***UPDATE: Gary reports on his findings… I have posted his message at the end of this post.***
I have had it up to here ::: hand above head ::: with politics but I thought Bauer’s synopsis of last night and the implications of it was very good. He asks some questions at the end that I would love for you all to consider answering in the comments section or emailing Mr. Bauer your answers. I will also put my answers in the comments section.
McCain’s Win
At this point, there is no doubt that Senator John McCain is the rontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination. His victory last night in Florida gives him the much sought-after “Big Mo” (momentum) and makes it very likely that he will win most of the big delegate states next Tuesday, including New York and California. He will be endorsed by Rudy Giuliani today. Mike Huckabee will stay in the race, dividing with Mitt Romney the votes of those who are opposed to Senator McCain.
McCain’s vote last night came heavily from voters over 65, as well as voters 18 to 29 and military veterans. He also got 25% of those who described themselves as “very conservative” and 35% of those who are “somewhat conservative.” Polling continues to show that he has a significant lead over Hillary Clinton in a hypothetical general election match-up, and he could also defeat Barack Obama.
So what is a conservative to do? As you know, I liked Fred Thompson. Others are enamored with Mike Huckabee. Romney, as I noted yesterday, has key conservative endorsements too. But Fred is gone and Huckabee is dropping. McCain is clearly the frontrunner, and he can beat Hillary.
First, I think we have to acknowledge the areas where McCain has been solid. His voting record on the life issue is close to 100%. He is without peer on national security issues. His tireless support for the surge in Iraq has saved us from a devastating defeat at the hands of the jihadists. He is a fiscal conservative who has led the charge against earmarks and pork barrel spending.
On the important issue of Supreme Court appointments, he constantly points to conservative John Roberts as the model for his future appointments. In last night’s victory remarks, he pointedly mentioned his commitment to conservative judges – something I have fought for all my life.
There are problem areas, too. The immigration issue has hurt the senator, although he now says he understands that the American people want the border closed now. And he has always been a “maverick” who sometimes is out of step with the conservative movement.
So here are some questions to consider:
1. If the race in November is between Senator McCain and Senator Obama, will you: Vote for McCain; Vote for Obama; Vote for a third party candidate; or Stay home?
2. If the race in November is between Senator McCain and Senator Clinton, will you: Vote for McCain; Vote for Clinton; Vote for a third party candidate; or Stay home?
3. If you are not a McCain fan, what one thing could he do to win your vote?
I would very much appreciate your feedback as we ponder how best to advance our values in the days ahead. Thank you.
Please feel free to pass on this “End of Day” update to interested friends and family members.
If you would like to receive this update by e-mail, you can sign up online at http://www.cwfpac.com/cwf_eod
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UPDATE: Gary passes on the conclusions of those who responded.
You Have Spoken!
There was a massive, record-breaking response from you to yesterday’s survey, so forgive me for not responding to everyone personally. I was reminded, once again, as I read your responses that we have a great reservoir of wisdom and principled conservatism at the grass roots level!
Overwhelmingly, you indicated that you would vote for Senator McCain over Obama or “Billary,” and you rejected those who argue for a third party orsuggest sitting out the presidential race. You clearly understood, at the end of the day and in spite of any disagreements, the very real danger of surrendering our country to the “blame America first,” pro-abortion, pro-homosexual rights, big government crowd.
For all the talk of a demoralized conservative movement, I was tremendously encouraged by your enthusiasm. From the tone of hundreds and hundreds of messages, it was evident that many of you are chomping at the bit to vote against Hillary, eager to drive a stake through the heart of the Clinton political machine once and for all!
There is just too much at risk, from Supreme Court appointments to the threat from Islamofascism, to give the country over to the political Left and its radical allies. I still remember the darkness that descended on this city when Bill and Hillary marched into town in 1993 and proceeded to gut the military budget, raise taxes and try to put us on the path to socialized medicine.
The responses on what McCain could do to earn more enthusiastic support from you were also interesting. Many wanted a more solid commitment to conservative judges, and others cited the hope that he would endorse the Marriage Protection Amendment now rather than later.
But the number one issue cited by the overwhelming majority was illegal immigration. You expressed your strong hope that Senator McCain will reject amnesty in any form and take serious, pro-active steps to secure the border.
Just a few hours ago, I received an unexpected call from the Laura Ingraham show to go on the air and discuss with her the GOP platform and the possibility that McCain will be the eventual nominee. Like other conservative talk-show stars, Laura has been decidedly anti-McCain, and she is worried about whether the conservative platform is in jeopardy.
Here’s my take. The Democratic Party is more “on fire” and hungry for power than at any time I have witnessed in over 30 years in the Washington political wars. They have been running against President Bush not for the past year, but for the past seven years! Senator McCain, Mitt Romney or any Republican nominee will need every last Republican and conservative voter in order to have any chance in November.
The Republican nominee, in my view, will have to do three things at the convention in Minneapolis: Select a strong pro-life conservative vice presidential running mate, give a grand-slam conservative acceptance speech and retain a solid conservative platform that respects the values of the vast majority of Republican voters.
It would be suicidal for any nominee to try to move the party or the platform away from its pro-life, low tax, small government, strong national defense focus! I can assure you that we will use our influence and resources to defend that platform and our values in this critical election year.
Thank you, again, my friends, for taking the time to share your thoughts and concerns with me!
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