Lots going on as regards John McCain, and people’s perceptions thereof. I see Jonah Goldberg [1] essentially saying ‘he’s not so bad’. I see also, by way of Billy Hollis [2] at Q&O that he’s joined a group of folks saying the same thing. Well, actually, Jonah, he IS that bad. John Hawkins [3]Right Wing News, on the other hand, has nailed down just how badly McCain will do, if he’s the nominee… without, apparently, even intending to.
The ones with the biggest objections are the ones who will never vote for a Democrat, and who, on that basis, won’t vote for McCain… Which brings to mind the biggest image issue of all; It’s true, that the differences being discussed are quite minor, but that’s the problem. It’s just how fine the lines are that are being discussed, that’s the big issue, here. Time was,a Real Republican didn’t need to split hairs. As it stands, most people can’t see any difference between John McCain, and the Democrats.
People are tired of the lesser of two evils… and the line between them getting continually thinner, even within our own party. Such is what happens when we put Party ahead of principle.
As to how this will affect the general election… the usual question gets asked, where are the conservative Republicans going to go? Is there anyone else they might vote for? The answer is, of course no. However, the translation is different than most McCain apologists make it; Certainly, they’re not going to vote for anyone else, they’ll simply sit home on election day. Given the very close votes the last several cycles, with many races being decided in the percentage range of single numbers, the outcome of such a move is lamentably predictable. It won’t take many sitting home, that day, to make the difference.
There is a long-term advantage to that happening… and this is a point I’ve been kicking around for a few days, now;
The cold hard fact is that on a policy basis, you can’t fit water between Hillary Clinton and John McCain. Both will therefore produce what will likely be the worst administration in history… and given some of the liberal greats like Jimmy Carter, that’s saying something.
But think, now; If McCain gets the WH, the Republicans will get the blame, and won’t be able to win the office of dog catcher for the next 20 years. By the same token, the reaction of the voters to a Hillary Clinton WH will be to lock Democrats out of power for the same period of time and for the same reason.
Ask yourself; why does the far leftist editorial board of the New York Times endorse John McCain? Because they see the longer term situation I describe, here. they’re always looking for the best possible deal for the leftist agenda at all turns, and in all possibilities.
The question is, assuming HIllary Clinton wins, will the Republican party get the message at that point?