Conservatives Ready To Battle McCain on Convention Platform
McCain's problems simply multiply every single time you think about them. He's anxious not to be perceived as offering simply another four years of George Bush's policies and yet he's flip flopping like mad in an attempt to keep the right wing loons on board.
Now, the flip-flopper is actually going to have to put something on paper which defines his position. Does he please the Bush base and offer another four years of McSame, or does he enrage the base and offer something different?
Conservative activists are preparing to do battle with allies of Sen. John McCain in advance of September's Republican National Convention, hoping to prevent his views on global warming, immigration, stem cell research and campaign finance from becoming enshrined in the party's official declaration of principles.Oh, it's an anticipation we all share.
McCain has not yet signaled the changes he plans to make in the GOP platform, but many conservatives say they fear wholesale revisions could emerge as candidate McCain seeks to put his stamp on a document that currently reflects the policies and principles of President Bush.
"There is just no way that you can avoid anticipating what is going to come. Everyone is aware that McCain is different on these issues," said Jessica Echard, executive director of the conservative Eagle Forum. "We're all kind of waiting with anticipation because we just don't know how he's going to thread this needle."
The battle may not be avoidable. The current GOP platform is a 100-page document, and all but nine pages mention Bush's name. Virtually the entire platform will have to be rewritten to lessen the imprint of the president, who has the highest disapproval rating of any White House occupant since Richard M. Nixon.
It is the prospect of a total rewrite that worries some.
McCain is "really out of step with the strong majority of his party," said Myron Ebell, director of energy and global warming policy at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, which opposes McCain's positions on climate change. "He might get what he wants. And he might get a change. But I don't think it's going to sit well with a lot of Republicans."
Why, in God's name, did the Republicans elect this guy? Now he's got to attempt to put the square peg into the round hole. And the end result is guaranteed to please no-one.
McSame? Or the guy that the Republicans feel has betrayed their core beliefs?
Your choice John. Enjoy.
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2 comments:
There is no doubt in my mind that McCain will move toward the Right. The Party has nearly all of his money.
Why, in God's name, did the Republicans elect this guy?
The Wise Party Elders wanted someone who could distance themselves from Bush, but the rank and file wanted more of Bush since they have been brainwashed into thinking that he is loved and respected by all "true Americans".
Also, the CW among Republicans was that Hillary would get the nomination and that this would energise the "base". That didn't happen, so McCain's image was re-created to Bush III to energise the "base".
As I've said before, he is essentially still running a primary campaign to rally his own Party around him, while hoping that fear of Obama will overcome the reflexive disdain for the Republican brand.
As I've said before, he is essentially still running a primary campaign to rally his own Party around him, while hoping that fear of Obama will overcome the reflexive disdain for the Republican brand.
I think you are right Todd. I mean his campaign doesn't even appear to have any cogent theme. Had Hillary won the Democratic nomination that wouldn't matter as hatred of her would have energised his base. Now, however, he's left changing his stance depending on who he is talking to. It's quite extraordinary.
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