How do you feel about John McCain getting the nomination?

[Poiuyt]

McCain seems to be trending upwards lately, probably because all the other Republicans are so bad. His poll averages show him at third in Iowa, first in NH and second nationally. I hadn't been too concerned about him because he looks really old and feeble and he's a war hawk, but he also has been polling well against the various Democratic candidates.

So, what are your feelings about John McCain? Is anyone here worried about him?

[ingac70]

1. I am only worried if Hillary is up against him...

If that is the case, we are for sure "screwn".....

[MADem]

6. He's equally capable of cleaning Obama's clock on the experience issue alone.

Clinton, at least, has some 'good time' on the SASC to back her up on defense issues.

[MADem]

2. I 'feel' that it is likely. He's the most sane of the bunch. Not that this says much, really.

On a personal level, he was a mean bastard in his younger years. I don't think he has the temperament for the job, frankly, but neither do the rest of the GOP field....

He probably has the best experience on that right side of the fence, of the lot of them.

He could be a worry, especially if he picks a good, balancing VP running mate.

[TwilightGardener]

8. Fortunately, there is no one on the GOP side who would be "good" or "balancing"--

they are bereft of talent. Hucky might do it, but he'd end up killing the ticket with his stupidity. Joementum said tonight he wouldn't do it. Wonder who he'd pick? Goober Graham?

[MADem]

15. Oh yeah? Here's a ticket: McCain-Collins.

Or McCain-Snowe.

All bets are off if that happens...

This one has a great resume, but a somewhat annoying voice:



This one makes Margaret Thatcher look like a wimp and could kick some serious ass:


Both are formidable, and not "bereft of talent." Both are from Maine, so they'd get the northeast vote, to say nothing of the "snowy state vote."

[TwilightGardener]

25. Eh, I don't see either of them as VP material.

What do they add to a ticket for him--being female? Moderate? What would be the draw? He doesn't need them to win the northeast--no one could be friendlier to him than states like NH and Mass already. I imagine he would go with a Governor.

[MADem]

37. A female with bona fides on the GOP ticket WOULD be news.

And Olympia Snowe, especially, is smart as a whip on appropriations issues. She's got one helluva resume. McCain has STRONG crossover appeal, and so does Olympia:

http://snowe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=AboutSenatorSnowe.Biography

The high points, but there's much more:

Olympia Snowe’s dedicated work in the U.S. Senate has garnered her nationwide recognition as a leading policymaker in Washington. In 2005, she was named the 54th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes magazine. In 2006 Time Magazine named her one of the top ten U.S. Senators. Calling her “The Caretaker,” Time magazine wrote of Snowe: “Because of her centrist views and eagerness to get beyond partisan point scoring, Maine Republican Olympia Snowe is in the center of every policy debate in Washington., but while Snowe is a major player on national issues, she is also known as one of the most effective advocates for her constituents.”

Focusing her attention on efforts to build bipartisan consensus on key issues that matter to Maine and America, Snowe has built a reputation as one of the Congress’ leading moderates. In 1999, she was cited by Congressional Quarterly for her centrist leadership, and is co-chair with Senator Mary Landrieu (D-Louisiana) of a bipartisan, consensus building group in the Senate called the Common Ground Coalition - a forum for communication and cooperation between Senate Democrats and Republicans.

Senator Snowe has worked extensively on a number of issues, such as budget and fiscal responsibility; education, including student financial aid and education technology; national security; women’s issues; health care, including prescription drug coverage for Medicare recipients; welfare reform; oceans and fisheries issues; and campaign finance reform. She has also led efforts important to Maine, including successfully working to overturn the Department of Defense’s recommendations in 2005 to close two of Maine’s military installations, a successful push for federal disaster funds in response to a devastating 1998 ice storm and the 2006 flooding in Southern Maine, increased funding for the Togus veterans hospital, reauthorization of the Northeast Dairy Compact so critical to the survival of Maine’s small family dairy farms, and opposition to a proposed federal rule that would have devastated the state’s lobster fishery.



In 2001, Snowe became the first Republican woman ever to secure a full-term seat on the Senate Finance Committee, and only the third woman in history to join the panel. The Committee is considered one of the most powerful in Congress with jurisdiction over two-thirds of the entire federal budget, because its members author tax, trade, health care, welfare, Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security-related legislation. Snowe is a member of the Subcommittee on Health Care, which oversees matters related to health insurance, Medicare and the uninsured.

As former Chair, and now Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Senator Snowe is fighting for our nation’s small businesses. Her number one priority is to give small businesses the means to provide their employees with affordable health insurance by allowing them to pool together to leverage their buying power to purchase insurance at lower cost.

A member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, she is the former Chair and now Ranking Member of its Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and the Coast Guard where she is working to pass legislation to allow Maine’s fish and fishing communities to thrive. A former member of the Senate Budget Committee, she was a key voice in establishing education as a priority within the context of the first balanced budget since 1969, and in 1999, 2000, and 2001 authored the amendment that for the first time created a reserve fund for a Medicare prescription drug benefit. She also currently sits on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

Prior to her service on the Finance Committee, Senator Snowe had been the fourth woman ever to serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee, where she was the first woman Senator to chair the Subcommittee on Seapower, which oversees the Navy and Marine Corps. Snowe is a leading voice in the Senate on issues related to women in military and shipbuilding matters.

[TwilightGardener]

39. That reads like all Senators' bios. "Third woman in history", etc.

There's lots of competent people out there. What makes her so special that she's in the running for VP (which I hadn't heard until you mentioned it)? I'm not saying it would never happen, but I get the sense that this is straight out of your imagination, or you're hoping it happens, or something.

[MADem]

44. I am not SAYING she's in the running. McCain hasn't telegraphed ANY intentions.

This IS pure speculation on my part, and no, I am NOT hoping it happens. It would be a NIGHTMARE--in fact, if it did happen, McCain would stand a great chance of WINNING.

But Olympia IS free, she ain't running again, and she's young enough (a crisp aged 60) to do the work, and old enough to make McCain look "less old." Also old enough to be seen as experienced in her own right.

If I were advising him, which I am not, and if I wanted him to win, which I do not, I'd say pick her. She's MORE than just 'competent.' She's got a mind like a steel trap. She's convincing. She can deliver a speech, she can handle herself on the fly. She has broad appeal. Men like her because she's smart and sharp, and she's not such a hottie they feel compelled to make smartass remarks about wanting to screw her--they're also a bit afraid of her, but in a Thatcheresque good way, because she reminds them of their teacher or something. Women like her for the same reason; she's smart, sharp and their husbands don't want to screw her.

She's not ugly, she's not "pretty." She's what's called, in old fashioned parlance, a "handsome woman." No nonsense, feminine enough without being insufferably girly and thus discounted in a male-biased society. So long as her husband isn't 'dirty,' (See Ferraro, Geraldine) she'd be a winner. A potential history maker with a long, long resume and a dash of ethnicity (Greek) to highlight the American Melting Pot themes that we love to trot out every so often.

[Poiuyt]

21. Lieberman also said he would never turn Republican

I'm guessing that he will very shortly. I'm also guessing that he would be McCain's running mate if asked. He would like nothing better than to stick it to the Democrats.

[TwilightGardener]

3. If it's Obama v. McCain, no prob. Hillary v. McCain--dicey.

[MADem]

10. No prob? The "experience" thing is even more of an issue with Obama v. McCain.

The "What did you do in the war?" bullshit won't quite fly, but males are held to a different standard when it comes to military service. He didn't even do a stint in the guard or reserves.

As I said elsewhere, Clinton has time on the SASC to her credit. She has that to help deflect the 'military card' if it gets tossed at her.

But what if Edwards gets the nod? He's never served, either...

[lvx35]

12. I agree. See post #11. nt

[TwilightGardener]

27. McCain is old, and he doesn't inspire, and he's been in Washington forever.

Nobody except the most diehard anti-Dem GOPers are going to vote for an emotionally unstable, war-jonesing 71 year-old nutcase over Obama. No one wants to see him die or have to take Aricept in office. He really is Bob Dole. The GOPers are resigned to him, they don't love him. They don't even like him. He earns at best a grudging respect.

[MADem]

38. Independents who vote Democratic, but "hesistate" when it comes to

anything other than a white male as the lead dog on a ticket will gravitate to him, should he find a way to prevail in the primaries and take the GOP nom. I know more than a few weak Dems who buy that "Straight Talk" bullshit.

Many people don't see him as quite as old as he actually is. And many people might not love him, but they like him better than the rest of the crazyass GOP field.

He'll take the great mushy middle IF he can be seen as the "This one sucks, that one's worse, that one is HIDEOUS...what's left? Eh...McCain..." candidate.

[TwilightGardener]

42. I am willing to bet most Indies would like the war to end. And don't

want one with Iran. Otherwise, they'd be Republicans, because the war is pretty much what defines Republicans nowadays. If Obama is our nominee, we have a guy that didn't vote for it, doesn't justify it, thought it was stupid and pointless, and will work toward getting us out. McCain hops up and down like a frothing little red-faced nutbag and screams "VICTORY OR DIE!!" Er, I don't think we have that much to worry about--not with Obama.

[MADem]

43. I've done a LOT of talking to people of all stripes and walks of life.

I take people to the polls, and other places as well, and I listen. This may come as a shock to many here who prioritize the war, but the level of interest in the war is a function of the casualty rate. Low casualties, low interest.

Interest is low nowadays.

Like it or not, it's true. Further, the "They LIKE it" excuse has reared its ugly head once more. "After all, they VOLUNTEERED for that duty..."

I have heard that, OFTEN. And not just from Independents, but from older Democrats as well.

People are worried about the economy, the weak dollar, prices for food, goods, gas, and so on, our standing in the world, but many don't relate that to the war. Most aren't sweating Iran much, they think Bush is just flat-out full of shit on that score. And that latest "Iran has no nuke program" business has put ole Persia on the way-back burner. Pakistan is the big worry since the murder of Benazir Bhutto.

McCain is seen as REASONABLE. Many believe that he'd be careful about going to war simply because he was a POW.

Now, don't beat me up because I report this. Please read carefully, and understand that I am 'reporting' and not 'endorsing.'

That's what I'm hearing. I'm not hearing ANY of that "crazy old man" shit I hear here.

[still_one]

4. I am worried about guiliani first, and mccain second

I think the MSM will push the lie that they are "mainstream"

more so for guiliani than mccain

I hope the repukes nominate hukabee. In truth hukabee truely represents what the repukes are today, batshit crazy

though so is mccain, but he is able to hide is insanity better with help from the media

[Bumblebee]

19. G would be good because he poses only a superficial threat and

people see through him fast -- but G. is done; you can stick a fork into him.

[Rowdyboy]

5. He'll be very difficult to beat....Limbaugh and the Freepers despise him though

which should make things interesting.

[Quantess]

9. Why don't they like him?

I don't get it. Is he too moderate about certain things? He sure kisses Bush's ass a lot.

[TwilightGardener]

36. He stabbed Repubs in the back, repeatedly, and was beloved by the media for doing so.

This is how they view him--and McCain-Feingold was just one more twist of the knife.

[lvx35]

13. They hate Paul, Huckabee, McCain.

They like Giuliani, Thompson. They are actually way out of touch with the American public on this count. We can beat either of those two hard.

[Truth2Tell]

7. I don't like it.

I think he might be the hardest to beat. He will certainly behave like a dottering fool in the general - but our wonderful media will likely ignore that. I think the media loves the narrative of "a maverick outsider" and that's the biggest threat. It's total bullshit but still a threat.

[lvx35]

11. McCain is worrisome.

Huckabee and Romney could be a worry against the worry Dem choices. I like anybody but Obama against McCain, I like Obama/Hillary against Romney and I like Edwards/Obama against Huckabee. Anybody we've got can beat Gulliani, Thompson.

[skipos]

14. I am surprised that so many think his losing formula in 2000 is a winning formula in 2008

My money is on Mitt.

[MADem]

18. Losing formula? That guy was knifed by the Rove machine.

He was the poster child for Dirty Tricks, BushCo Style.

That's hardly a "losing formula." That's getting shafted by members of your own party, playing unfairly.

[skipos]

28. Without the Rove tricks that he totally bent over for, he is in 3rd/4th in both IA and SC

Even if he wins the same state he won in NH, I don't see how that leads to the nomination.

[MADem]

35. This Super Tuesday business changes the dynamic. We'll see how that shakes out. NT

[David Dunham]

16. McCain looks too old and now is a weak campaigner. He'd be another Dole

[MADem]

20. Not with a fresh, aggressive FEMALE VP candidate by his side.

Chance to make history? Check.

Experience and more experience? Check.

The bullshit "balance" question (Dems and R's having different branches of government)? Check.

I don't like it, but I can see where it could appeal to some.

Don't underestimate McCain's ability to sharpen it up when he needs to...

[Bumblebee]

23. He is no Dole.

There are lots of people who respect him, even though he has almost utterly sold his soul in the past three years in order to be a viable GOP candidate. The press adores him, and that will be a factor.

[Bumblebee]

17. He is the only one who can beat a Dem nominee regardless of who that is

-- and GOP seems to have finally figured it out. That Obama would be strong against him is a wet dream. In past polling only Edwards beats him; both Clinton and Obama are either tied with him or several points behind. I still hope he won't be nominated but it looks more and more like he will...

[Hoof Hearted]

22. I think Hillary is best equipped to beat Senior Citizen Cain, aka,

Mr. WhereIsMyCane.

Next up, Biden.
Next up, Dodd.
Next up, Obama.

[LostInAnomie]

24. I think what Chuck Todd said on Hardball today is the truth.

That there really isn't that much momentum going for McCain. The media is willing him a victory in Iowa. The media's adoration of McCain will lead them to say, no matter where he places, that he is the true winner. They will then use this as a reason to talk him up until the NH primary.

Never underestimate the media's ceaseless compulsion to fellate McCain.

[TwilightGardener]

26. Yep--I heard that today, and Todd nailed it. McCain wins, even when he loses, from now on.

[Disturbed]

29. Why does the Corp Media adore McLame?

:shrug:

[TwilightGardener]

30. Because he invited them on his bus, makes jokes, and makes them

feel a little more adequate in their cowardly non-serving, non-heroic emasculated lives by rubbing shoulders with a real manly war hero.

[LostInAnomie]

34. Because many pundits come from the David Broder school of thought.

They love candidates with a "good story", that seem to "give it to them straight", and above all are "mavericks" who are not afraid to "break with the party line".

Needless to say, most pundits are shallow dip-shits who are easily snowed by ass kissing and "tough/straight" talk. Something McCain excels at.

[LostInAnomie]

31. I've been thinking that for a couple of weeks now.

Before the holiday season the media were putting out the word to be on the lookout for McCain to start surging. And they were right, in a manner of speaking. Without making any big announcements, without any debate victories, without any real campaigning in Iowa, without any money, and without and real poll shifts, they have already given McCain the win. If he places anywhere from third to fifth, he will be the story.

[Historic NY]

32. McCain = * just a different suit.

[napi21]

33. His coice for VP concerns me more than he does. I'm really afraid

he may not make it through a general campaign! I don't wish him any ill will, but he has had several bouts with cancer, and he looks so very old and tired when on the trail. I really liked him when he ran against Shrub, but he turned me off completely when he forgot all they did to him and kissed Shrubs a

a**!

[NNN0LHI]

40. He really impressed me in the first Rethug debate when every time death or killing was mentioned...

...he would begin jumping up and down like Yosemite Sam. I thought to myself, whoa there padner. Calm it down a little bit before you break into convulsions for Christs sake. Jeez.

He is more dangerous than Bush in control of our military. I think he is ate up from drinking or something.

Don

[OHdem10]

41. If McCain becomes the Comeback Kid and I think he will

anyone of our candidates will have a hard time. In the Polls only
Edwards has consistently beat him. The Media keeps pretending
Edwards is not in the race. So that eliminates him

Hilary is our last best hope against McCain and in polls
McCain bests Hilary. I still think she can pull it out.

[Desertrose]

45. NOOO! Please NO!

Google Bennet Freeze and Navajo Land Partition to see how he screwed over the Native Americans in his own state.


I don't understand his popularity at all, but it would not bode well for any Dem nominee to run against McCain.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

46. McCain is running on the war for the GOP

it could be successful for him in the Primaries, but I don't think it would translate well in a contest with a Democratic candidate. If polls are to be believed, then economic views appear to be shifting left-of-centre again and McCain will find it difficult to offer anything here as a "fiscal conservative."

[Vinca]

47. McCain seems like stale bread, but when you line up the Republican

roster, he's about the only one that has an iota of sanity about him. They've got the strangest slate of candidates in the history of politics.

[Toots]

48. I think there is a very good chance he will be the next President

I think Bloomburg will throw his hat in the ring and divide the Democratic and Republican vote and McCain will then slip in. I think Bloomburg will steal more Democratic votes than Republican but will still come up short. McCain will then pull off the miraculous victory..I think Democrats will deserve what they get for not standing up for American values..I believe America is a lost cause now. Democrats have let us down "Big Time"

[in_cog_ni_to]

49. I think people are sick to death of warmongering. Didn't Edwards beat him in the polls? Whoever the

Dem candidate is, they should use THIS picture in every ad. Talk about effective:

[trotsky]

50. Worried about McCain, not worried about ANY of the rest of them.

A lot of people have been fooled by the "maverick" crap. McCain is a conservative cretin and is committed to war in Iraq, but the media has been oh so kind to him, convincing people he's a true "independent." The endorsement from Dunderhead Joe helped that false image.

[book_worm]

51. He's the only one who worries me. I'd have preferred Mittens.

[salin]

52. its odd - at the beginning of the race he seemed laughable

and undesirable to the righties - in part due his demonstrable flip-flopping and pandering.

But after many long months of the tweedle dee and tweedle dumbers being in front and on display - suddenly McCain appears, so it would appear by changing polls, to be the 'safe and sane' candidate.

Right now, by comparison, he seems like the most serious contender from the GOP. However, all those reasons he looked so weak and feeble to the GOP still exist. I think that in the general he will be weak. Mostly because he did a turnaround after 2004 and turned his back on being a bush critic (which I think would have appeal now, with many independents) and instead became a big cheerleader, and now his policies (like all of the other GOPers) sound just like Bushjr's. That will be an incredible weakness in the general election.

[Didereaux]

53. DEMs have got to worry about that doddering senile old man...he is the ONLY threat to DEMs

[Orsino]

54. None of the GOPers has any significant charisma...

...and IMO any Dem running could beat any of theirs. McCain might be the Bob Dole of '08, if he can earn enough money. The other Republican candidates are simply buffoons.