voters the impression that he is knuckling under to the hard right. A tricky feat for even a sensitive feeling sort of guy, much less for a man who prides himself on speaking his mind and has a temper. A   bungled attempt could aggravate matters.

Mitt Romney at this moment is unlikley to be able to pick up momentum and secure the nomination, of course. Only time will tell.

But John McCain seems poorly equipped by temperament to winning over the hearts of alienated conservatives. Which creates the need, if not yet a supply, of conservative leaders willing to help nudge him along toward reconciliation by going a few baby steps forward themselves, in the interest of keeping the United States on the course to victory in Iraq and in the War on Terror.

Thomas Lifson is the editor and publisher of American Thinker.

[Travis McGee]

"Treacherous liar" is exactly on target.

This is the traitor John McCain chose to be his "Hispanic Outreach Director." Hernandez is a verified traitor; born in Dallas he decided as an adult to become a dual-national Mexican citizen. His last job was serving as Mexican President Vicente Fox's "American Reconquista Director."

Hernandez believes all Mexicans and Mexican-Americans in the USA should become dual citizens and consider themselves Mexicans first, "to the 8th generation."

The "New American Pioneers" proclaimed in his book are the illegal alien invaders he urges to become settlers in the USA.

And this is the man McCain chose for his "Hispanic Outreach Director." In the past week he was asked about this choice, and he said he chose Hernandez because he agrees with his positions.

Yet out of the other side of his mouth he says "He has heard us" and he will "Secure the border first."

Juan Shamnesty McCain is precisely a treacherous liar.

[MNJohnnie]

Yes, that’s good advice. Ignore the rapid dogs.

That is stupid advice. Simply ignoring the legitimate concerns of your political base, all the while screaming hysteric insults at them is not going to win your candidate any votes.

You McCainics don't seem to realize you are your candidate's worse enemy. Your hyper emotional, bile filled posts spammed at everyone who questions McCain HURTS him with voters he needs to win. You conduct here reflects directly on your canidate. So far all you have done is scream insults at people asking legitimate questions. That not helping your canidate at all.

[TADSLOS]

No.

[MNJohnnie]

Do you actually work for Hillary's campaign? Because your conduct here is alientating everyone while convincing no one to support McCain.

A Hillary campaign worker could not be more effective at discrediting McCain in Conservatives eyes the you have been with your posts

[AmericaUnited]

Oh would you just shut the hell up! You spam everyone with ridiculous accusations and then have the unmitgigated gall to say that my conduct is alienating people. You truly are kook-koo.

[AmericaUnited]

I just pointed out 2 perfect examples of you doing the very thing you accuse others of ( “hyper, screaming, emotional, ranting, blah, blah blah...”) and yet it blew right over your head. Get help now!

[AmericaUnited]

"You McCainics", "your canidate", "your candidate's", "he's your god"

I'm still waiting for you to post JUST ONE POST where I ever supported McCain over another GOP candidate. JUST ONE, BIG MOUTH.

[calex59]

The man I vote for has to agree with MOST of the things I believe in. McCain doesn’t. Asking if a candidate has to agree with the voter is one of the dumbest things I have ever been asked. The answer is yes, most of the things I believe in the candidate I vote for must believe in. McCain is no conservative and on the most important issues to me he is totally opposite. He is just another Hilery in republican clothing. McCain-Feingold, the border issue, firearms, and on and on, McCain doesn’t stand by conservative beliefs. Not only that he tells us to shut up and calm down as if we were children and not to be listened to and taken into consideration. I, for one, will not vote for him. If you wish to compromise and vote for dem lite that is your business, don’t try to make it mine.

[MNJohnnie]

Thank you for proving my point. Instead of getting shriller and more hysteric, you might want to calm down and listen to what I am saying.

Screaming insults at the Conservatives and demanding their support as your due after McCain spent the last decade being the Obstructer in Chief to the Conservative agenda is NOT going to win him any votes. If anything, it is going to solidify opposition to McCain.

Instead of screaming insults, you should be trying to answer the very legitimate questions Conservatives here have on McCain. After all, you need their votes, they do not have to support your candidate.

A Hillary campaign worker could not be as effective in sabotaging McCain’s campaign here as you have been.

[AmericaUnited]

You really do have a screw loose..

Now, where on earth is the single post I've asked for about 10X now, proving your pathetic accusations that I am some McCain worshipper? WERE IS IT? EITHER PRODUCE THE POST OR SHUT THE HELL UP!

[Condor 63]

It will be beautiful to see the crestfallen self-appointed self-righteous strident "conservatives" realizing that no, they are not the Annointed, and anyone else's votes are just as good as theirs.

If anyone is "self-righteous" here it appears to be you. Never once did I say or have I said that anyone else doesn't have the right to vote for whomever they want - including Obama or Clinton. Never once did I say my vote is more important than anyone else's. I do however have the right to say I won't be voting for McCain, why and as much as I want. I did imply that I intend my vote to actually count for something, which I do.

I did make it plain what I felt a vote for McCain ultimately results in. You are welcome to try and convince me I am wrong based on McCain's actual voting record.

If McCain gets in fine. He just won't be doing it with my vote. He won't be the first President and he won't be the last.

I will however have the satisfaction of knowing I didn't vote for the man 2-3 years down the line when everyone on here is in an uproar over his latest immigration travesty. That of course assumes the extremely unlikely proposition that a 25% conservative like him can actually get elected.

[MNJohnnie]

If you really want to be an effective campaigner. Quit trying to brow beat people into supporting McCain. Quit singing the praises of McCain in the most slavish obsequious fashion. People here know McCains record, they are not going to be convinced. You are not going to change anyone’s mind, they have to do that.

The best tool you have to do that is what the Democrat candidates are saying. I have no doubt most Conservatives will be scared into supporting McCain by the Democrats. Simply saying “Well their worse” isn’t going to work.

What I suggest is you simply post what the Democrats Candidates are saying on what ever issues the person angry at McCain is posting about.

If they are mad about taxes, post what Obama and Hillary plans are on taxes. Mad on immigration post their immigration plan.

The Democrats themselves are your best chance of changing peoples minds about McCain.

Frankly I personally think it is a waste of time. I think McCain’s record has so poisoned the well that you are wasting your time. However, if you are going to insist on spaming the board with McCainiac campaign ads, at least be an effective, rather then an obnoxious, campaigner.

[Tolik]

I’m arguing our national survival, and you’re trying to play politics.

Raven, politics is a game of power. That one who wins, wields the power. If you are powerless, all your ideas about national survival, regardless of how right you are, bring you nothing. To get the power, you need to get elected or elect likeminded people. Conservatives lost this time around. Now what? In some other countries it would be a military coup or another bloody revolution. That's not an American way. We need to win the next elections - congress, senate, state, local - build conservative base, attract people to conservative ideas, promote conservative leaders - all this boring stuff.

I detest the current way of ever earlier primaries and hysteria around them. People like Thompson or Hunter (my first choices), who would make a good President, are ill-suited to this type of game. Even Romney, my next choice, hit the wall before I get to vote. McCain, on another hand, somehow pulled himself from near collapse to win on the strength of his character. You don't like this game (I don't), fine. But you are not going to change the rules until you win, take over RNC, etc - have the real power.

Jason was trying to discuss it how it is, not how you, he or I would wish it to be. Reality versus fantasy.  I would prefer to vote for a real conservative with ACU rating in 90+. McCain's rating in the last years is only 60-something - not much of a conservative lately and a lousy Republican party member. But Obama and Hillary have a single digit ACU rating - 9 and 8. I take a bad 60 over a worse 9 regardless of how I hate the fact of making such a choice.

Bottom-line: We need to build a strong conservative faction within Republican party. Otherwise we will be as relevant as libertarians, or Naderites (those who attacked Gore from the Left and helped Bush to get elected. Its funny, because from the point where I am standing, there is not that much difference between Nader and Gore).

[PurpleMan]

“Anger now has now become a familiar conservative motif, as well.”

Is it heard here first?

“McCain Derangement Syndrome”

[RavenATB]

“You McCainics don’t seem to realize you are your candidate’s worse enemy. “

Why did you post that to me? If you think I support John McCain you didn’t get that from any of my posts.

[mtntop3]

I do not define as conservatives any claimants who are so lacking DNA for survival in a hugely dangerous world that they must self-immolate and deliberately hand-over the survival of themselves, their family, their nation, and the free world to Clinton and/or Obama - who we know will be held in contempt by those intent on killing us, and who bring about nothing but defeat for this great nation and, yes, violent death of thousands if not millions of us.

I find amazing the comments on this site completely removed from this reality. The end result of these self-pitying comments is nothing but giving the Democrats the power and opportunity to render impotent our nation’s defense and render meaningless all our armed forces have accomplished.

This is worse than disgraceful and dishonorable - it is traitorous.

[RavenATB]

“You McCainics don’t seem to realize you are your candidate’s worse enemy. “

Why did you post that to me? If you think I support John McCain you didn’t get that from any of my posts.

[RavenATB]

“You McCainics don’t seem to realize you are your candidate’s worse enemy. “

Why did you post that to me? If you think I support John McCain you didn’t get that from any of my posts.

[Types_with_Fist]

No, it is called having the courage of your convictions.

I agree with you. The reason we are in this predicament is because many have compromised their beliefs for the sake of winning at all costs. "The courage of our convictions" has, sadly, been a tough sell here at this forum. We've now compromised ourselves to the point there is no conservative choice except via third-party.

[windsorknot]

McCain Derangement Syndrome

That would be my diagnosis of Senator McCain.