John McCain's Double Talk Express

By: Josh
Published On: 1/30/2007 12:15:35 AM

I really want to be a fan of John McCain.  I want him to be the straight-shooting maverick that he's portrayed to be.  But the sad fact is that he's just another politician who will change on a dime (or within an hour) his positions on critical policy issues or matters of principle.

[A bit of background on this video compilation here.]

Meanwhile, McCain's outspoken support of the war seems to be cutting his support among likely voters:

McCain is now viewed favorably by just 52% of American voters. That's down from 56% earlier this month and from 59% in December. His vocal advocacy of increased troop strength in Iraq may be having a negative impact on his popularity. Just one-third of voters (34%) share McCain's view while 56% want to go in the opposite direction and reduce the number of troops in Iraq. However, 94% think the troops will still be fighting in Iraq when the next President takes office.

If John McCain loses front runner status, while simultaneously losing his mantle of principled leadership, can he win the Republican nomination in '08?

Comments



It used to be that (Chris Guy - 1/30/2007 12:33:06 AM)
he'd have a hard time winning the nomination, but would be scary in the general election. That's not the case anymore.

There's precedent to suggest that he will win the nomination because the GOP never nominates an underdog, they always go with the establishment choice. But even if he does win it, he's very beatable. Ironically, McCain is the closest to Bush as anyone in the field. Their only hope is an outsider like a Mike Huckabee.



I don't trust him, don't like him (mkfox - 1/30/2007 3:37:55 AM)
He tries to come off as the wise warrior and consensus-builder but in actuality is a polarizing old fart and spineless party loyalist whose waffling on the Iraq war demonstrates. Although he was part of the Gang of 12 who averted a partisan showdown in the Senate, the McCain-Feingold sham is a blatant attack on free speech.


SC Governor endorses Mitt Romney (Dianne - 1/30/2007 9:38:13 AM)
....once again Mr. McCain you've struck out in SC.


Do you mean Sanford? (Chris Guy - 1/30/2007 10:01:34 AM)
He backed McCain in 2000, but I didn't know he endorsed anyone in this race yet.

Romney did pick up the endorsement of Jim Edwards. But he was Gov. back in the 70's.



You beat me to it! (KathyinBlacksburg - 1/30/2007 10:36:27 AM)
I had started a post on this yesterday, but you got done ahead of me.  Nothing like an unscheduled Home Depot trip for a surprise home repair to mess up an evening's plans! :-)

Anyway, thanks Josh.  I disagree with one statement, though.  I don't want to be a fan of John McCain.  Never did.