John McCain's mission: A GOP makeover

Politico ^ | October 2, 2009 | ALEX ISENSTADT

[rightwingintelligentsia]

Fresh from a humbling loss in last year’s presidential election, Sen. John McCain is working behind-the-scenes to reshape the Republican Party in his own center-right image.

McCain is recruiting candidates, raising money for them and hitting the campaign trail on their behalf. He’s taken sides in competitive House, Senate and gubernatorial primaries and introduced his preferred candidates to his top donors.

When the death of Sen. Ted Kennedy created a vacant Senate seat in Massachusetts, McCain went so far as to solicit former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling to run for the seat.

It’s all part of an approach that is at odds with most other recent failed presidential nominees, whose immediate response to defeat was to retreat from the electoral arena. But those familiar with McCain’s thinking say he has expressed serious concern about the direction of the party and is actively seeking out and supporting candidates who can broaden the party’s reach.

[rightwingintelligentsia]

You'd think he would take the hint, but no . . .

[ChiefKujo]

Senator McCain:

1. STFU and vote the right way.

2. You’re done.

[norwaypinesavage]

John, go home - to Panama. Even the Arizonans don’t want you any more.

[Nateman]

I’ve recently moved back to Arizona. It will be a great pleasure of mine to vote against him in the primary. Something I was denied the last time BECAUSE NOBODY ELSE WAS ON THE BALLOT!

[gov_bean_ counter]

It will be interesting to see the kind of crowds he draws vs Sarah Palin in addition to who is better at picking a winner. Of course we already know how this one is going to turn out.

[xcamel]

We already have a 3rd party...

[Doogle]

..McWuss left me, with an image I would rather forget

[Proud_USA_Republican]

Go away McLame.

[StarFan]

Good grief why doesn’t he just go away and take Grahamnesty with him. Enough face time for these two.

[mewzilla]

A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice.

Thomas Paine

[iopscusa]

“My friendzzzz”, wonder if McCain will survive the AZ primary?

[mrsmel]

He loses the election, and then decides he’s just the person for the GOP to model itself after?

[dead]

Fresh from a humbling loss in last year’s presidential election, Sen. John McCain is working behind-the-scenes to reshape the Republican Party in his own center-right image.

Read that sentence again and again, and marvel at its stupidity.

[nhwingut]

No thanks... We need Palin republicans. Not McCain RINOs.

[GoldenPup]

All the old fool is doing is strengthening the opposition. His hubris and self-deception are as big as his ego.

RINO GO HOME

[Doc Savage]

The ultra=leftist Politico slurps this pap up! They love it! On the other hand, I HATE McLame and everything he DOESN’T stand for! I wish every politician in DC were defeated, humiliated and run out of town on a rail!

[WayneM]

You go, John. Lindsay Graham for president! Yeah - that’s the ticket!

[dirtboy]

It’s McCain in his full-tilt liberal mode - if something fails, the solution is to do even more of it so that it can succeed.

[Ghost of Philip Marlowe]

McCain, put down the ego-pipe.

Accept the fact that half the people who voted for you did so because they correctly feared what Obammie and his Commies would do to this country, which they are currently doing.

STFU and look at the conservative revolution that is currently growing.

If you’re not going to help, then get the hell out of the way.

[newfreep]

When 60% of republicans in his home state reject him, juan needs to buy a vowel to solve the puzzle.