PRESIDENTIAL PREVIEW: JOHN McCAIN

[John Benz]

note: I didn't write this, but this political review is on the money! JB

You should know that the 2008 election is an important one. For one, we are running against a party who values cowardice in Iraq, panders to every possible special interest group and threatens our nation's vibrant economy with oppressive taxes to fund a communist-style health care system. Enough about the clowns in the DNC, you know not to vote for them.

But who should you support for the Republican nomination? In a typical election cycle that question is largely rhetorical. This is not the case in 2008. True Americans who love their nation and value their Constitutional rights can only vote Republican. That being said, we have a number of candidates to choose from. How do we choose a nominee? Electability? Steadfastness in the face of inevitable opposition from the left? Willingness to work to get things done? Outstanding moral character? All of these things are important (unless you are attending the Democratic National Convention where none of these aspects are taken into account).

I am going to grade the candidates on a scale of one to ten in the following categories:

Overall Conservatism
(if you are not sure what that means I really don't know what to tell you). I will detail voting records, statements and other known affiliations that shed light on the candidate's conservative (or lack thereof) pedigree. I place high value on supporting: Gun Rights, tax reform, pro-American interests in world treaties and agreements. Opposing things like Abortion, Gay special rights, Multi-lateral agreements, Unions and any other “special interest” group score big points.

Moral and Personal strength:
These values are similar to what we support here in the Hall. Honesty, morality, bravery, courage, and most importantly a man who has a set of beliefs and gives his all to advance those ideas or more bluntly, balls.*

Electability:
Can they win a national election and save us from the reign of Super Bitch Hillary?

John McCain
The first candidate is one that I have had some serious disagreements with over the years, Senator John McCain from Arizona.

One thing that I cannot deny about John McCain is his outstanding service of our nation. He was born to a family of military leaders (his father was an Admiral in the US Navy) and throughout his life he never shied away from his strong military background. He attended the Naval Academy and graduated in 1958.

Senator McCain was a pilot in the US Navy and went sent to Vietnam in 1966. He escaped death numerous times in a unit that was known for its daring and courage. He was shot down over North Vietnam and taken prisoner. He was moved to the “Hanoi Hilton” the infamous prison camp for captured American forces. He was interrogated daily and persevered through unspeakable torture without giving in. When Charlie found out that he was the son of the US Navy Commander in the theater, he was offered release. He refused that offer and the beatings would continue. Say what you will about McCain but what he did there was simply heroic. His bravery and sense of duty cannot be questioned. He was held as a POW for five and half years. When he returned he received a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit, a Purple Heart and a Distinguished Flying Cross.

His political career began as a member of the House of Representatives in 1982. Four years later, he was elected to the US Senate and has served as a Senator since. His political stances have been questioned by some, including me, on the right. He is an advocate for same sex unions. He also opposed the Bush Tax Cuts which has proven to be a positive piece of legislation. His rating by the American Conservative Union is an 82. The ACU is an important conservative think tank and the score* is based on his record in the Senate. While I do like overall ratings I do think they can be deceiving. John McCain is a quality candidate. Is he amazingly charismatic? No. Is he a bit old to be elected president? Maybe. I will say this, if McCain were to be the nominee I would support him. Here are my ratings for Senator McCain.

Conservatism:
I rate McCain a 7. You can refer to the synopsis of his voting record below. If I were to sum up his overall positions I would say that he is a social conservative and a fiscal moderate. That is not the best combination but certainly decent. It is important to remember that Senators often have to trade votes on ancillary issues. The Senate is notorious for making things work and being less partisan than the House. As a result, senators can have a hard time being elected because their records can be distorted.

Gun Rights:
McCain has not been particularly strong in his commitment to the interest of gun owners. This is an issue where has tended to stay out of the fray. He receives a C from the Gun Owners of America but also gets low ratings from the anti-gun lobby. He seems to have a common sense approach on guns. He votes not to upset the status quo. That suits me just fine considering gun ownership is not under attack at the federal level.

Tax Reform:
Senator McCain grades out very well in the area of tax reform and fiscal responsibility. He was criticized by conservatives for opposing the Bush Tax Cut but his opposition was based on his belief in limited government and shrinking the federal deficit. He is not a neo-conservative in this area. He does see the value in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. I disagree with him but his position is infinitely more tenable than mine.

NOTE: McCain is known for his outright and unabashed support of small business. He has received perfect 100 scores from the National Federation of Independent Businesses on numerous occasions. Good Job John!

Abortion:
This will probably come as a surprise to many of* you but McCain has a perfect score from the pro-abortion groups NARAL and Planned Parenthood..that's right he got a zero! Anytime you can get a zero from a group of communists bitches like NARAL you are ok in my book. This is important considering he is not known for his outward Christianity. I don't care about the faiths of my Presidents (as long as they are not Muslims). What I do care about is their record on faith-based conservative issues. A welcome bit of news I would say.

Other Highlights:
A zero from Americans for the Arts; low scores from the ACLU ranging from 0-33; a 5% ranking by the NAACP; 0% from the Arab American Institute; 0% from the National Education Association; 0% by the Nuclear Age Association (a anti-nuclear weapons hippie group); a zero from the lesbians in NOW;

Lowlights:
A 100% rating from Bread for the World (a world hunger lobby);* a consistent pandering voting record for Mexican immigrants (probably due to his home state's astronomical Hispanic population; endorsed by the National Association of Social Workers (who gives Barbara Boxer a 100, enough said)

Moral and Personal Strength:
I give McCain a 9. He has faced tremendous personal agony while serving our nation in Vietnam. He did his duty with class and honor. I admire his opposition to President Bush on some issues. I may not agree with him on those issues but I do respect a man who is willing to oppose a politically powerful administration. He has remained free of the scandals that plague most powerful senators. I respect John McCain as a man without question.

Electability:
Senator McCain is not the most charismatic candidate. He is also quite old, McCain would be the oldest elected president. These facts are certainly not positive. I see his chances as a national candidate as average at best so he grades out as a 5 in terms of electability. I believe that he would have his hands full with Hillary Clinton, the favorite from the communist side. He would beat Obama or any other pinko the democrats run out as a nominee.

[kawbiker]

If McCain wins the nomination, I think he would pick up a Huck or Thompson to help with his charisma issue. I like the guy myself.

Take Care,
Kawbiker

[Dr X]

He is my number one guy right now. by far the most qualified and he can articulate a plan.

[flex95]

second that one

[beans]

Doesn't he want to stay in the war for a 100 years or something. No thank you.

[THUNDERGOD]

I've been watching and researching as much as possible on all the canidates. I want to be fair, but right now McCain is the one I like out of the 3. I still like Ron Paul...LOL

[Pj-Macx]

McCain is who I will be voting for...

[xb5869]

Originally Posted by THUNDERGOD

I still like Ron Paul...LOL

hell yeah, your my new friend lol
whats not to like