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.

[CheneyChick]

Good post, DFU.

Cheers, CC :)

[TheDon]

I have to agree with the RIP part. I like everything I've heard about Tom, except for the suicidal streak. It disqualifies him for any future support.

[The Grim Freeper]

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.

[CaRepub4life]

It's VERY SIMPLE folks!! If we don't like the job that Arnold does over the next couple of years, Tom comes in on his white horse and saves the day for all of us!!!

That is...IF Tom gets smart and allows Arnie this pass...

[finnman69]

Tom is only pulling 18% now. This is his best shot against boobs like Simon and Cruz. He has even less chance against Boxer or Feinstein. there is no more future for McClintock unless arnold decides so.

[GROOVY]

yes, its extremely sad to see a good conservative throw away his career for no reason. At this point I don't see how he can get out gracefully. He will get his 10 to 15% on election day and then what? Choose your battles wisely Tom.

[Alberta's Child]

If you go back a month or so when the recall was authorized, the initial strategy of the Gray Davis team (under the instruction of Bill Clinton) was to paint this as a "vast right-wing conspiracy" to "overturn an election."

All that nonsense about right-wing extremism disappeared in a hurry, mainly because it was impossible to paint their opponents as "right-wing" when the most conservative GOP candidate (McClintock) wasn't leading in the polls.

Having McClintock in the race has effectively allowed Schwarzenegger to gain a lot of support from independents and non-political types who would not otherwise have voted for a GOP candidate if there was only one of them in the race.

[AAABEST]

Just curious, who r u voting for?

[duckln]

Doug posted, and ran. He would vote for Micky Mouse.
He plays the game like Clinton. Aways some stupid end play
envoved.

[finnman69]

Careful, TLBSHOW and others may start calling you a socialist RINO liberal RAT.

[Russell Scott]

One problem with your conclusion Doug. With Tom in the race it does two things. Protects Arnol(D) from a massive slime attack, if the Dems have some serious dirt on him. Two, if an act of God, accident, or health problem arises in the next few days and incapacitates Arnol(D), the Republicans still have a man in the race who can handily beat Busta.

[CheneyChick]

Why would he want to read the hateful tripe that a select handful have been dishing out?

[RightWhale]

McClintock will probably never be governor. But, his political career is far from dead, and you don't know where things will go. He might even be governor later on, Senator is another possibility. He did well in this free-for-all.

[steveo]

I guess things seem clearer from a distance.

[Cousin Eddie]

While I'm not Alberta's Child, I believe this is what is meant:

Many of McClintock's supporters are "my way or the highway" type voters. If he's not in it, they won't vote at all because they believe it would be compromising their principals. This is quite common for candidates and their supporters on both ends of the political spectrum. So be it. Not going to judge the merits or demerits in this post. Now this may be 6% or 10% or 12% of the 18% that McClintock is currently polling, but based on posts to FreeRepublic and other conversations I've had, it's probably a substantial number.

Now if the recall vote is closer than Gallup says (let's say 54-46 for argument's sake) and half of McClintock's supporters stay home because he drops out, well there you have it...Davis stays in office.

[Willie Green]

But Bustamante supports none of my agenda.

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

[Cousin Eddie]

Oh come on...you're not trying...here's another difference: Arnold's weight is distributed higher up on his torso.

[The Old Hoosier]

I guess I'll take someone with whom I have 70% agreement and can win

Make that 10% agreement, you right wing crazy!

[xeno]

I must vote for the man who supports my beliefs and values

With all due respect, I find that kind of statement boardering on idol worship. Arnold is flawed and so is Tom McClintock. No matter who you vote for, you will get a flawed man. Tom is not the incarnation of all conservative principles to be bowed down to. Not supporting Tom in this race is not equivalent to abandoning your principles or beliefs. It's a recognition that your principles and beliefs will be better advanced by another candidate.

I think California conservatives have been under leftist rule for so long that they desparately want a political messiah They are willing to suspend belief about McClintock's serious personality flaws to make their messiah dreams come true. I also think this is the reason Tom has stayed in the race. He believes he's a messiah and it's his time.

[William Tell]

DoughtyOne said: "A group of people want something so badly, that they simply cannot deal with reality."

I see what you mean. Some people want so badly for all conservatives to vote for "social liberals" that they cannot deal with the fact that some conservatives will never do so.

Arnold doesn't provide me with a single thing that I am not willing to do without because I will not support anyone who is not pro Second Amendment. That is true today. It will be true in the next general election.