Will conservatives "settle" again in '08 as McCain runs to the right?

What McCain has to offer, by Martin L. Gross

Here's the conclusion...as if you couldn't tell from the title:

"Wanted: A president of the United States. Must be willing to work 110 hours a week, setting aside time to fight the light heavyweight champion of the world before lunch. He must be anxious to suffer psychic torture by daily watching Oprah and Katie Couric on television in the Oval Office, then be interviewed by Mike Wallace -- all the while conducting four simultaneous wars throughout the globe as commander in chief. Must be willing to face editorial demonization by the media, tussle with congressional opposition including threats of impeachment from Sen. Russ Feingold, while dealing with Cabinet officers being discharged for corruption. He must be able to handle a low 20 percent approval rating without losing heart or his natural optimism. Most important, the president must be willing to die in office as a symbol of his dedication to the American people, a love affair that will not be requited until 30 years later. Apply Box 101, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., along with a non-refundable deposit of $10 million."

Who among the contenders would be courageous enough to respond to such a daunting ad? Only one: Sen. John McCain of Arizona. Why? Is he so hopelessly ambitious to suffer indignity for his personal goals?

Perhaps, but more important, he seems to be the only one who has that in-born authentic patriotic spirit that requires him to sacrifice for this nation. Plus he seems to have the sense of destiny, shared by Washington, Lincoln, FDR and Reagan -- that he is the only one of his time capable of the onerous job of a president under shattering fire.

Besides, after years of torture by the communists in the Hanoi Hilton, he has already survived the test of the constant attack he will have to undergo as president.

Not everyone loves Mr. McCain. He has made some mistakes along the way, including running against George W. Bush in the 2000 primary, then insulting the religious right, a vital force in the Republican Party.

Liberals are tantalized by him, but they fear his anti-abortion and low-tax stand. Others are wary of his constant agenda of reform in lobbying and campaign financing and his strong anti-pork views.

But most of Middle America trusts him. As for the media, who have sharp teeth for any conservative, it would be hard for them to demonize a wily John McCain as they have Mr. Bush and Dick Cheney.

In summation, Mr. McCain is the only presidential candidate possible for the Republican nomination. And as a plus, he is the only one who can defeat any candidate the hapless Democratic Party can put up, especially Hillary Clinton.

McCain on Imus...

I would rather have a clean government than one where quote First Amendment rights are being respected, that has become corrupt. If I had my choice, I'd rather have the clean government.

Here's the video: (posthumous update on 5/11/06 from George Will here)



This may be too cynical, but it appears to me that the liberal media/journalists are promoting McCain more than ever as a conservative...propping him up in order to try and make him more appealing to the conservative Republican base. McCain could probably run as a Democrat and win the nomination.

So...will his "move to the right" work? Personally, I'm not enthusiastic about any of the potential candidates at this point. I'm afraid, as in 2000 and 2004, that my 2008 vote will once again be cast for the person that I am least unenthusiastic about.

A little irony...I imagine that if running as a Democrat McCain might well win the nomination. Same for Lieberman on the Republican side. Maybe the "conservative media" should start propping Joe up as left-wing.

Some potentially great tickets: Rice/Coulter, Schlafly/Sowell, Hannity/Malkin ?

Related:
John McCain v. America
John McCain: Liberal in Disguise
The fall and rise of Mr Right

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