Fred Barnes: [1]
John McCain has a problem. After winning South Carolina’s primary last Saturday, he should be the overwhelming favorite to capture the Republican presidential nomination. He’s not, at least not yet, and the reason is that he’s alienated so many conservatives over the past eight years.
Mr. McCain may become the Republican nominee anyway — in spite of thunderous opposition by conservatives including radio talk-show host Rush Limbaugh, former Sen. Rick Santorum, and American Conservative Union (ACU) head David Keene. Even then, to win the general election, he must find a way to reconcile with conservatives and unify the Republican Party.
Mr. McCain will have to take the initiative to repair the relationship, and he appears ready to do just that.
His victory speech in South Carolina marked a new step. Rather than dwell on the hardy perennials of his campaign message, national security and patriotism, Mr. McCain spoke more broadly about his conservative goals. “We want government to do its job, not your job,” he said, “and to do it with less of your money.” He praised “free markets, low taxes and small government.”
Yes, well the issue then becomes if his mouthing the right words can engender trust after so many years of running in exactly the opposite direction. In McCain we have someone who loves the ‘Maverick”” moniker more than he leans on the difference between right and wrong. In short, he seems lacking in principle, which is what the American voter is looking for.
Technorati Tags: McCain [2], principle [3], conservative [4]
Powered by ScribeFire [5].