Tom McClintock's Political Career: R.I.P.

dfu | 9-30-03 | doug from upland

[doug from upland]

Tom McClintock continues his walk toward the California political graveyard. It is an unstoppable walk, almost suicidal in its dedication.

McClintock is my first choice as governor. He would make a great governor. Ronald Reagan would also make a great governor. Unfortunately, those of us who live in the real world of California politics, recognize that neither McClintock, the Gipper, nor the pornstar will be the next governor of California. We recognize that politics is the art of the possible. Although Bruce Herschenson's recent commercials are well done, they are no more than wishful thinking. I've met Bruce. He would have been a great senator, and he came very close.

So, what will happen to McClintock? Unfortunately, he has painted himself into a corner. He has said over and over that he will not drop out. If he drops out now, he will be seen as a liar. If he doesn't drop out and Bustamante is handed the governorship, he will never be forgiven by Republicans. He will be a political dead man walking. Even if Arnold pulls it out in a close 3-man race, the GOP has been hoping for a Terminator mandate. Such would make it easier for him to deal with the runaway RATS who have been destroying our state.

Yes, McClintock is principled. Yes, Arnold only supports some of my own agenda. But Bustamante supports none of my agenda. I guess I'll take someone with whom I have 70% agreement and can win, rather than someone with whom I have 95% agreement who cannot win. Face it, McClintock Kool-Aid drinkers -- he is a great man but he cannot win. Standing on principles is noble, however, if you get no place at the table, all it does it make you feel good that you did the right thing. With a RINO in power, at least we have some chance of influencing policy. Maybe we can even change his mind on some issues. We will never have any influence over the Mecha Man. He will continue to destroy our state.

Tom McClintock is self-terminating. May his political career rest in peace.

[Lancey Howard]

What you said.
BUMP!

[ladyinred]

Well Arnold made some movies and Bustamante didn't. But I'll be doggone if I can think of any other differences.

Well Willie, then you obviously haven't been paying attention!

[ladyinred]

Well said, both of you. It is so refreshing to read well thought out posts on this subject, rather than just emotion. I never expected this recall to ignite such hatred among freepers. It was supposed to be a good thing. Dump Davis turned into Dump on your fellow freeper.

[Jim Robinson]

In short, any way it can be done. If the Congress would do it, that would be great. But it's a lead pipe cinch that even if it could pass the House with the required margin, it would never make it through the Senate. No way will they give up their power. So, that means it will have to be done by we the people. We'll have to form a national committee and acquire the very best liberty-minded Constitutional thinkers available to research and write a winning case for repealing these amendments and restoring the balance of powers as designed and intended by the Founding Fathers. Then we'll have to form committees in each and every state of the union and right down to the county level. Again, we'll have to acquire the services of the very best political and organizational minds in the country to build winning organizations and devise winning strategies to push it through. It will be a hard sell but it can be done. It must be done.

[DoughtyOne]

Thank you for your comments.

[doug from upland]

:)

[EternalVigilance]

Count me in.

[JCEccles]

I'm pro-life, pro-God, pro-family, pro-gun, pro-Constitution, pro-freedom and pro-America. I'm for less taxes, for smaller less intrusive government, for strong national defense. I am anti-feminaziism, anti-homosexual agenda, anti-homosexual marriage, anti-extra-constitutional rights for any class or group of people, anti-illegal immigration, anti-drivers licenses for illegal aliens, anti-liberal give away programs attracting illegal immigrants, anti-wealth redistribution, anti-bureaucracy, anti-liberal and anti-Democrat. I'm anti-global warming treaty (it's a farce), anti-junk science, anti-UN, anti-environmentalism and I'm pro-drilling. I'm anti-income tax, anti-big government, anti-social security, anti-mediscare, anti-goverment schools, and for a repeal of the 16th and 17th amendments. I'm anti-universal healthcare, anti-government forced insurance coverage and anti-union for government workers. I'm for everyone paying their own medical expenses and providing for their own retirements where they can. I'm pro-business, pro-entrepreneur and pro-individualism. I'm pro-SUV, pro-4WD, pro-BBQ, pro-sleeping under the stars. I'm anti-corruption, anti-Clinton (any of them), likewise anti-Kennedy. I'm half-horse, half alligator and part snapping turtle. I can turn a jack, I can lay a track. I was born standing up and talking back. Now who do you think I'll vote for.

The only conservative candidate in the race; the only unbent, unapologetic conservative candidate who has earned and deserves the vote of free men and women. The conservative candidate who would easily defeat Busatamante one-on-one.

And that isn't Arnold Schwarzenegger.

[pollywog]

Doug from upland, I have great admiration for you. However I have to totally disagree with your thinking here. If we as the GOP party, deliberately choose to walk away from the candidate that holds FIRM to our principles, and do not put pressure on Arnold to be the one to pull from the race it matters not any more WHO gets in that represents our party. The future of the Republican party, by it OWN leaders,has become watered down, and non representative of the values many of the conservatives hold dear.( you just admitted that you PREFER TOM)....

There is a very good chance that a vote for Arnold will lead us to another Christine Todd Whitman! I wouldn't be surprised if eventually he switches party affiliations!! Who says that wouldn't or couldn't happen!! I DO NOT TRUST ARNOLD....go ahead if you must, but Arnold WILL be the spoiler, because HE does not represent MOST of the conservatives here.

[pollywog]

In the real world, it's Arnold or Cruz. Does it matter or doesn't it?

To many of us, Cruz and Arnold are " one and the same".It is much more dangerous to have someone that is a " Republican" acting and voting the same as the Democrats! At least we KNOW where Cruz stands.

Can you tell us where Arnold stands on the issues?? REALLY?? and can you in concscience say you really BELIEVE HIM?? I think many are hoping and praying that he will deliver a small percentage of what he says......I for one DON'T for a minute give creedence to his words.

[doug from upland]

I appreciate your point. The person leading the other candidate by double digits is not the one who drops out. The Terminator will draw air-headed young movie fans to vote for him who would never vote for McClintock. They would probably not even show up at the polls. Arnold is not my first choice. Unfortunately, he has the best chance of taking the governorship away from the RATS. That is the first step. I will hold my nose when I vote, and I hope the real conservatives can ultimately change some of his positions.

[pollywog]

Here's the dilemma I and many others find ourselves in--but unfortunately not enough to get Tom McClintock elected governor: If Mr. McClintock remains in the race, I cannot, in good conscience vote for Arnold S., I must vote for the man who supports my beliefs and values (i.e. McClintock). You may say that Arnold S. has no influence over abortion law or right to bear arms, or promotion of the homosexual agenda, and you may be right. But I would prefer my governor be a leader who stand on the moral right, as his moral beliefs will be reflected in everything he does. That said, if Mr. McClintock bows out of the race, I will be free to select Arnold S. over Bustamante and Davis, as he more closely aligns with my values. If McClintock bows out of the race, he will have done a difficult thing, but it might buy California a little time...

That said, God's ways are not our ways. He raises up and he brings down.

Well said ,The Grim Freeper!!

It is assuring to realize that we are not in this battle alone. God will guide us.He has a plan and I am resting in that fact.In the meantime I will vote my conscience .Tom McClintock is the clear choice for the conservatives.

[pollywog]

Well Arnold made some movies and Bustamante didn't. But I'll be doggone if I can think of any other differences

So right!!! so right!!!no difference at all!!

[pollywog]

yes, its extremely sad to see a good conservative throw away his career for no reason

Has it occurred to any of you supporting Arnold, that you will bear some of the guilt in Tom's defeat?? He is standing firm, and asking for your votes. You , instead, are buying into the popular persuasion that " he can't win", and thus stoning him!!The blood of the Republican Party as we know it now, will be on your hands, not Tom McClintock.

[pollywog]

who would have thunk that the day would come when doug from upland and Leo Terrell would back the same candidate

My thoughts too!

[CheneyChick]

Coffee a little too strong this morning, pollywog?

[Chad Fairbanks]

Heh heh heh. I like Alan, but this is pretty damned funny LOL

[EternalVigilance]

The Terminator will draw air-headed young movie fans to vote for him...

You might be a bit over-optimistic to think that they will even show up to vote for Arnold. They are not a reliable voting bloc.

[CheneyChick]

You might be a bit over-optimistic to think that they will even show up to vote for Arnold. They are not a reliable voting bloc.

Ah, one of the disadvantages you have in viewing this election long distance..... Young folks are VERY excited about this election and have registered to vote in great numbers. This election is better than Reality TV to them.

[pollywog]

. In 2011 we can help build up a Republican state legislative majority.

You are dreaming!!By 2011, the Republican party, by bowing to Arnold, will have diluted themselves, created a mass exodus of conservative , grassroots Republicans who will have started a new party.Arnold coming in will only help and aid the Democrats!!