I Respect John McCain, And He Is Good For The GOP

It is tough for me to beat up on John McCain.  I certainly disagree on his position over the Iraq War, and find his attitude on some social issues to be far too conservative for our nation.  But I have long admired his fights over certain Congressional appropriations, his understanding about needing to combat campaign cash, and his attempt to find a real world solution to immigration concerns.

John McCain has a set of values and beliefs that is as much a part of the man, as his arms and legs.  He does not need to recreate his image, or rearrange his policy views to fit a campaign strategy.  While others seeking the GOP nomination, like Mitt Romney, have flip-flopped for votes, McCain has been a steady voice seeking support from the voters.

As I watched the Florida primary returns tonight on MSNBC  (WOW!) I was reminded by listening to Pat Buchanan that principled people who stick to their positions resonate with me.  As a result their views are taken more seriously.  Pat Buchanan and I disagree over most policy issues.  His strident brand of conservatism rubs me the wrong way, but I know that he does not waffle around an issue.  He stays true to himself.  Couple that with his shrewd political analysis, and you might understand why he is actually one of my favorite pundits on television.

John McCain’s certainty of who he is, and what he believes in, is an essential part of his bid to win the GOP nomination.  While Mitt Romney is trying out his latest new version of himself, we all know where McCain stands.  Like it or not, we know John McCain is solid and comfortable with himself.   The fact that voters continue to reject Mitt Romney is in large part due to the fact they do not like his “do anything to win the White House” value system.

While Mitt tries to mimic his  successful father politically, John McCain is making a stand not only for 2008, but for the future of the GOP.  McCain has the ability to lift the Republican Party up from a sick fascination with the religious right, and help to again make the GOP a sensible alternative to the Democratic Party.  This concern about the GOP being hijacked by the religious right is not new, nor does it come only from folks such as myself.  John Danforth, one of many members of the GOP, has urged moderation within the Republican Party. 

As a liberal blogger I am sure that sentiment may stun some of my left-leaning readers, but I know that two competent political parties that work to construct policy is the best route to addressing national needs.  After all, that is what this campaign is all about.

So while the right-wing frets about John McCain, I think there is a huge segment of America that will be tuned in, and excited over McCain as a principled nominee of the Republican Party.

I will be one of them.

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