Bush endorses McCain 'who won't flinch'

The Bush/Cheney crime family endorsement should be about as welcome as a porcupine at a nudist retreat.

How sad are McCain's chances this fall?

He's practically running unopposed and barely cracked 50% in Texas and in his home state of Arizona.

Bring it on GOPer's, Barack or Hillary both will kick that old man's butt...

WASHINGTON — Senator John McCain likes to present himself as the candidate of the "Straight Talk Express" who does not pander to voters or change his positions with the political breeze. But the fine print of his record in the Senate indicates that he has been a lot less consistent on some of his signature issues than he has presented himself to be so far in his presidential campaign.

Mr. McCain, who derided his onetime Republican competitor Mitt Romney for his political mutability, has himself meandered over the years from position to position on some topics, particularly as he has tried to court the conservatives who have long distrusted him. His most striking turnaround has been on the Bush tax cuts, which he voted against twice but now wants to make permanent. Mr. McCain has also expressed varying positions on immigration, torture, abortion and Donald H. Rumsfeld, the former defense secretary.

The article points out that McCain has reversed course on several key issues as he has tried to gain the support of the Republican base. To summarize the article:

On tax cuts...

In 2001, McCain voted against Bush's tax cuts, saying "I cannot in good conscience support a tax cut in which so many of the benefits go to the most fortunate among us, at the expense of middle-class Americans who most need tax relief." He also voted against additional tax cuts in 2003, later saying that "I just thought it was too tilted to the wealthy, and I still do."
Today, McCain wants to make those tax cuts permanent.

On immigration...

In 2005, McCain supported comprehensive immigration reform, which included a pathway to citizenship.
Now, he claims that "if his original proposal came to a vote on the Senate floor, he would not vote for it."

On abortion and Roe v. Wade...

In 1999, McCain said that he would not support overturning Roe v. Wafe "int he sort term, or even the long term," because that would "force X number of women in America" to undergo "illegal and dangerous operations."
Today, McCain has campaigned on overturning Roe v. Wade.

On his revisionist history regarding Donald Rumsfeld...

In 2004, McCain refused to call for Rumsfeld's resignation, saying that Bush "can have the team around him that he wants around him." In 2006, retired generals called for Rumseld's resignation, but McCain did not.
Now, while running for president, McCain has claimed that "I’m the only one that said that Rumsfeld had to go." The article notes that "[t]he campaign has since acknowledged that Mr. McCain was incorrect, and more recently the senator has stopped short of claiming he called for the defense secretary’s ouster."

On torture...

McCain has traditionally been against torture, citing his experience as a POW for his decision.
Now, McCain voted last month "against a bill that would require the Central Intelligence Agency to abide by the restrictions on interrogating prisoners outlined in the Army Field Manual."

In his decades in office, McCain has an average party unity score in the low 80s. Since he has campaigned for president, his party unity score has skyrocketed (link, link).

2005: 81%
2006: 76%
2007: 90%
It's refreshing to see members of the press taking a closer look at John McCain's disparate record instead of taking his "maverickness" at face value. And while it was expected that McCain would pander to the right to get the GOP nomination, the sharp turns on the "Straight Talk Express" listed above are sure to be a problem for him in the general election.

John D is the only man who can carry the Republican torch and defeat Dicky Durbin the Turbin. Look for him at campaign rallies near you!
http://www.ecpzone.com/images/article/1194021072170_f1_2.jpg

Portions of the transcript previously omitted:

Bush: John really does have a heart. I mean I would have dumped that illegitimate child of color long ago, but John said let's go ahead and keep her. That's the kind of compassion needed in these dangerous times.

McCain: Thank you sir for those kind and wise words. I never cease to be amazed by your insight. By the way, you'll be pleased to know that I shined up your cordovan wingtips real pretty -- not that "spit shine" I learned about in flight school.

Bush: You're a genuine service to the President, John. To show you my gratitude, if your daughter's also interested in making some extra money, there's a tenner in it for her if she washes the mountain bike real pretty.

McCain: May God continue to bless you sir, and thank you for shining your countenance about my miserable person.

As the Viet Cong can attest, he will not bend and he will not break. And he'll stand up for America's security and interests.

As the Viet Cong can attest...,

Posted by: Jeff | March 5, 2008 3:25 PM

He also likes cigarettes, cookies, tea, and oranges. McCain was very thankful when they brought these items and was happy to share 5 years worth of secrets.

Back off of McCain. He's got more to show for his service to this country than any of you ever will. If you disagree with him on policy, fine, but he deserves your respect for what he was put through. And he use his service as a political pole vault like John Kerry did all the time! So I think he has a lot going for him character wise.

So does that mean that Bush no longer thinks that McCain fathered a black baby, or does it mean he just doesn't care now that he's President?

Back off of McCain. He's got more to show for his service to this country than any of you ever will.
Posted by: Steve S | March 5, 2008 3:38 PM

Your partisan pick of vets is very telling. Reap what you sew....Steve.

Back off of McCain. He's got more to show for his service to this country than any of you ever will. If you disagree with him on policy, fine, but he deserves your respect for what he was put through. And he use his service as a political pole vault like John Kerry did all the time! So I think he has a lot going for him character wise.

Posted by: Steve S | March 5, 2008 3:38 PM

Stevie Wonderboy

Hmmmmmmmm, you're right, why don't we take a look a Mr Straight-Talk's "fine" character, shall we?

"McCain's Out of Control Temper is his Own Worst Enemy"
By LIBBY QUAID, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Temper, temper.
Republican John McCain is known for his.

He's been dubbed "Senator Hothead" by more than one publication, but he's also had some success extracting his hatchet from several foreheads

full story
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1972617/posts

McCain is just like the current Republican Prez Chimpy, he throws a little temper tantrum everytime he doesn't get his way.

I respect McCain and his service to our Country. However, do we really want another 4 more years of the same as we got with Cheney and Bush?

John McCain = 4 more years of Bush

Back off of McCain. He's got more to show for his service to this country than any of you ever will. If you disagree with him on policy, fine, but he deserves your respect for what he was put through. And he use his service as a political pole vault like John Kerry did all the time! So I think he has a lot going for him character wise.

Posted by: Steve S | March 5, 2008 3:38 PM

Sorry Steve, McCain's military service does not get him any more respect or any less criticism than any candidate for President. Military service does not entitle you to a superior form of citizenship.

Not too worried about Hillary or Barack. McCain is going to win in November, I'm not worried at all.

"As the Viet Cong can attest, he will not bend and he will not break. And he'll stand up for America's security and interests.

Posted by: Jeff"

Meaning what - that he's incapable of change? That's the problem with our current Great Leader. And speaking of the Bush, he says McCain wont flinch - is he speaking of his reflexes?

Ahh... Bush gets to defeat McCain's chances at the presidency AGAIN ....

Wow, it's amazing to see people jump all over Steve S because he's being respectful of John McCain. I agree with him. If you don't like him, don't vote for him. But posting things to the tune of "We shouldn't respect his years of service because he has a hot temper. Oh no!" is childish.

So, just because Mccain was a tortured POW qualifies him to be president?

Are the people of Iraq his new Gooks?

Go home old man. Your time is over.

I only want to ask Sen.McCain what could possibly have changed his mind about supporting Pres. Bush's continued inequality to our lower and middle classes.

Steve S:

Please do tell us about your service in Fallujah. Or shut your chickenhawk pie hole. You don't become a tough guy -- much less a patriot -- merely by talking about tough guys. I may not like McCain but I'm very confident he can defend himself without help from cowards like you.

Bush's endorsement of John McCain is proof-positive that, despite all of the rhetoric to the contrary, the GOP does, in fact, support human cloning...

Please visit my anti-war website, www.shockedandawful.com

How can anybody in their right mind vote for a Republican for anything never again. They drilled this once great country into the ground. It's an empty shell, they've broken, stolen or spit on everything that made America great. We need to rebuild how can trhey be trusted to lead again?

McCain nots perfect but he
has proven service.

I Hope he will do the following once he wins.

Keeps the Tax cuts.

Builds a fence and enact some kind of guest worker program.

Sees the wisdom of having a base in a free and democratic Iraq.

Creates a market driven health care plan that covers everyone

I can't imagine anything worse for the country then a flaming liberal to get in and try creating the United Socialists States of America.

Old John E. sure went to a lot of trouble to keep the record on McCain. One could only wish that he could get his head out of the proverbial sand to make some parallel observations on Obama and Hillary. The real problem with this presidential race and this nation is that there are so many John E. voters (on both sides) who actually hate Bush or McCain or Billy or Hillary or Obama.

It is that polarization and that hatred that drowns out our need to bring all sides to the table. When the dems quit hating Bush and the republicans quit hating Billy and our political leaders quit drawing lines in the sand, they may have time to worry about the problems of our nation. That is to say nothing of the billions in tax dollars wasted with Beltway political posturing.

It does not take rocket science to know that there are major differences between Bush and McCain. When voters like John E. give it a rest and give up being the poster child for ideological insanity, then radio jokes like Rush and Cunningham will just go away. Yes, go on, say it! Don Quixote never died!

LOOK! THE SAME STUPID GRIN

McCain and Bush know just what they're doing. Bush has 70 percent favorable ratings among Republicans from whom McCain will get his financing and Bush is the most prolific fund raiser in GOP history. He is ultra popular with those who put security of the country first and foremost. Democrats don't like him, surprise surprise, accounting for his lower overall ratings. Hillary has 50 percent negative polls, people who say they will not vote for her under any circumstance. Obama is a blank slate, but count on it that it will be filled in between now and November if the Clintons don't sabotage him in the next 3 months. The Clinton detectives are hard at work, believe it. McCain, in the meantime, has demonstrated popularity among Republicans, Democrats and Independents.

Oh JohnE.

Give it up...we all know your a waste, except for C.Morris and bill r.

How's things in Iraq JohnE?

Is Dale Peter's son ok?

**LOL**
Paulo

Alternate caption;

'♬ War! UH! What is it good for?!
Absolute 'Base' support!♪
Say it again! Yeah!'

Yes, he hasn't flinched these past years while saying "Yes Mr. President, Yes Mr.President,..."

McCain has already announced he doesn't know anything about anything but war. I'm grateful for his service to our country, but we need someone in office who can do something besides decide to bomb other countries.

Alternate Caption;

(From Bush to McBush)
'And above all, protect country club exclusivity....'

Obetwo says,

"I Hope he will do the following once he wins.

Keeps the Tax cuts. = more deficits

Builds a fence and enact some kind of guest worker program. = over under around by water.

Sees the wisdom of having a base in a free and democratic Iraq. = 100 years in Iraq

Creates a market driven health care plan that covers everyone. = the present system has disproved this theory, in spades.

I can't imagine anything worse for the country then a flaming liberal to get in and try creating the United Socialists States of America. = I can; 8 more years of McBush.

Hmmm no mention of how McCain was LATE to the meeting today or how Bush literally tap danced while waiting. How much can such an endorsement be worth or valued?

How could McCain "want" or "need" Bush's endorsement. It's political suicide if you ask me. The average citizen is drowning in mortgage issue's and fuel issue's, $104.00 a barrel for oil... is Bush padding his coffers?

While I admire Obma's spunk, Clinton has the experince. Obma can't change anything, only Congress can... is he in a dream world like Bush?

On the issue of guest workers:
We have an unemployment rate right? It's hovering around 5%, right?
How about no more guest workers until our unemployment rate is negligible?

Just my €.02.

How many more years of innocent prisoner's held & tortured at club Gitmo before they earn our respect?

Some comments on Cmorrises comments

Keeps the Tax cuts. = more deficits

"Tax cuts didn't create the deficit - 9/11, the war and the tech stock market bubble bursting caused it"

Builds a fence and enact some kind of guest worker program. = over under around by water.

Well we can probably stop that too. It would be better then nothing.

Sees the wisdom of having a base in a free and democratic Iraq. = 100 years in Iraq

We don't need to be there a 100 years, But if I had to chose between having troops in Japan or South Korea, Germany or Iraq . I'd put them in IRAQ cause the next war will be near Iraq.

Creates a market driven health care plan that covers everyone. = the present system has disproved this theory, in spades.

Hardly, When people don't know and don't ask what the treatment is going to costs and doctors can't tell you what they charge for it, then it ain't market based.

Health care is broken because it isn't market based and if you love government health care then you would loved the USSR health care.

I can't imagine anything worse for the country then a flaming liberal to get in and try creating the United Socialists States of America. = I can; 8 more years of McBush.

I'd be very pleased to have 8 more years of Mcbush. Properity for most, low inflation, low interest rates, low unemployment, higher scores on children tests, Freed 2 countries, provided prescription coverage for millions, Appointed 2 great judges, provided funding for countries stricken with aids and brought respect back to the white house, etc...

We don't need to be there a 100 years, But if I had to chose between having troops in Japan or South Korea, Germany or Iraq . I'd put them in IRAQ cause the next war will be near Iraq.
Posted by: obetwo | March 6, 2008 1:15 AM

The NEXT WAR...say it again...NEXT WAR. The people that support McBush know what this election is about. I only hope the rest of America know this. I'm too old and have served already. My sons are old enough and probably wouldn't get drafted. I hope you or your children are ready for this NEXT WAR.

“somebody who won’t flinch in the face of danger”

In other words, somone who will act out irrationally and jump to conclusions. Just like Bush. Instead of thinking things over like a rational and intelligent human being.

The NEXT WAR...say it again...NEXT WAR. The people that support McBush know what this election is about. I only hope the rest of America know this. I'm too old and have served already. My sons are old enough and probably wouldn't get drafted. I hope you or your children are ready for this NEXT WAR.

I hope so too.

McCain will hopefully get us prepared for it.

The NEXT WAR...say it again...NEXT WAR. The people that support McBush know what this election is about. I only hope the rest of America know this. I'm too old and have served already. My sons are old enough and probably wouldn't get drafted. I hope you or your children are ready for this NEXT WAR.

I hope so too.

McCain will hopefully get us prepared for it.

The NEXT WAR...say it again...NEXT WAR. The people that support McBush know what this election is about. I only hope the rest of America know this. I'm too old and have served already. My sons are old enough and probably wouldn't get drafted. I hope you or your children are ready for this NEXT WAR.

Posted by: bill "hussein" r. | March 6, 2008 7:50 AM

Absolutely correct. And how do you suppose the pictures of Ahmadinejad playing "nice-nice" in Baghdad did for that? It'll be bombs-away on Tehran the day he takes office. Destroying our military readiness even further for real threats and attacks in the future. Which Bush has already done, of course.

Absolutely correct. And how do you suppose the pictures of Ahmadinejad playing "nice-nice" in Baghdad did for that? It'll be bombs-away on Tehran the day he takes office. Destroying our military readiness even further for real threats and attacks in the future. Which Bush has already done, of course.

"Real threats and attacks"

I take it you don't see Iran and Syria as real threats. If not them who?

Please don't say Bush.

Our Military is hardly destroyed, and McCain bombing Tehran on the day he takes office? geez what an exaggeration.

The next war will be near there. Iran, Syria, someone will attack Israel or us and we will defend ourselves.

Ahmadinejad believes and has stated publicly several times that the destruction by fire of Israel is the beginning of their prophecies and return savior coming true.

I believe he believes that and would welcome it.

On the issue of guest workers:
We have an unemployment rate right? It's hovering around 5%, right?
How about no more guest workers until our unemployment rate is negligible?

Just my €.02.

5% is neglgible.

There are always some looking for a new job, some looking because of technology changes and some that are out of work by choice.

and we have 5% even though there are 11,000,000 in our country. Let's get em on a guest worker program so they can be monitored, taxed, and brought into our society in a somewhat legal way. I didn't say let's make them a citizen, they need to wait at the back of the line for that.

On the issue of guest workers:
We have an unemployment rate right? It's hovering around 5%, right?
How about no more guest workers until our unemployment rate is negligible?

Just my €.02.

5% is neglgible.

There are always some looking for a new job, some looking because of technology changes and some that are out of work by choice.

and we have 5% even though there are 11,000,000 in our country. Let's get em on a guest worker program so they can be monitored, taxed, and brought into our society in a somewhat legal way. I didn't say let's make them a citizen, they need to wait at the back of the line for that.

Boy you people are rather dumb sometimes. I stand up for McCain and you attack me like an angry squirrel. I simply ask to show an embattled war hero some respect for his service, and you people think I'm demanding you vote for him. What I said was respect his service and disagree with him as a person. There is a big difference if you'd actually try using an open mind. You're a bunch of anti-patriotic bigots. John Kerry used his 'service' as a political crutch. I hardly hear John McCain use his long service as a launch pad for his political career and he deserves our respect.

How do you know I didn't serve in fallujah? even if I didn't, it doesn't make me a coward... in fact, you'd probably spit in my face if I did. Make up your mind, ablinkin, you petty fool.

Absolutely correct. And how do you suppose the pictures of Ahmadinejad playing "nice-nice" in Baghdad did for that?
Posted by: syj | March 6, 2008 9:34 AM

syj...That brings up another good point. With akmed dinnerjacket making nice with Iraq, why would anyone believe that these people will be friends with the US after we spend blood and treasure on them?

You're a bunch of anti-patriotic bigots. John Kerry used his 'service' as a political crutch. I hardly hear John McCain use his long service as a launch pad for his political career and he deserves our respect.
Posted by: Steve S | March 6, 2008 10:32 AM

You can't see the forrest for the trees. You have got to be kidding that McCain hasn't used this politicaly. Of course he has, and well he should. But the fact remains you guys dumped on kerry so why should that not be different for McBush?

Steve S:

You're a big war supporter yet you do not serve. That leaves open these explanations:

1. You think the war is important but it's only important enough for other Americans to die in.

2. The above is not correct. You think this is an important struggle but lack the courage to help out.

You're a worthless punk who tries to be a tough guy by purporting to associate yourself with people like McCain who made actual sacrifices for their country.

I certainly would not spit in your space if I saw you. My drool is too valuable.

McCain will hopefully get us prepared for it. = Bush has ruined military readiness.

How would you know I'm a "big war supporter"? You have no idea and are simply inflammatory.
And how do you know if I am even physically qualified to serve (not that you care)? I support the work our troops do greatly and whatever you say matters nothing. You don't have to serve directly to support a war. that a terrible argument.

Ablinkin won't even use his real name. And I'm the worthless punk? You don't even know what you're talking about. sit down and go back to your internet porn before you get in over your shallow little head.

[quote]
Bush has 70 percent favorable ratings among Republicans

Posted by: Jerauld | March 5, 2008 5:49 PM
[/quote]

And he has just a 19% approval rating from ALL Americans.

There's a lot of criminals in the US. That expecially includes mindless creatures who support Hitlerian monsters like Bush and McCain and drum for war. They are the first ones who should experience the bombs and chemicals dropped on them and their families, their children spitting blood while the mountains of limbs of women, children and old people pile up around them. They should experience the dark agony of despair, destruction, starvation and carnage only to satisfy the bloodlust and sadistic hedonism of a depraved invader. If they resist they should be labelled terrorists.