The realities of John McCain
With John McCain the presumptuous nominee of the Republican party, it would appear that he is in a noose of his own making. For years, McCain has been the “champion” against special interests and for campaign finance reform. The McCain-Feingold bill has been championed as what was needed to clean up the fiasco we call campaign finance, but in reality, it has been the bill that has effectively muzzled candidates such as Mike Huckabee and made it practically impossible for them to campaign for President. They have stacked the deck against the little guys and for the big money donors that people like Mitt Romney value so dearly. More about that in a moment.
According to NPR’s Morning Edition, John McCain is trailing both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in fundraising. Because of that, he is facing the reality of fundraising and his campaign is working on exploiting loopholes in the campiagn finance system. These are loopholes that McCain has previously tried to close. It seems that what is good for the goose is not good for the gander, at least with McCain. (NOTE: The audio for the NPR story will be available after 9:00 AM.) Now, about Mitt Romney.
There has been quite a bit of discussion on this blog and others, about whom John McCain would choose as his running mate for the general election. I personally think Mike Huckabee would make a great Vice-President, but I am beginning to believe, along with One Mom, that it would be a mistake for Huckabee to be on the ticket with McCain. That mistake would have greater ramifications for Huckabee, simply because it would damage him for 2012. That being said, I am beginning to believe that Mitt Romney will be McCain’s choice. This choice is not because of any special love McCain has for Romney. It was very clear during the campaign that there is no love lost between the two. They simply do not like each other very much at all. However, this is another reality that has hit John McCain right in the face. It has to do with fundraising, you see.
The NPR story doesn’t mention Mitt Romney, but I believe a deal may have already been struck to save a place on the ticket for Romney. Despite all of his position changes, Romney does bring one vital positive to the campaign. He has access to a lot of money and I believe his donors are waiting for an announcement by McCain that his choice for Vice-President is Mitt Romney. When that happens, the money will start pouring in and McCain’s fundraising problems will be over.
Once the fundraising problems are solved, there is one last reality that John McCain will have to face and it is one that I do not believe he will be able to overcome. If the Republican ticket is McCain-Romney, the social conservatives are going to desert the Republicans in droves. For far too long, they have been ignored and shoved to the sidelines with empty promises. With a candidate such as Mike Huckabee shunned as he was by the Republican establishment, those empty promises are not going to gain the support the Republicans need to win in November. Simply put, that particular ticket doesn’t stand a change of winning against either of the Democratic candidates in the general election. That’s just the reality of the situation. The truth sure does hurt sometimes.
That’s my take!
Larry
Other than Giuliani, I believe Romney is the only one of the former candidates that I’ve seen on the trail with McCain, and money seems the likely reason why. Last night on Huckabee’s teleconference, he said that he has contacted McCain’s campaign for “marching orders” regarding Huckabee going out on the trail for McCain. But alas, not a peep has come out of McCain.
I am currently doing some investigating into Bob Barr for President. (Former Georgia rep. congressman, now seeking the libertarian nomination because of his utter disgust with the GOP).
I feel that Mitt Romney would be by far the best V.P. choice for John McCain. He will tear the Democratic V.P. to shreds in the debates. If John McCain unleashes him the way that it is traditionally done, (let the V.P. choice be the attack dog, so the Party nominee can appear Presidential and stay out of the fray.) he will bring out some much needed questions that are screaming for answers. There are many, both Obama and Clinton have more baggage than Kennedy International Airport. Here is an excellent article that sheds more light on why McCain should choose Mitt Romney. http://saywhatyoureallymean.blogspot.com/2008/03/why-john-mccain-should-pick-mitt-romney.html
I will be one of those conservatives that sit out IF McCain chooses Romney. While I would love to see Huckabee on the ticket – I’d still vote if there was a conservative (any conservative) on the ticket. Romney is NOT a conservative. Just as the almighty dollar is going to buy his way to VP slot – Romney also had to pay for conservative votes – do the research. He was pro-choice & supposedly switched BUT after the supposed ‘change’ in conservative belief here he still created the Commonwealth Mandatory HealthCare system that had a co-pay for an abortion for $50. DOESN’T LOOK LIKE PRO-LIFE TO ME! He also allowed the Judges in MA to make a law to allow Gay Marriages & then said he had to sign it cuz he had no other choice. The MA consitution is CLEAR the Judicial Branch has NO authority in MAKING NEW LAW regarding marriage! (Just like in CA Swartzennegar is just as outraged over the CA Judicial system trying to outlaw homeschooling – I heart Arnold S. say he would veto that for they had NO authority to do that! I hope Arnold S. continues to excercise his AUTHORITY over such unlawfulness & Romeny should have done the SAME!) Many attorney’s advised him not to do it & he still did it – going back to his secret pack w/ the Gay Log Cabin Group! He is absolutely NO different than Barack Obama! NO DIFFERENT!! He is an opportunist. While he has had to PAY people to pump up his supposed Converatism – he also really has NO idea on the economy – do the research yourself & find out how he REALLY left the state of MA!! Don’t just listen to the pundits & assume they did all the great research FOR you cuz trust me – they DIDN’T & has ‘sugar coated’ the realities!! Hmmm…Why… has to be $$$$.
Mitt cannot be trusted – I will be one of those conservatists who sit out. I cannot vote w/ Mitt on the ticket.
I’ll actually enjoy watching George Soro’s $40 MILLION in attack ads against McCain AND Romney — I’ll actually enjoy seeing how TARRED & what other DIRT comes out on Romney & sit back & laugh at those that believed the PAID OFF PUNDITS like Limbaugh, Ingraham, & Hannity (for sure… I’m certain there is a $$$ Trail somewhere & I’m certain George Soros & his organizations will find it).
In that case – I’m THRILLED now that Mike Huckabee will be SPARED from such attacks as we will see this election. And I’m beginning to think as much ad I’d love to see Mike on the ticket – it would be best if he wasn’t. I’ll get more entertainment at how many lies Romney gets caught w/.
Romney on the ticket will assure Obama a victory. There is no different between the two deceitful men!
The real reality of McCain:
“You can have your Tiger Woods, we’ve got Senator McCain.“
I’m trying to think of a non-racist explanation for the comment, but I’m afraid nothing comes to mind.
Have to giggle every time I read, “John McCain the presumptuous nominee.” Perhaps intended, perhaps not, but I do think it fits better than “presumptive” or “presumed.”
Of course, I think “presumptuous” pretty much applies to the whole GOP establishment, especially if they try to stick us with Romney!
True conservatives trust Mike Huckabee. Romney, not so much. McCain probably shouldn’t pick a wealthy running mate. And Obama or Clinton would have a field day tearing up a McCain/Romney ticket before the election.
With Huckabee on the ticket, you get the southern states and McCain takes the more moderate and liberal states. A win in November, for sure.
Ziglet, so what is wrong with working hard and gaining wealth through the sweat of your brow? Isn’t that the American way? Why would Romney not be a good running mate because he is wealthy? I just find that argument to be so shallow and not make any sense. To me it shows Romney’s intelligence and problem solving skills which is exactly what this country needs. Also, the McCain/Romney ticket would have the Dems shaking in their boots according to Dean.
MK,
I would tend to agree about the wealthy part. There isn’t a thing wrong with being wealthy, although Romney seems to consider himself a step above most Americans and I do not believe he has a clue what most of us are going through. The main problem I have with him is how he has been consistent with his inconsistency. He can not be trusted.
Now that was a thought provoking article. Wow…That makes absolute sense! The thought of Mitt and McCain just makes me nauseas…ew…
I keep telling myself McCain isn’t this stupid but then I have to remind myself, for McCain it is all about money. I just read an article said McCain doesn’t have access to his wifes millions and millions. He actually signed a prenuptial agreement!
Money is definitely going to b the “noose” as you so aptly stated that hangs McCain.
Remaining Steadfast,
Dominique