Posted on 01/31/2008 7:16:23 PM PST by bshomoic
Republican Discontent: Conservatives Dislike McCain, Mistrust Romney
GOP Contenders Fight for Nomination but Party Faithful Not Satisfied
By JAKE TAPPER
Jan. 31, 2008—
For the last year, conservative Republicans have been unhappy with the Republican field. But some pundits predicted that eventually the party would coalesce around someone.
Now the field has been winnowed down largely to two candidates -- Sen. John McCain of Arizona and former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts.
Nevertheless, the discontent remains.
McCain's Conservative Credentials
Thursday, California's Republican Gov.Arnold Schwarzenegger praised McCain for working with Democrats.
"He is reaching across the aisle in order to get things done," the popular actor turned governor said when endorsing McCain in Los Angeles.
But that ability -- which in part earned Schwarzenegger's endorsement -- hurts McCain with conservatives.
"So [McCain] just got the endorsement of a big taxing, big spending, socialist health care eco-extreme governor who says the Republican party needs to follow him to the left," conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh said on his radio program.
Conservative on most issues, McCain is resented for opposing the Bush tax cuts, backing immigration reform, and support for taking action on global warming.
"Those views are outside the mainstream of Republican conservative thought," Romney blasted during the most recent -- and perhaps last -- Republican primary debate Wednesday.
"Let me just say I'm proud of my conservative record," McCain shot back.
Questioning Romney
And while Romney claims conservative credentials -- that assertion is undercut by his own record.
"I was an independent during the time of Reagan-Bush. I'm not trying to return to Reagan-Bush," Romney said during his unsuccessful 1994 Senate bid against Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Ted Kennedy.
Six years later, in 2002, Romney sounded as if he favored abortion rights.
"I will preserve and protect a woman's right to choose," he said, while campaigning in a successful bid for governor of Massachusetts.
Two Man Race
Either Romney or McCain will almost certainly be the Republican nominee despite an early challenge by former Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas. But across the nation, conservatives are simply not satisfied.
The lunchtime crowd at Gabriel's Desserts in Cobb County, Ga., lacked an appetite for either candidate.
"I'm not happy with anyone in the field," said Toby Toler, who identified himself as a Republican voter.
There was a similar lack of hunger at the Avalon Diner in Houston.
"I haven't seen a leader in the entire Republican group," said Andy Abercrombie.
With dislike of McCain and distrust of Romney, some say only one candidate could unify and energize conservative voters: Hillary Clinton.
But conservative activists warn the nominee ignores their concerns at his own peril.
"Every time the Republican candidate has not had the enthusiastic support from the base of the Republican party they lose, no matter who the opponent is," said Richard Viguerie, a conservative activist and author.
McCain's 96-year-old mother, Roberta, said the Republican base will ultimately accept her son, the front-runner.
"I think holding their nose they're going to have to take him," she told C-SPAN recently.
www.ronpaul2008.com
Roberta ain’t got a clue.
There’s the whole deal, folks. The Republican establishment has decided to treat conservatives like the Democrats treat black voters. Shame on us if we let them.
First accurate ABC headline of 2008.
Ron Paul doesn’t cut it either.
Looks like “electability” is going to be a problem for whoever wins the nomination.
ABC Can Shove It. Go Mitt.
If the GOP was going to check Conservative credentials at the end of the process why didn’t they look in the beginning and pick Hunter or Thompson?
ARGHHHHHHH!!!!!!
I may not trust Romney as much as I would like to but I absolutely hate McCain. I think even his own mother will have to hold her nose to vote for him.
And it's not just FR, it's ALL of the media conservatives and pundits. They exclude Paul's name but tell us to get behind Romney or else.
Usually the networks don’t have a clue how Republicans are thinking. But this is pretty much on the money, which I find pretty surprising. No shilling for McCain or pretending that Republicans like him. Or that they like Romney a whole lot better.
What are the chances that we can deadlock the convention and draft Fred?
The sad thing is that the current crop of RINOs are supposedly playing to the right for the primaries. I hate to think what the center will look like when we get a nominee.
But wait! I thought all of Paul's supporters were leftists and moonbats! So how are we helping to elect McCain then?
In this case, ABC is correct. It's a wacky world for sure.
Go Mitt, go away.
I DON'T TRUST HIM either.
The GOP needs to take a MAJOR Mulligan for this election. Throw all the bums out and find some REAL conservatives.
McCain’s 96-year-old mother, Roberta, said the Republican base will ultimately accept her son, the front-runner.
“I think holding their nose they’re going to have to take him,” she told C-SPAN recently.
___________________________________________________
The four remaining contenders in the Republican field all have an army of opposition for vARYING REASONS...
So let’s look at their Mom’s for guidance in our choice of nominee for POTUS..
McCain likes to transport his aging mother around on the camopaign trail..
But if your own mother wont vote for you without reservations, you’re in trouble...
And Romney’s mother was pushing abortion years before Roe V Wade...
So he wont be attractive to conservative voters....
That just leaves the other two GOP candidates in the Battle of the Moms..
I gather Dr Paul’s Mom is no longer with us...
So, does Mike Huckabee’s Mom love him ???
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.