Election 2008

[john5746]

John' date='

 

 

Part of the reason people liked McCain - the old McCain - was his ability to be upfront, genuine, and honest. Of all things, he didnt [i']act[/i] like a politician, and until now few of his actions seemed to be motivated by partisan thinking, and as a politician he was fairly moderate. Style and personal image are what made him such a likable politician, not the ability to adhere to the labels "liberal" or "conservative". Thats the reason people liked him - he was the Repub's very own Bill Clinton.

 

But, if his idea of running in '08 means nudging away from the center, then I find he is doing more to alienate a large number of the Democratic voters he would have had. And I dont think its necessary for McCain to pander to the right-leaning Repubs before the primaries, McCain is already quite politically secure and popular enough that it isnt necessary for him to pretend to move further to the right.

 

I can imagine that what McCain is doing is probably strategically acceptable, but it leaves the bad taste of "dirty politics".

 

I guess I learned a long time ago that he is a politician. When running against Bush in the primaries, South Carolina came into the limelight. The rebel flag displayed at the Capital was a big issue at the time. Some were trying to get it removed. When asked their opinion, both candidates ran away from the issue, they said it was a state issue. Bush visited Bob Jones (we call it Nazi U.) while McCain did not.

 

I wanted him to be president then and still support him, but I understand that he is a politician and has learned to compromise and bend to the issues when needed. But, I think he has principles and will fight against his own party when necessary. These guys have to shake hands and smile with people they detest in order to get things done.

[Pangloss]

I'm not sure I agree with your assessment, IMM. McCain played that game before he ran for president, so it's consistent with his past behavior. And I don't see a lot of far-right pandering going on in his current behavior.

 

He was one of the few Repoobs opposing the Terry Shiavo law, he opposes the Republican "nuclear option" anti-filibuster changes, voted against the constitutional amendment to restrict gay marriage, and so forth.

 

Yes, he votes with his party much (if not most) of the time, and he votes conservative much (if not most) of the time. But pandering to special interests or the religious nuts? I respect your opinion on it, but I don't see it. I'm keeping an open mind about it, though.

[john5746]

I agree with you Pangloss. Not sure if you were responding to me or My Memory. In any case, while McCain has the reputation of being a maveric, he IS a politician. Nothing wrong with that.