Posted on 02/07/2008 5:58:17 AM PST by Brilliant
...Given that he and some of the other Republicans have been embroiled in a campaign to prove who is the most like Reagan, the choice of McCain is both shocking and a bit disturbing to those of us who remember the Reagan years fondly.
As a registered Libertarian and former Republican I must confess that I have utter contempt for any suggestion that McCain carries the mantle of Reagan Republicanism. If Republicans are honest -- and they remember anything about the 1980s -- they can only conclude that McCain is a militaristic socialist.
Reagan came to power at the height of the Cold War, with 45,000 nuclear weapons in the hands of the expansion-minded Soviet Empire. He managed to expedite, if not win outright, the Cold War without invading the Soviet Union in a pre-emptive war like the one McCain has supported in Iraq...
When Libya bombed a club in Europe, Reagan bombed Moammar Gadhafi's compound, but did not invade Libya. He reflagged oil tankers when Iran acted aggressively and protected this resource without invading Iran. He also rationally left Beirut when the U.S. Marines were killed...
On economic issues, just two weeks ago, McCain said, "I really don't know as much about economics as I should." Wonderful. Just as the American economy is struggling with the onset of a recession in the short run and challenges from the global economy in the long run, we have Republican voters picking someone who doesn't understand the economy?
McCain's record on economic matters confirms he is telling the truth. While Reagan pushed for the second-largest tax cuts in our history (John F. Kennedy's, as a percentage of the GDP, were the biggest), McCain voted against Bush's cut in income-tax... But he ...supported much of George Bush's enormous expansion in the welfare state...
(Excerpt) Read more at orlandosentinel.com ...
Sorry, but an entire nation should have fallen over that incident, and rivers of terrorist blood should have flowed.
Wait until the media delves deeply into that particular area of McCain’s history. People here don’t want to discuss it because it’s unseemly, but the MSM will not be so reticent. Expect payback by the MSM for the Swiftboat vets, whom they see as unfairly taking down Kerry. They’ll do their best to turn off as much of the vet vote as possible.
There aren’t a lot of Vietnam era Navy vets who are all that fond of McCain anyway.
The sad truth is that the GOP is becoming as liberal as the DNC. We are merging into a one party system.
“...but he’d also work like hell to change the Republican party.”
You get it.
“You can’t count on his selection.”
I can’t, but I am willing to wait until he makes his decision before I write him off. I’ve got nothing to lose. I think that’s our best strategy at this point. It puts the pressure on McCain to make his decision. Is he going to choose a lib, and be an also ran, or is he going to choose a conservative and salvage what’s left of the GOP base?
It’s interesting to me that McCain says to the conservatives “Let’s find common ground.” If he were truly a conservative, as he claims, he would not have to say that. On the other hand, he’s not so stupid that he would totally blow us off.
I doubt that impugning McCain’s wartime record would get the Dems anywhere. Might even backfire. It’s one thing to buckle under torture, another thing to shoot yourself in the foot so that you can get a Purple Heart, and a discharge.
The only thing they might get out of that is if they can convince us that McCain is nuts because he was tortured in Hanoi, and thus cannot be trusted with the “briefcase.”
I cannot wait for that to happen. Swift Boated by the Rats!
We’ll see. It won’t be the Dems who expose McCain, it will be the media. And while you know and I know it’s the same thing, the sheeple don’t.
We’re not just talking about what happened decades ago, either. There is also the question of what ultimately happened to the POW/MIAs that never came home, and the fact that it is a matter of public record that McCain got that information classified and sequestered at the Pentagon, information that Bill and Hill had access to for eight years, BTW. McCain’s deeds as a legislator is completely fair game and will be closely examined.
I wouldn’t underestimate the rage that the left has about the Swiftboats. They think it was all a pack of lies made up by the eeeevil Republicans to make sure Bush won. There will be payback.
While I agree that McCain has his problems and wasn't even close to my first pick, I find it a bit laughable that you believe you know more about Ronald Reagan than the woman who adored and stood beside the man for more than half a century, or know more about him than as you say "his closest disciples." When evoking the fallacious logic of 'call to authority' one doesn't typically get it exactly backwards.
They are already trying to play that card. So far, it isn’t working. The problem the Dems have with playing that card is that no matter how they play it, it looks like nothing but payback, and for good reason.
We’ll see. The Dems haven’t brought up any of this stuff yet. Hints are floating through the blogosphere, but that’s it so far. Howard Dean has stated that opposition research on McCain is ongoing and that surrogates will pass information to the media at the proper time, the proper time being right after the convention and the last few weeks of October. A 30-year-old DUI almost derailed Bush’ bid in 2000, so the MSM knows more than anybody that revelations of behavior 30 years ago do effect voting.
If anything, the accusations during a press conference should be enough to get hothead McCain to act, shall we say, most unpresidential in public. That alone could kill his chances. One way or another, the tsunami’s coming.
I got the Shamnesty robocall yesterday in Maryland. Right off the bat he promises to lead as a “Reagan conservative.”
I would not trust that lying open borders Quisling traitor no matter what he promised.
If McCain was so much like RR, Nancy would have endorsed him in 2000 instead of W. It’s also well known she was and is much more liberal than RR. No doubt, RR Jr. has a huge influence in her declining years with his father now out of the way.
“Militaristic socialist”! Really! Please spare us from the Ron Paul psychopaths.
“There aren’t a lot of Vietnam era Navy vets who are all that fond of McCain anyway.” (So says the [assuredly learned] LadyNavyVet)
_____________________________
15 December 2007
ARLINGTON, VA — Today over 100 retired admirals and generals endorsed John McCain for President of the United States at a press conference in Columbia, South Carolina. These distinguished leaders supporting John McCain come from all branches of the armed services and include former POWs, Medal of Honor recipients and former members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
John McCain was joined today in Columbia by five distinguished military veterans: Admiral Leighton “Snuffy” Smith, USN (Ret.); Vice Admiral Mike Bowman, USN (Ret.); Rear Admiral Tom Lynch, USN (Ret.); Rear Admiral Bob Shumaker, USN (Ret.); and Major General Stan Spears, USA, Adjutant General of South Carolina.
“This nation is at war and we’d better damn well understand that fact,” said Admiral Leighton “Snuffy” Smith, USN (Ret.). “John McCain understands it, and he is the only candidate that has not wavered one bit in his position regarding the importance of victory in the war against Islamic extremism or in his commitment to the troops who are doing the fighting. He has consistently demonstrated the kind and style of leadership that we believe is essential in our next Commander in Chief. Our nation faces a growing array of serious foreign policy challenges. John McCain is the ONE candidate who, in our view, truly understands the strategic landscape and is fully prepared to deal decisively and effectively with those who wish to be our friends and, importantly, those who wish us harm.”
John McCain thanked the admirals and generals, stating, “I am deeply honored to have the support of so many distinguished military leaders. I thank them for the trust they have in me, but more importantly, our nation is indebted to their service in defense of our freedom. Our next president will face two wars and an array of national security challenges around the world. My experience, knowledge and background have prepared me to confront these great challenges and lead as commander in chief from day one.”
Retired Admirals And Generals Joining John McCain In South Carolina Today:
Admiral Leighton “Snuffy” Smith, Jr., USN (Ret.): Admiral Smith retired from the Navy after over 34 years of service in positions that took him, literally, around the world. His last active duty assignment was Commander, U.S. Naval Force, Europe, Commander in Chief Allied Forces Southern Europe (NATO) and, concurrently, Commander of NATO’s first ever out of area land operation, the Implementation Forces (IFOR) in Bosnia charged with implementing the Dayton Peace Accords. As a naval aviator Admiral Smith flew carrier-based light attack jet aircraft during multiple deployments to the Mediterranean, North Atlantic, Western Pacific and Indian oceans. These included three cruises in waters off North Vietnam where he flew over 280 combat missions.
Vice Admiral Mike Bowman, USN (Ret.): Bowman spent 36 years in the Navy, attaining the rank of Vice Admiral. Highlights of his Navy career include: Naval aviator with tour tours in Vietnam and Wing Commander during Desert Storm and notable assignments including Squadron command, three Air Wing commands, Senate Liaison for the Secretary of the Navy and later Chief of Legislative Affairs, Carrier Group command, Chief of Naval Air Training and Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Rear Admiral Tom Lynch, USN (Ret.): After a 31-year career of naval service, Lynch retired in the rank of Rear Admiral. His naval service included Chief, Navy Legislative Affairs, command of the Eisenhower Battle Group during Operation Desert Shield, Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy from 1991 to 1994 and Director of the Navy Staff in the Pentagon from 1994 to 1995. Admiral Lynch graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with his Bachelor of Science degree in 1964 and received his M.S. from George Washington University.
Rear Admiral Bob Shumaker, USN (Ret.): After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1956, Admiral Shumaker attended flight training and eventually joined VF-32, a fighter squadron in Jacksonville, Florida. He was a finalist in the Apollo astronaut selection, but a temporary physical ailment prevented his selection. In 1964 he graduated with a masters degree in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and then joined VF-154 in San Diego, California. In February 1965, he was shot down on a mission over North Vietnam, was captured, and spent the next eight years as a POW. In 1973 he was repatriated and resumed studies, which eventually led to a doctorate degree in electrical engineering. As a Captain he was a government project manager for smart missiles at the Naval Air Systems Command. In 1983 he was promoted to the rank of Commodore and became the Superintendent of the Nav al Postgraduate School. At the Pentagon in 1986, as a Rear Admiral, he was responsible for coordinating the research efforts of the Navy’s air, surface, electronics and space activities. He retired from the Navy in 1989 and became an assistant dean at The George Washington University and later became the associate dean of the Center for Aerospace Sciences at the University of North Dakota, from which he retired in 1991. Admiral Shumaker’s military decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, two Silver Stars, four Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.
Major General Stan Spears, USA: General Spears is Adjutant General of South Carolina. He leads and directs the 10,500-member South Carolina Army and Air National Guard. He serves on the Board of Visitors for the Citadel, the military college of South Carolina. General Spears is the senior Adjutant General in the United States and the several territories. Born and raised in York County, South Carolina, General Spears is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he played on the football team. In 1962, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army National Guard. He served as a traditional Guard member for the next 32 years, achieving the rank of Brigadier General and assignment as Assistant Adjutant General.
RETIRED ADMIRALS AND GENERALS SUPPORTING JOHN MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT
Rear Admiral John W. Adams, USN (Ret.)
Major General Albert B. Akers, USA (Ret.)
Major General John Blatsos, USA (Ret.)
Lieutenant General Harry Blot, USMC (Ret.)
Major General John L. Borling, USAF (Ret.), POW
Vice Admiral Mike Bowman, III, USN (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Roger Box, USN (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Bruce Bremner, USA (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Thomas Brown, III, USN (Ret.)
Brigadier General Tom Bruner, USA (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Lyle Bull, USN (Ret.)
Major General George Cates, USMC (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Jack Christiansen, USN (Ret.)
Vice Admiral Edward Clexton, Jr., USN (Ret.)
Lieutenant General John B. Conaway, USAF (Ret.), Former Chief of the National Guard Bureau
Lieutenant General Matthew T. “Terry” Cooper, USMC (Ret.)
Brigadier General Robert Dastin, USAF (Ret.)
General James B. Davis, USAF (Ret.), Classmate of Senator McCain’s at the U.S. Naval Academy, Former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Europe (NATO)
Vice Admiral Walter J. Davis, Jr., USN (Ret.)
Major General Hollis Davison, USMC (Ret.)
Colonel George “Bud” Day, USAF (Ret.), POW, Medal of Honor
Rear Admiral Jerry Denton, USN (Ret.), POW, Former U.S. Senator
Vice Admiral Robert F. Dunn, USN (Ret.)
Brigadier General Russ Eggers, USAF (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Paul Engel, USN (Ret.)
Major General Bill Eshelman, USMC (Ret.)
Major General Merrill Evans, USA (Ret.)
Admiral S. Robert Foley, USN (Ret.), Former CINCPACFLT
Rear Admiral Skip Furlong, USN (Ret.)
Brigadier General Barton Gilbert, USA (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Andrew Giordano, USN (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Russell W. Gorman, USN (Ret.)
Admiral Ronald J. Hays, USN (Ret.), Former CINCPAC and CINCUSNAVEUR
Rear Admiral Robert P. Hickey, USN (Ret.)
Major General Don Hilbert, USA (Ret.)
Major General Kent Hillhouse, USA (Ret.)
Rear Admiral A. Byron Holderby, USN (Ret.)
Admiral James L. Holloway, USN (Ret.), Former Chief of Naval Operations
Lieutenant General Jefferson D. Howell, USMC (Ret.)
Major General Evan Hultman, USA (Ret.)
Major General Charles Ingram, USA (Ret.)
Admiral Bobby Inman, USN (Ret.), Former Director, NSA
Major General Harry Jenkins, USMC (Ret.)
Admiral Jerome Johnson, USN (Ret.), Former Vice Chief of Naval Operations
Rear Admiral J. Michael “Carlos” Johnson, USN (Ret.)
General P.X. Kelley, USMC (Ret.), Former Commandant, USMC
Admiral Robert J. “Barney” Kelly, USN (Ret.), Former CINCPACFLT
Admiral Frank Kelso, USN (Ret.), Former Chief of Naval Operations
Major General Phillip G. Killey, USAF (Ret.)
Admiral George “Gus” Kinnear, USN (Ret.), Former COMAIRLANT
Admiral Charles R. “Chuck” Larson, USN (Ret.), Former CINCPAC
Vice Admiral Tony Less, USN (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Frederick L. Lewis, USN (Ret.)
Admiral Joseph Lopez, USN (Ret.), Former CINCUSNAVEUR
Rear Admiral Thomas C. Lynch, USN (Ret.)
Admiral James “Ace” Lyons, USN (Ret.), Former CINCPACFLT
Vice Admiral Michael D. Malone, USN (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Daniel P. March, USN (Ret.)
Vice Admiral Edward H. Martin, USN (Ret.), POW
Vice Admiral John J. Mazach, USN (Ret.)
Vice Admiral William “Scot” McCauley, USN (Ret.)
Lieutenant General Fred McCorkle, USMC (Ret.)
Vice Admiral Denny McGinn, USN (Ret.)
Major General Ed Mechanbier, USAFR (Ret.), POW
Rear Admiral George Meinig, USN (Ret.)
Major General Robert L. Menist, USA (Ret.)
Admiral Paul David Miller, USN (Ret.), Former CINCLANT
Vice Admiral Joseph Mobley, USN (Ret.), POW
Rear Admiral Patrick D. Moneymaker, USN (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Benjamin Montoya, USN (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Douglas Moore, Jr., USN (Ret.)
General Carl E. Mundy, Jr., USMC (Ret.), Former Commandant, USMC
Rear Admiral Jack Natter, USN (Ret.)
Brigadier General Warren “Bud” Nelson, USAF (Ret.)
Brigadier General Eddie Newman, USA (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Robert S. “Rupe” Owens, USN (Ret.)
Major General Earl G. Peck, USAF (Ret.)
Major General John Peppers, USA (Ret.)
Brigadier General Maurice Phillips, USA (Ret.)
Rear Admiral David Polatty, USN (Ret.)
Vice Admiral William E. Ramsey, USN (Ret.)
Brigadier General Jon A. Reynolds, USAF (Ret.), POW
Vice Admiral David B. Robinson, USN (Ret.)
Brigadier General Wayne Rosenthal, USAF (Ret.)
Vice Admiral John R. Ryan, USN (Ret.)
Major General Michael D. Ryan, USMC (Ret.)
Brigadier General Dennis Schulstad, USAF (Ret.)
Vice Admiral James E. Service, USN (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Edward D. “Ted” Sheafer, Jr., USN (Ret.)
Vice Admiral Robert F. “Dutch” Shultz, USN (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Robert H. Shumaker, USN (Ret.), POW
Admiral Leighton “Snuffy” Smith, Jr., USN (Ret.), Former CINCUSNAVEUR, CINCSOUTH, Commander IFOR
Lieutenant General Norman Smith, USMC (Ret.)
Major General Stanhope S. Spears, USA, Adjutant General of South Carolina
Lieutenant General Hank Stackpole, USMC (Ret.)
Vice Admiral Howie Thorsen, USN (Ret.)
Colonel Leo Thorsness, USAF (Ret.), POW, Medal of Honor
Rear Admiral Ernest E. Tissot, USN (Ret.)
Vice Admiral John B. Totushek, USN (Ret.)
Major General Alfred A. Valenzuela, USA (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Lloyd “Joe” Vasey, USN (Ret.)
Brigadier General W.L. “Bill” Wallace, USA (Ret.)
Major General Gary Wattnern, USA (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Donald Weatherson, USN (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Hugh Webster, USN (Ret.)
Lieutenant General James A. Williams, USA (Ret.), Former Director, DIA
Brigadier General Mitchell M. Willoughby, USA (Ret.)
Rear Admiral Dennis Wisely, USN (Ret.)
Admiral Ronald J. Zlatoper, USN (Ret.), Former CINCPACFLT
____________________________________________________________
That just means you have a bigger target to throw at, with rotten tomatoes.
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