OK, let me acknowledge up front: I am NOT a John McCain fan. I’m proud of our shared military service. I have nothing but respect for anyone who survived POW abuse without selling out his/her country. But I can take or leave the man – usually the later.
Then why write this blog, one may ask rhetorically? Because, gentle reader, there is a case to be made for giving McCain another term in office. Let me try to make it without biting my tongue clean off.
Republicans need some people who can move and shake, rock and roll. While I like JD Hayworth (and believe him to be the superior ideological candidate), if the GOP can cause a movement in the political landscape as we hope they will in November they will need a big gun like McCain to make noise and drive messages home.
JD would sure enough be a political “flavor of the week”, much like Scott Brown was, if elected. However McCain can fill an auditorium with media with a single phone call. In the middle of his term. And when his “dander is up” on an issue he is profoundly worrisome to the left side of the aisle. It’s the type of voice the GOP will want and does need to oppose the screaming yellow liberals and their MSM co-conspirators.
Ideologically McCain is, well, f**king bi-polar. Sometimes, as with HCR, he’s a voice social and fiscal conservatives are happy to have at their side. Other times, such as his involvement with environmental and immigration issues, we wonder if he’s batting for the other team. He can provoke madness trying to figure out WTF he really stands for, besides himself. It seems that in alternating years he’s one political beast or the other. And IMHO, that’s explainable inasmuch as I believe McCain(and for that matter Sen. Brow) is most often standing for his constituents. Even when that doesn’t play right on the national stage. And because of that, Arizonians have a tougher decision that it seems at first blush.
JD took some strong shots at McCain before stepping out from behind the microphone and rightfully s0 (John, WTF were you thinking consorting with Teddy would get you?). And I don’t for a moment believe that if defeated McCain will go away. JD would be the more consistent conservative voice, but there is a large block of AZ. voters who want representation on those socially “moderate” issues. McCain does for better or worse represent those voters, JD less so. And even with a mic in hand, JD does not command the attention McCain does.
And for the record, I do believe Sarah Palin is doing the right thing in stumping for McCain. She’s still be freezing her ass of in the Great White North had it not been his selection. And his unfortunate use of her talents (and maybe poor preparation of her on the national stage) will continue to be subjects of discussion. But I believe she owes him, and that standing by him in this election will earn her more political strength than weakness. Unlike Obama, who would throw any of his supporters under the bus for his own selfish interests, Palin strengthens her political character as a trustworthy conservative standing with McCain. But I also don’t expect her to stump for him again, win or lose.
Well those are my thoughts today. We’d love to hear yours.
By Lipton T. Bagg
