John McCain

The Truth - According to the "Mainstream Media"

Steve McCullough — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:34:01 -0400

Here's what I have learned from the American media: 1. Barack Obama should be the first black president elected to the presidency - that's good. It's destiny. 2. Barack Obama has plenty of experience to be president. His "community organizing" and less than 1 term in the Senate has thoroughly prepared him to be president despite his lack of foreign policy experience. 3. John McCain is going to die in the next 4 years. Count on it. 4. If John McCain is elected president, Sarah Palin is going to assume the office in the next 4 years. That's a catastrophe. 5. Sarah Palin is totally unqualified to be president. She has only 13 years in elected office as Town Council Member, Mayor, and Governor of Alaska. 6. Sarah Palin has too many scandals in her life. She has 5!!! (oh my god!) children. She did not get an abortion but had a baby with Downs Syndrome. Her unmarried daughter is pregnant. Her husband had a DUI 22 years ago. How can we possibly elect a person with so many skeletons in her closet? 7. Barack Obama is friends with a terrorist, a Catholic priest who preaches against America and a con artist. His minister for more than 10 years is a racist. So what? That should not be counted against him. After all, he left the church after defending his preacher many, many times. And the terrorist bomber actually did the bombings when Obama was a kid. Ignore those closeted skeletons. 8. Joe Biden is a foreign policy expert. He was for a nuclear freeze during the Cold War, voted against the war to liberate Kuwait from Saddam Hussein, voted for the second Gulf War, voted against the surge, and said that we should split up Iraq into 3 parts. What a genius! 9. Barack Obama's claim to fame is that he was against the Iraq War even though he had no vote. He says that because McCain supported the war he should be disqualified from holding office. Biden voted for the war and is Obama's running mate. No problem. Here is what I have actually learned. The American so-called "mainstream media" is nothing but a corrupt, immoral, agenda-driven, liberal propaganda tool for the Democrat Party. Joseph Goebbels and Adolf Hitler would admire the work of this group of gutter snipes.

Q & A with Sarah Palin

Gary Gore — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:57:03 -0400

Newsmax.com has published an interview with John McCain's new vice-presidential running mate, Sarah Palin. The interview will be part it's upcoming September 2008 issue.

Lots of good tidbits in the article, which offers a glimpse into her independent, yet strongly conservative political mentality. She didn't seem to hold back, even to the point of offering a bit of a scolding to Republicans who have not led on America's pursuit for energy independence.

Here's an excerpt from the interview:

And your stand on abortion?

I'm pro-life. I'll do all I can to see every baby is created with a future and potential. The legislature should do all it can to protect human life.

Politically, how would you describe yourself?

Fiscally and socially, I am a conservative. My respect for the three different branches of government and the balance between them has been my guide.

If you were running for president, what causes would you champion?

I would push for a strong military and a sound energy policy. I believe that Alaska can help set an example on energy policy.

Speaking of energy, how much oil and gas does America really have?

We have billions and billions of barrels of oil and trillions of feet of natural gas. We have so much potential from tapping our resources here in Alaska. And we can do this with minimum environmental impact. We have a very pro-development president in President Bush, and yet he failed to push for opening up parts of Alaska to drilling through Congress -- and a Republican-controlled Congress, I might add.

I thought when we hit $100 a barrel for oil it would have been a psychological barrier that would have caused Congress to reconsider, but they didn't. Now we are approaching $200 a barrel. It's nonsense not to tap a safe domestic source of oil. I think Americans need to hold Congress accountable on this one.

If you're a conservative that has been hungry for a major opportunity to take a grasp at finally getting real, tangible change in Washington, DC... I think we've got a real spitfire here on our hands with this selection which will offer just that!

VeepWatch

Drew McKissick — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:28:54 -0400

It's like a political version of "Survivor". All we've been hearing is who's been "voted off the island", so to speak. Pawlenty tells a reporter it's not him. Fox reports that Romney's nowhere near Ohio and not going there. So the former top two picks are out.

But now we hear that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin flew from Alaska overnight with two of her boys. Could it be Palin? Sure. She's a solid, pro-life, pro-family conservative. Picking her avoids ticking off Romney people by picking Huckabee...avoids ticking off Huckabee people by picking Romney, etc... But she is a first term governor. But then again, she IS a governor. And would be the only person on the ticket with chief executive experience.

And then there's the obvious. She's a "she". Which is aimed straight at the women out there who really wanted to see a woman on somebody's ticket...and are put out with Obama for not taking Billary. Which means Barry will spend the next few days being asked if he regrets not putting her on the ticket now.

And it would have the virtue of countering Obama's "first" (as in first black nominee), with the potential of the first female vice-president.

It would also be fun to watch Joe Biden try and attack a woman in a debate.

Personally, I still would have gone with Mitt. I think he brings more to the economic debate because of his experience. But Palin would be a solid (and strategic) choice.

More to come.

UPDATE:

Palin gave a great speech I thought. Really made a good impression (which is crucial right now, since she has such a low national profile). And did a good job showing herself to be a real conservative and a real reformer.

This does put the Dems in a bit of a box now. How do you attack her? Surely not for inexperience, as it just highlights Obama's own inexperience.

McCain to Obama: Congratulations!

Gary Gore — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:40:17 -0400

John McCain will be airing an ad tonight during the Democratic Convention congratulating Barack Obama for his historic nomination for the Democratic Party.

Check out the ad here:

Talk about some good strategery! Not only does McCain come off looking very classy and magnanimous, but he also is able to go just that much further with his desire to share the day's spotlight.

Not only will the media outlets be talking about the McCain VP speculation, they now have this tremendous gesture to discuss and mull over.

McCain's VP Selection: Done Deal or Distraction?

Gary Gore — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:45:07 -0400

On the very day Barack Obama is to deliver his historic acceptance speech in Denver, a great deal of the airtime is being devoted to the other party!

Beginning last night, a lot of speculation started to swirl that John McCain had made his choice for his running mate. Politico was leading with this coverage last night. Then, as Politico reads today, "McCain decided to make things complicated."

In a morning interview McCain told Pittsburgh radio station KDKA that he hasn’t made up his mind, though he will be bringing Mitt Romney and Tom Ridge to his rally in Pennsylvania this weekend.

KDKA: “McCain said in an early morning radio interview that he was bringing along to that event both former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, two of the leading names on his short list. But he cautioned against assuming that meant either one would be the pick.”

Mike Allen says McCain’s playing coy, even though his friends “say he has told his inner circle of his pick, but won’t call the decision official until he has discussed it with his wife, Cindy, who has been in the country of Georgia.

Rollcall.com is reporting this afternoon that Romney's family is getting a security sweep from the Secret Service.

If security sweeps are the giveaway, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney may be on the brink of being selected as Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) vice presidential running mate. According to sources with strong Michigan ties, the Secret Service has conducted a security sweep of the home of Romney’s sister. Romney was raised in Michigan, where his father served as governor.

Rollcall.com also offers this notable observation:

Other sources and some news reports have also suggested that Romney in the last few days might be traveling with a security detail, although exactly who employs this security detail could not be confirmed.

Whatever is going on behind the scenes with McCain and his VP selection, it seems that whomever the final choice ends up being, McCain has definitely stolen a good bit of the limelight away from Obama on such an important occasion.

It's probably best that things continue to go in this direction, without McCain actually showing all his cards and pulling the trigger on the choice. He shouldn't get greedy, but instead take this nice slice of the pie away from the Democrats' night for what they are getting. Then, after a day or so, once the Democrats have left Denver, they're not going to have the means to counter what McCain is able to do. If McCain announces his running mate anytime before tomorrow, he's simply going to just give away much of the limelight from the VP selection to Obama, on the night of his major speech and the news cycle following - when that's really unnecessary. Keep it in that back pocket for a day.

This is beautiful political craftsmanship that we are witnessing here - really good stuff!

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Update: Fox News has now reported at 3:48 PM that John McCain has, indeed, chosen his running mate and will appear with the selection tomorrow for the first time.

Further, Fox News is reporting that Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has cancelled all of appearances and wiped his schedule clean for the next several days. But, with that said, the chosen candidate still does not know who the selection is, at this time.

Govorner Romney has also cancelled several committments that had scheduled over the next several days, as well.

Stay tuned, as they say!

Greetings from Minneapolis

Drew McKissick — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:31:30 -0400

I'm up in Minneapolis for the Republican National Committee meetings this week, leading up to next week's convention and will be blogging daily while I'm up here. I've also set up a Twitter feed (sign up here) so I can pass things along between trips to the hotel room...and a Flickr feed to pass along some interesting photos. Those will be available up at the top of the homepage for the next two weeks, so check back often for updates.

For the next few days I'll be working with fellow RNC members to try and reform our primary schedule for the 2012 primaries and beyond. The general consensus is that, with so many states continuing to rush to the front of the calendar in each cycle, we're moving towards what will soon be tantamount to a national primary - which pretty much everyone agrees is an awful idea. (I've written more on that previously here and here). The problem is getting enough states to agree on the solution.

The Rules Committee meets today, so more on that later.

In the meantime, we're having a great time watching the entertainment from Denver...and waiting to see if Bubba continues to stick it to Obama tonight.

Stay tuned.

(Don't forget, you can sign up for the daily email summary feed from Feedburner, if you'd rather have these updates sent to your inbox)

McCain Campaign Wastes No Time Following Biden Announcement

Gary Gore — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:14:37 -0400

Certainly, the folks over at John McCain's campaign already had this one 'in the can' before Obama decided on Senator Joe Biden's selection for the ticket. But, this new commercial they have just begun airing is only the precursor to the good stuff that is surely yet to come regarding the Delaware Senator.

If this was the generic, conditional ad they had prepared for the airwaves, dependant on Biden being selected, imagine what is later to come when they actually put all their resources and focus on Biden's long history into the ads!

The only way they could have improved on this initial ad regarding the Joe Biden selection is if the narrator would have stressed Biden's statements by using, "In Joe Biden's very own words...".

Indeed, we should be on the lookout for a lot more good stuff like this, which is certain to come. I am thoroughly positive this morning that conservatives all across America could not be any happier with the Veep selection by the Democrats!

Rudy to give the keynote speech

Drew McKissick — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:41:07 -0400

Just saw this from the AP:

WASHINGTON (AP) - Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will give the keynote address at the Republican National Convention next month.

First lady Laura Bush, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and John McCain's former Republican rivals will speak as well.

The theme will be "Country First" with four days devoted to service, reform, prosperity and peace.

President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and other dignitaries also get speaking roles at the convention in St. Paul, Minn.

This is probably good news, as it probably signals there will NOT be a pro-choice VP pick by McCain...given that Rudy is pro-choice, pro-gay rights, etc... It would be highly unlikely to pick a pro-choice VP and have another pro-choicer give the keynote speech. Would be too much like rubbing salt in the wounds.

Poll watch: 8/20

Drew McKissick — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:34:23 -0400

Although Zogby is not my favorite pollster...or the most reliable in my opinion...his new numbers are interesting. From Reuters:

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - In a sharp turnaround, Republican John McCain has opened a 5-point lead on Democrat Barack Obama in the U.S. presidential race and is seen as a stronger manager of the economy, according to a Reuters/Zogby poll released on Wednesday.

McCain leads Obama among likely U.S. voters by 46 percent to 41 percent, wiping out Obama's solid 7-point advantage in July and taking his first lead in the monthly Reuters/Zogby poll.

So what's been happening? McCain's been doing what we've all said needed to happen - define Obama. The guy was a blank slate. So many people supporting him because he represented "change"...just not really knowing what that meant. Well, now, McCain's campaign has been working to fill in the blanks.

One noteable turnaround that demonstrates that point shows McCain has taken the lead in "who would best handle the economy"...

McCain now has a 9-point edge, 49 percent to 40 percent, over Obama on the critical question of who would be the best manager of the economy -- an issue nearly half of voters said was their top concern in the November 4 presidential election.

That margin reversed Obama's 4-point edge last month on the economy over McCain...

And what big economic issue has dominated the news lately? Energy. Specifically, oil and gas prices. And what has been the GOP message? Drill for more...here. Now. More to the point, the GOP's done a better job pushing a "nationalistic" approach to energy...as in, we need to do more of "everything" right here in America. Politically, that's a can't lose proposition. And McCain's numbers show it.

The LA Times, Rasmussen and Gallup all have it at a statistical tie, (with a one point Obama advantage).

One has to wonder how much this kind of thing is figuring into Obama's choice of a running mate...and whether or not it's pushing him more towards a Hillary pick. (Can't imagine the "voices" in his head right now on that subject...).

As I said, Zogby not the most reliable in my book. But what his poll does show is movement...and that McCain's been doing the right things and moving in the right direction.

Obama's sure to get a bounce out of their convention next week. Of course we all thought we would be getting blown out at this point, so maybe the "bounce" won't be so big. Either way, McCain's doing the right thing by making his VP pick the day after Obama's acceptance speech. Let's just hope the "pick" itself keeps things headed in the right direction.

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More: Hot Air

Huckabee tries to stick a shiv in Romney

Drew McKissick — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:09:59 -0400

No sooner does the McCain camp let it out that they'll announce the VP pick by next weekend does Mike Huckabee pop up and pop off...from all the way over in Israel no less.

From Huckabee's blog:

Last week, there were reports that portrayed me as saying that conservative voters would be okay with Mitt Romney on the ticket with John McCain. I didn’t say that. I specifically said these things:

1. That I committed to support the ticket and would do so.

2. That many conservatives would have a problem with Romney and that it had NOTHING to do with his faith, but his inconsistent views. I said that I personally would still vote for McCain if he picked Romney, but thought there were many who wouldn’t, including many people who supported me. I further said I hoped he didn’t pick someone to be his VP who wasn’t. pro-life. ...

Nice. Romney could easily say the same types of things about the Huck...especially concerning conservatives who care about taxes and economics....or immigration. But there is such a thing as being classy.