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.

[castlebrew]

Mke that a 50-state landslide. He can’t even carry a majority of his own state (AZ)

[Pelham]

“Do I have to toe the line on every single issue to get support from my party ?”

Try angering them instead and see how that works for you.

[castlebrew]

How does closing Gitmo support the GWOT effort? It only gives aid and comfort to the enemy. He fails to see that we need a comprehensive effort on this.

[se_ohio_young_conservative]

9/11 changed my destiny. If coming from a Democratic family and being a Republican boils down to one issue, I am fine with that.

I definately agree with my party on my social and economical iussues.

McCain has been right on terrorism. and solid behind defeating the terrorists in Iraq.

[Pelham]

I think CTHULHU just got the nomination. Now if he can just talk Lovecraft into taking the VP slot...

[se_ohio_young_conservative]

Gitmo. ok. There is 1 issue where I disagree with him. but it is minor. McCain doesnt want the people in Gitmo let free.

[mtntop3]

“McCain talks a good game He has done nothing. Actions speak louder than words.”

____________________________________

Assume, oracle, that, by this declaratory condemnation, you, also, were in the Hotel Hilton...You know, that establishment in Hanoi. You might recognize some of your fellow guests from the following...

_____________________________________

15 December 2007

ARLINGTON, VA — Today over 100 retired admirals and generals endorsed John McCain for President of the United States at a press conference in Columbia, South Carolina. These distinguished leaders supporting John McCain come from all branches of the armed services and include former POWs, Medal of Honor recipients and former members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

John McCain was joined today in Columbia by five distinguished military veterans: Admiral Leighton “Snuffy” Smith, USN (Ret.); Vice Admiral Mike Bowman, USN (Ret.); Rear Admiral Tom Lynch, USN (Ret.); Rear Admiral Bob Shumaker, USN (Ret.); and Major General Stan Spears, USA, Adjutant General of South Carolina.

“This nation is at war and we’d better damn well understand that fact,” said Admiral Leighton “Snuffy” Smith, USN (Ret.). “John McCain understands it, and he is the only candidate that has not wavered one bit in his position regarding the importance of victory in the war against Islamic extremism or in his commitment to the troops who are doing the fighting. He has consistently demonstrated the kind and style of leadership that we believe is essential in our next Commander in Chief. Our nation faces a growing array of serious foreign policy challenges. John McCain is the ONE candidate who, in our view, truly understands the strategic landscape and is fully prepared to deal decisively and effectively with those who wish to be our friends and, importantly, those who wish us harm.”

John McCain thanked the admirals and generals, stating, “I am deeply honored to have the support of so many distinguished military leaders. I thank them for the trust they have in me, but more importantly, our nation is indebted to their service in defense of our freedom. Our next president will face two wars and an array of national security challenges around the world. My experience, knowledge and background have prepared me to confront these great challenges and lead as commander in chief from day one.”

Retired Admirals And Generals Joining John McCain In South Carolina Today:

Admiral Leighton “Snuffy” Smith, Jr., USN (Ret.): Admiral Smith retired from the Navy after over 34 years of service in positions that took him, literally, around the world. His last active duty assignment was Commander, U.S. Naval Force, Europe, Commander in Chief Allied Forces Southern Europe (NATO) and, concurrently, Commander of NATO’s first ever out of area land operation, the Implementation Forces (IFOR) in Bosnia charged with implementing the Dayton Peace Accords. As a naval aviator Admiral Smith flew carrier-based light attack jet aircraft during multiple deployments to the Mediterranean, North Atlantic, Western Pacific and Indian oceans. These included three cruises in waters off North Vietnam where he flew over 280 combat missions.

Vice Admiral Mike Bowman, USN (Ret.): Bowman spent 36 years in the Navy, attaining the rank of Vice Admiral. Highlights of his Navy career include: Naval aviator with tour tours in Vietnam and Wing Commander during Desert Storm and notable assignments including Squadron command, three Air Wing commands, Senate Liaison for the Secretary of the Navy and later Chief of Legislative Affairs, Carrier Group command, Chief of Naval Air Training and Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Rear Admiral Tom Lynch, USN (Ret.): After a 31-year career of naval service, Lynch retired in the rank of Rear Admiral. His naval service included Chief, Navy Legislative Affairs, command of the Eisenhower Battle Group during Operation Desert Shield, Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy from 1991 to 1994 and Director of the Navy Staff in the Pentagon from 1994 to 1995. Admiral Lynch graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with his Bachelor of Science degree in 1964 and received his M.S. from George Washington University.

Rear Admiral Bob Shumaker, USN (Ret.): After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1956, Admiral Shumaker attended flight training and eventually joined VF-32, a fighter squadron in Jacksonville, Florida. He was a finalist in the Apollo astronaut selection, but a temporary physical ailment prevented his selection. In 1964 he graduated with a masters degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and then joined VF-154 in San Diego, California. In February 1965, he was shot down on a mission over North Vietnam, was captured, and spent the next eight years as a POW. In 1973 he was repatriated and resumed studies, which eventually led to a doctorate degree in electrical engineering. As a Captain he was a government project manager for smart missiles at the Naval Air Systems Command. In 1983 he was promoted to the rank of Commodore and became the Superintendent of the Nav al Postgraduate School. At the Pentagon in 1986, as a Rear Admiral, he was responsible for coordinating the research efforts of the Navy’s air, surface, electronics and space activities. He retired from the Navy in 1989 and became an assistant dean at The George Washington University and later became the associate dean of the Center for Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota, from which he retired in 1991. Admiral Shumaker’s military decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, two Silver Stars, four Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.

Major General Stan Spears, USA: General Spears is Adjutant General of South Carolina. He leads and directs the 10,500-member South Carolina Army and Air National Guard. He serves on the Board of Visitors for the Citadel, the military college of South Carolina. General Spears is the senior Adjutant General in the United States and the several territories. Born and raised in York County, South Carolina, General Spears is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he played on the football team. In 1962, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army National Guard. He served as a traditional Guard member for the next 32 years, achieving the rank of Brigadier General and assignment as Assistant Adjutant General.

RETIRED ADMIRALS AND GENERALS SUPPORTING JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT

Rear Admiral John W. Adams, USN (Ret.)

Major General Albert B. Akers, USA (Ret.)

Major General John Blatsos, USA (Ret.)

Lieutenant General Harry Blot, USMC (Ret.)

Major General John L. Borling, USAF (Ret.), POW

Vice Admiral Mike Bowman, III, USN (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Roger Box, USN (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Bruce Bremner, USA (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Thomas Brown, III, USN (Ret.)

Brigadier General Tom Bruner, USA (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Lyle Bull, USN (Ret.)

Major General George Cates, USMC (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Jack Christiansen, USN (Ret.)

Vice Admiral Edward Clexton, Jr., USN (Ret.)

Lieutenant General John B. Conaway, USAF (Ret.), Former Chief of the National Guard Bureau

Lieutenant General Matthew T. “Terry” Cooper, USMC (Ret.)

Brigadier General Robert Dastin, USAF (Ret.)

General James B. Davis, USAF (Ret.), Classmate of Senator McCain’s at the U.S. Naval Academy, Former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Europe (NATO)

Vice Admiral Walter J. Davis, Jr., USN (Ret.)

Major General Hollis Davison, USMC (Ret.)

Colonel George “Bud” Day, USAF (Ret.), POW, Medal of Honor

Rear Admiral Jerry Denton, USN (Ret.), POW, Former U.S. Senator

Vice Admiral Robert F. Dunn, USN (Ret.)

Brigadier General Russ Eggers, USAF (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Paul Engel, USN (Ret.)

Major General Bill Eshelman, USMC (Ret.)

Major General Merrill Evans, USA (Ret.)

Admiral S. Robert Foley, USN (Ret.), Former CINCPACFLT

Rear Admiral Skip Furlong, USN (Ret.)

Brigadier General Barton Gilbert, USA (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Andrew Giordano, USN (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Russell W. Gorman, USN (Ret.)

Admiral Ronald J. Hays, USN (Ret.), Former CINCPAC and CINCUSNAVEUR

Rear Admiral Robert P. Hickey, USN (Ret.)

Major General Don Hilbert, USA (Ret.)

Major General Kent Hillhouse, USA (Ret.)

Rear Admiral A. Byron Holderby, USN (Ret.)

Admiral James L. Holloway, USN (Ret.), Former Chief of Naval Operations

Lieutenant General Jefferson D. Howell, USMC (Ret.)

Major General Evan Hultman, USA (Ret.)

Major General Charles Ingram, USA (Ret.)

Admiral Bobby Inman, USN (Ret.), Former Director, NSA

Major General Harry Jenkins, USMC (Ret.)

Admiral Jerome Johnson, USN (Ret.), Former Vice Chief of Naval Operations

Rear Admiral J. Michael “Carlos” Johnson, USN (Ret.)

General P.X. Kelley, USMC (Ret.), Former Commandant, USMC

Admiral Robert J. “Barney” Kelly, USN (Ret.), Former CINCPACFLT

Admiral Frank Kelso, USN (Ret.), Former Chief of Naval Operations

Major General Phillip G. Killey, USAF (Ret.)

Admiral George “Gus” Kinnear, USN (Ret.), Former COMAIRLANT

Admiral Charles R. “Chuck” Larson, USN (Ret.), Former CINCPAC

Vice Admiral Tony Less, USN (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Frederick L. Lewis, USN (Ret.)

Admiral Joseph Lopez, USN (Ret.), Former CINCUSNAVEUR

Rear Admiral Thomas C. Lynch, USN (Ret.)

Admiral James “Ace” Lyons, USN (Ret.), Former CINCPACFLT

Vice Admiral Michael D. Malone, USN (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Daniel P. March, USN (Ret.)

Vice Admiral Edward H. Martin, USN (Ret.), POW

Vice Admiral John J. Mazach, USN (Ret.)

Vice Admiral William “Scot” McCauley, USN (Ret.)

Lieutenant General Fred McCorkle, USMC (Ret.)

Vice Admiral Denny McGinn, USN (Ret.)

Major General Ed Mechanbier, USAFR (Ret.), POW

Rear Admiral George Meinig, USN (Ret.)

Major General Robert L. Menist, USA (Ret.)

Admiral Paul David Miller, USN (Ret.), Former CINCLANT

Vice Admiral Joseph Mobley, USN (Ret.), POW

Rear Admiral Patrick D. Moneymaker, USN (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Benjamin Montoya, USN (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Douglas Moore, Jr., USN (Ret.)

General Carl E. Mundy, Jr., USMC (Ret.), Former Commandant, USMC

Rear Admiral Jack Natter, USN (Ret.)

Brigadier General Warren “Bud” Nelson, USAF (Ret.)

Brigadier General Eddie Newman, USA (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Robert S. “Rupe” Owens, USN (Ret.)

Major General Earl G. Peck, USAF (Ret.)

Major General John Peppers, USA (Ret.)

Brigadier General Maurice Phillips, USA (Ret.)

Rear Admiral David Polatty, USN (Ret.)

Vice Admiral William E. Ramsey, USN (Ret.)

Brigadier General Jon A. Reynolds, USAF (Ret.), POW

Vice Admiral David B. Robinson, USN (Ret.)

Brigadier General Wayne Rosenthal, USAF (Ret.)

Vice Admiral John R. Ryan, USN (Ret.)

Major General Michael D. Ryan, USMC (Ret.)

Brigadier General Dennis Schulstad, USAF (Ret.)

Vice Admiral James E. Service, USN (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Edward D. “Ted” Sheafer, Jr., USN (Ret.)

Vice Admiral Robert F. “Dutch” Shultz, USN (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Robert H. Shumaker, USN (Ret.), POW

Admiral Leighton “Snuffy” Smith, Jr., USN (Ret.), Former CINCUSNAVEUR, CINCSOUTH, Commander IFOR

Lieutenant General Norman Smith, USMC (Ret.)

Major General Stanhope S. Spears, USA, Adjutant General of South Carolina

Lieutenant General Hank Stackpole, USMC (Ret.)

Vice Admiral Howie Thorsen, USN (Ret.)

Colonel Leo Thorsness, USAF (Ret.), POW, Medal of Honor

Rear Admiral Ernest E. Tissot, USN (Ret.)

Vice Admiral John B. Totushek, USN (Ret.)

Major General Alfred A. Valenzuela, USA (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Lloyd “Joe” Vasey, USN (Ret.)

Brigadier General W.L. “Bill” Wallace, USA (Ret.)

Major General Gary Wattnern, USA (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Donald Weatherson, USN (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Hugh Webster, USN (Ret.)

Lieutenant General James A. Williams, USA (Ret.), Former Director, DIA

Brigadier General Mitchell M. Willoughby, USA (Ret.)

Rear Admiral Dennis Wisely, USN (Ret.)

Admiral Ronald J. Zlatoper, USN (Ret.), Former CINCPACFLT

_________________________________________________

[Politicalmom]

He believes in taxpayer funded embryonic cell research. NOT CONSERVATIVE.

He believes in allowing 30+ million illegals instant citizenship, and voted against permanently barring violent thugs from the country. NOT CONSERVATIVE.

He voted against ANWAR drilling. NOT CONSERVATIVE.

He believes wholeheartedly in human caused global warming, and will harm our economy with punitive taxes, such as his fifty cent EXTRA tax on gas. NOT CONSERVATIVE.

He is a lying backstabber. NOT CONSERVATIVE.

He abandoned a wife who remained faithful to him during his POW experience, and who refused to allow him to be told when she was seriously injured in an auto accident, so he wouldn’t have more burdens, and took up with a rich bimbo. NOT CONSERVATIVE.

NO WAY!

[se_ohio_young_conservative]

what is the most important issue of our time ? The issue that McCain talks about and Democrats avoid ?

[MNJohnnie]

Great. And totally irrelevant to the point under discussion.

Try actually addressing the issue at hand. We are talking about McCain desire to be President and his political record. Do NOT just scream back the usual Cult of Personality dogma about McCain. That is not going to win any votes here for you guy.

Just screaming insults at people, as you do, because they do not blind worship McCain for his military service 40 years ago is a sure way to ensure he does NOT gain any support and ends up losing in a landslide in Nov.

LBJ and Jimmy Carter served. That did not make them great Presidents. His military service does not ensure McCain would be a great President.

His Military service 40 years ago does NOT answer the questions Conservatives have based his political record of the last 10 years. THAT is the issue we are discussing.

[AFreeBird]

young_conservative huh? Look, I don't want to steer anyone off the path to conservatism, but if you're thinking McCain is conservative, then you haven't been paying attention, or you're not quite sure what it means.

As for walking the party line? You're kidding right? The party is walking left, and promoting a RINO is only facilitating that leftward march.

Regan spoke of a shining city on a hill. Well, unless you shore up that hill against erosion, you're going to lose the whole thing.

IOW, you have to draw the line somewhere. And then stand by that decision.

No McCain, no more RINOs is my line, and I'm sticking to it.

[sand88]

He is for defeating the terrorists in Iraq. He is pro life.

right, he's for closing down GITMO and bringing the terrorists on our soil. He will leave the borders wide open. You should check into his voting on embryonic research. McCain will never get my vote. I will vote down ticket.

McCain will be utterly destroyed by the Rat machine. They are probably laughing at how easy was the setup that got McCain the nomination.

[Politicalmom]

They are all important. What’s the use in destroying the terrorists when our country is getting destroyed already?

[unspun]

http://www.mikehuckabee.com

All: please, for America's sake, set the dishonest smear campaigns aside and find out what Mike Huckabee is about.

Then, if so moved, please volunteer and give money. We can still deny McCain victory in the convention. Don't let the propagandist pundits deceive you.

[sand88]

the MOST important issue of our time. defeating islamic terrorism.

The WOT is being won and credit goes to our Brave Warriors, NOT McCain. McCain want to close GITMO. That is insane. He said nothing in the 90's when Clinton was cutting the budget.

There are many threats that can bring down our Republic. The greatest threat is our own government. It seems the Liberals and McCain included are hell bent on granting Amnesty to 20+ million illegals. Our Republic will be pushed into a Socialist hell.,

The greatest threat we face in the survival of our Republic is people in our own government wanting to turn it into a Socialist third world sewer.

I suggest you read our Founders and listen to what they said about what is the greatest danger to our Liberties.

[mtntop3]

I assume then, sir, that I was mistaken in assuming you may have been a cellmate of McCain in Hanoi. I was misled, albeit by your words, in thinking you had first-hand knowledge.

I don’t believe LBJ and Carter were there either.

It is said that the reaction to such confinement and torture, for five years in McCain’s case, indicates something about the core of honor and character inside a man.

It is also said that this might be something a little more than just “military service.” And that it has application to the totality of a man’s life.

But I would not want to be presumptous, sir.

[sand88]

I always admire your passionate responses! you are great. I like your tagline. I too am a refugee from the RINO infested GOP.

[MNJohnnie]

Quit being an idiot. His military record does NOT address the serious questions Conservatives have about his political agenda.

He has talked a good game on spending, he has DONE nothing. Address that. DO NOT waste my time screaming McCainbot drivel about his military career

[egginanest]

“Do I have to toe the line on every single issue to get support from my party ?”

Of course not. Just the principles.

[sand88]

His military record does NOT address the serious questions Conservatives have about his political agenda.

these McCain sycophants have ONLY his POW record to stand on, not his actual record in Congress. To ignore his record speaks volumes of just how flawed is McCain as a conservative candidate.

It is more obvious to me that this has been a setup to sail McCain into the nomination. There are forces in and out of government that must have carried out some plan to make sure there is an "open borders" candidate nominated in both parties. The Socialists are at the cusp of a permanent victory over Liberty and our Constitution.