McCain To Jump Into White House Race

GOP Senator Tells David Letterman He'll Officially Announce Presidential Bid In April

(AP)  Republican Sen. John McCain will officially enter the presidential race — his second run after a bitter loss to George W. Bush in 2000 — with a formal announcement in early April.

The Arizona senator disclosed the timing of the long-expected announcement in a taping for the “Late Show With David Letterman” on CBS for airing Wednesday night.

“I am announcing that I will be a candidate for president of the United States,” the senator told the talk show host — and then added he would give a formal speech to that effect in early April.

There was no doubt that McCain would eventually become a full-fledged White House candidate, and he had been expected to make his candidacy official in the spring.

The 2006 midterm campaign had just ended when McCain took the first formal step toward a presidential run in November. He formed an exploratory committee and gave a speech casting himself as a “common-sense conservative” in the vein of Ronald Reagan who could lead the party back to dominance after a dreadful election season by returning to the GOP's core principles.

A political celebrity, McCain is considered a top contender for the nomination.

However, he faces strong challenges from former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who has widened his lead over McCain in popularity polls in recent weeks, and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who is little-known nationally but is drawing notice for his deft fundraising.

The other two have spent the past two months mostly campaigning while McCain largely has been tied to Capitol Hill in his role as the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, which is focused largely on the unpopular Iraq war.

McCain, a former Navy pilot who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam, has emerged as the Senate's go-to guy on Iraq. He has become President Bush's most outspoken supporter of sending 21,500 additional U.S. troops to Iraq, a position that could endear him to GOP primary voters but anger much of the rest of the electorate.

A four-term senator, McCain unsuccessfully ran for president in 2000 against Bush and has been laying the groundwork for a second run for more than a year.

Since losing that race, McCain has alternately challenged and embraced the president, building an independent reputation as one who isn't afraid to speak his mind. At the same time, he's sought to mend fences with conservatives he alienated in his first presidential run.

Should he win this nomination and then the presidency, McCain, 70, would be the oldest president ever sworn into office for a first term. Only Reagan, who was 73 at the start of his second term, was older.

[condumism]

Let the King of All Fluip-Floppers enter to show off that every Republicon is exactly the same: BORN LIARS

[joanpz]

Gawd, McCain and Guiliani - is that the best?
McCain has stooped so low to let W have his way that he won't JUMP INTO THE CANDIDACY,ONLY CRAWL!
New Yorkers have a "word to the wise" Guiliani didn't work for NY - in fact he "took the day off" 9/11/2001 - Sorry duo makes it EASY for Demos - Chuck Hagel, YOU IS THE MAN!

[scott4261]

The influence of Jerry Falwell in the early days of the Ronald Reagan's first term set the tone for the religious right-wing takeover of that is now rotting the Republican Party from the inside. To say nothing of the neo-con wing which is doing its own damage.

The moderates have largely defected to the Democratic party now, and the GOP my have to suffer the same fate as the Whigs did in the 1800s. Then a more moderate party will be able to emerge from its ashes.

The Republicans are falling on their swords for George W. Bush as we speak!

[formrusmcsgt]

The moderates have largely defected to the Democratic party now, and the GOP my have to suffer the same fate as the Whigs did in the 1800s. Then a more moderate party will be able to emerge from its ashes.
Posted by scott4261 at 09:05 PM : Feb 28, 2007

I would contend that more have become Independents than Dems, scott.

Considering the announced candidates from both parties and the need for true leadership in the next prez, I still keep thinking we may end up with Gore and Gingrich jumping in and taking the nominations.

[zootallures2]

Tough election choice for the elite. Who can look the best at doing the worst?

[dirtydog55]

Good Gawd!! McCain couldn't/wouldn't/didn't defend his own family against the Bush/Rove/Neocon slander machine in 2000. How can we expect that, as president, he will protect American families.

His flip-flopping is indicative of his 'strong desire' to be president, but, like Bush, he lacks the basic common sense and knowledge to get the job done.

[scott4261]

McCain has kissed Bush's a s s for so long that it is hard to believe he is the same "maverick" that was shunned by the party activists in the 2000 primary race.

The Republicans are dead in the water for 2008.

[scott4261]

I would contend that more have become Independents than Dems, scott.

Considering the announced candidates from both parties and the need for true leadership in the next prez, I still keep thinking we may end up with Gore and Gingrich jumping in and taking the nominations.

Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:25 PM

-----

I would agree. And I consider myself as an independent as well. I would never vote GOP (at least as the party is today), but the DLC Democrats have sold out the Democratic party so much over the years, that - even though I held my nose and voted for John Kerry in 2004 - I no longer consider myself a yellow-dog democrat either. I even voted Green and independent in many of the local area in 2006.

I would love to see a Gore-Gingrich contest! It would be such a lopsided victory for the Democrats and it would be fun to watch! I guess well have to stay tuned!

[billpl-2009]

condumism:

Republicans are not "LIARS"
Neither are Democrats
They're politicians.
Politicians simply tell you what you want to believe
If you want to believe in lies?
Then "LIARS" is what you'll get.

[dirtydog55]

Not only has he kissed Bush's arse, he flip-flopped on the religious right and, after trashing Falwell in 2000 (called him an agent of intolerance), was kissing his arse in 2006 (gave the commencement speech at Jerry Falwell's Liberty University).

[scott4261]

(2 of 2)

The Electoral College has outlived its usefulness. It was put in place so that the elite would not lose power in close elections (or for a power grab in close elections, as we found out in 2000). There is no reason why, in the 21st century, a man who wins an election (as Al Gore clearly did by 500,000 votes in 2000) should not be president.

Interestingly, a conservative made that argument to me prior the 2000 election, when the Republicans all thought the election was going to end with a popular vote for George W. Bush and an Electoral College victory for Gore. It's funny how the argument was turned on its head when the opposite happened!

[scott4261]

(1 of 2)

The Electoral College needs to be abolished. Until that happens, Americans will always be selecting "the lesser of two evils" because the "winner take all" Electoral College lends itself to a two party system.

The closest we came to an Electoral College anomaly was in 1992, when millionaire Ross Perot ran an independent campaign with his own money and nearly captured the electoral votes from Maine and a couple of other states. He didn't garner any electoral votes in the end, but he came d a m n close! The other anomaly was when Teddy Roosevelt, after having already served as the Republican president, ran on the progressive Bull Moose Party ticket in 1912. He didn't garner any electoral votes, either. But it is interesting to note that he ran against his hand picked Republican successor, William Howard Taft, and Democrat Woodrow Wilson, after an attempt to move the Republican party in a more progressive direction. The resulting split of the Republican vote denied Taft a second term and handed Wilson the first of two terms as president.

[formrusmcsgt]

I would love to see a Gore-Gingrich contest! It would be such a lopsided victory for the Democrats and it would be fun to watch!
Posted by Scott4261 at 09:47 PM : Feb 28, 2007

What if the Repubs run Gingrich and the Dems run Hillary? Still think so? I don't.

I think she could take McCain and Guiliani, but not Gingrich.

I know, I know, you'll say after Bush, any dem could win. I don't agree. I think Gore could take the field of Repubs, but not Hillary.

[scott4261]

What if the Repubs run Gingrich and the Dems run Hillary? Still think so? I don't.

I think she could take McCain and Guiliani, but not Gingrich.

I know, I know, you'll say after Bush, any dem could win. I don't agree. I think Gore could take the field of Repubs, but not Hillary.
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 10:03 PM

---------

I tend to agree with you, but my gut instinct is that Hillary will continue as the junior U.S. Senator from New York.

[formrusmcsgt]

I tend to agree with you, but my gut instinct is that Hillary will continue as the junior U.S. Senator from New York.
Posted by Scott4261 at 10:07 PM : Feb 28, 2007

Without Gore's coming in, you see Obama unseating her for the nomination? I can't see Richardson or Edwards doing it.

[formrusmcsgt]

Scott4261-

Part of why I say so is that there are a lot of women who'll vote for her just because she's a woman...in spite of the fact that she is the last person who should be considered for the job.

Look at the way the women are ga ga over Pelosi even with her demonstrated lack of good judgement just because she's the first female speaker....

[standlee5]

It's funny how the argument was turned on its head when the opposite happened!
Posted by Scott4261 at 10:02 PM : Feb 28, 2007

Which is exactly why the Electoral college has NOT outlived it's usfulness.

[scott4261]

Without Gore's coming in, you see Obama unseating her for the nomination? I can't see Richardson or Edwards doing it.
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 10:10 PM

_____

I don't agree. I've already stated on these boards that my money is on John Edwards. Having said that, anything is possible. We all thought in 1991 that Paul Tsongas was destined to be the Democratic nominee in '92 (Conventional wisdom was also that George H. W. Bush would be re-elected and that didn't happen!). In 2003, we also thought Howard Dean was destined for the 2004 Democratic nomination .

I think it is possible to have an Edwards/Obama ticket w/Wes Clark as Secretary of Defense! Of course, at this point that is pure speculation on my part. But wouldn't that be cool?

[formrusmcsgt]

I think it is possible to have an Edwards/Obama ticket w/Wes Clark as Secretary of Defense! Of course, at this point that is pure speculation on my part. But wouldn't that be cool?
Posted by Scott4261 at 10:26 PM : Feb 28, 2007

Of course, you're right about it being early, but considering that Edwards is running a distant third behind Hillary and Obama, I don't see him tearing it up by any means.

He comes across as too smooth for many. He has the baggage of being a PI attorney, and being on the losing ticket with Kerry in '06.

We'll see, but between the three I see Hillary coming out on top, personally, and to my dismay.

[formrusmcsgt]

Not to mention that, considering he was a trial lawyer, he absolutely looked like an idiot against Cheney in the '06 debates. It ain't easy to look like an idiot when Cheney is sharing the stage with you!

[scott4261]

formrusmcsgt,

First, I think Edwards is much less scripted noe than he was in 2004 (the same could be said of Gore compared to the 2000 campaign).

Just remember that NO ONE thought Bill Clinton had a chance to become the Democratic nominee, let alone win the Presidency, in 1991. A year is an eternity in American politics. Anything could happen.

And regardless of what DOES happen, 2008 is going to be a VERY interesting election year!

[formrusmcsgt]

make that the '04 debates.....

[formrusmcsgt]

And regardless of what DOES happen, 2008 is going to be a VERY interesting election year!
Posted by Scott4261 at 10:37 PM : Feb 28, 2007

Agreed. Politics ALWAYS is interesting in my view.

I am only hoping that someone (even Hillary herself through her arrogance) takes that broad our before the nomination process begins or we are in deep doo-doo.

Can you imagine having to choose between McCain and Hillary?

[scott4261]

The "trial lawyer" talking point is wearing kind of thin now. Most people, when they investigate how he won the case that made him a millionaire (from a pool manufacturer whose faulty drain had begun to pull out his client's intestines), realize that he was on the right side of that issue. Edwards has been very consistent on the issues he believes in.

I believe he will win after he is through exposing the sore left by this administration in their dealing with Katrina, among other things.

[scott4261]

Can you imagine having to choose between McCain and Hillary?
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 10:41 PM :

------

Good God, I only hope not. A lot of the nutcases think that everyone to their left just LOVES Hillary. I don't.

[formrusmcsgt]

The "trial lawyer" talking point is wearing kind of thin now. Most people, when they investigate how he won the case that made him a millionaire (from a pool manufacturer whose faulty drain had begun to pull out his client's intestines), realize that he was on the right side of that issue. Edwards has been very consistent on the issues he believes in.

I believe he will win after he is through exposing the sore left by this administration in their dealing with Katrina, among other things.
Posted by Scott4261 at 10:42 PM : Feb 28, 2007

I was referring to the disdain many have for PI lawyers in general, not his particular performance.

I'm still thinking Gore will let them go on with their infighting and then come in as the elder statesman, make them all look like pretenders to the throne, and take all the marbles.

[scott4261]

A Gore candidacy would be great. Personally, I don't think he's gonna do it. We'll just have to wait and see...

[formrusmcsgt]

Good God, I only hope not. A lot of the nutcases think that everyone to their left just LOVES Hillary. I don't.
Posted by Scott4261 at 10:44 PM : Feb 28, 2007

That makes two of us, bro. The broad is a common thief, among other things. She tried to steal half the White House furnishings and art on the way out in '01.

[formrusmcsgt]

A Gore candidacy would be great. Personally, I don't think he's gonna do it. We'll just have to wait and see...
Posted by Scott4261 at 10:51 PM : Feb 28, 2007

You would have to admit though, I suspect, that he'd come in head and shoulders above the field. Don't you agree?

It would be his for the taking. The donations, the credibility, the whole nine yards just for the asking, don't you think?

I would consider that to be a huge, I mean HUGE temptation. Maybe irrestible?

[scott4261]

....The broad is a common thief, among other things. She tried to steal half the White House furnishings and art on the way out in '01.
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 10:52 PM

--------

Well, I don't know hoe much of that is really right-wing spin....and I'm not saying that a woman should be President. But she is very divisive. So yeah, I AM saying that I DON'T want Hillary as my President.

[scott4261]

I should proofread these posts a little more closely...

...and I'm not saying that a woman should not be President....

[formrusmcsgt]

Hillary & Sharpton 2008!! Jackson for Sec of Denfence. Monica for Sec.of State, because She's a great "comuncater", knows how to bring peace to a troubled world. :-))
Posted by usmcvn at 10:52 PM : Feb 28, 2007

Had a few tonight have we, bro? Semper fi.

[tonyfacade]

This guy's head is stuck in Vietnam, and he flipflopped more than all the Dems put together. I lost interest when McC kissed Falwell's ars.

[formrusmcsgt]

Well, I don't know hoe much of that is really right-wing spin....
Posted by Scott4261 at 10:55 PM : Feb 28, 2007

here ya go:
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1282/is_22_53/ai_79665374

Have a good night. A pleasure as always....

[scott4261]

You would have to admit though, I suspect, that he'd come in head and shoulders above the field. Don't you agree?
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 10:55 PM

------

On another blog, I have already posted my dismay at the length of these campaigns. I will say that Gore is the ONLY candidate who could announce late and still garner enough support to win the nomination.

[scott4261]

You guys like Gore? So do I, if he runs he has my vote. If it ends up between McCain & Hillary I won't vote at all. I have voted every since Nixon. The Dems right now are acting like morons. The right wing loves it! The Dems will force themselves to lose votes just because they make themselfs look dumb. "Stupid is as Stupid does"
Posted by usmcvn at 11:05 PM

----------

Oh, and that *******, Bush, is an example of enlightenment? No matter who the Dems field in 2008, the GOP is toast and you can take that to the bank!

[walt1944-2009]

McCain would be a lousy President if he runs and gets elected. It would be like having Bush back in the White House, without the dictator, power-hungry attitude; that is, if Bush ever does leave the White House. With McCain in the White House, Bush would be hiding in the closet "advising" McCain what to do. The Iraq war would never end and the military would be in worse shape than it is now!

[scott4261]

Sorry, usmcvn. I should have read your post a little more closely before I posted.

[triassic-2009]

McCain is too old for the job.

[samrensho]

At his age there is no guarantee that he would live thru his first term and secondly the only difference between him and the Shrub is that McCain can use words of more than two syllables.

[tuckerndfw]

John, you are a bigger loser than George Bush.

It's unlikely you will last until the primaries, so enjoy it while you can. You were stupid enough to cast your lot with George Bush and now you will pay the price for that gross misjudgment.

And, you are way too old to even consider 2012, hopefully, you will enjoy your retirement.

[karlimhof]

You want more the same - "the surge" mentality? - nothing new can be expected of McCain - he's too old, has flipped-flopped till he's dizzy.

[dallison7]

I'm still thinking Gore will let them go on with their infighting and then come in as the elder statesman, make them all look like pretenders to the throne, and take all the marbles.
Posted by formrusmcsg


I agree. Gore will let the nation tire of the current candidates, and without needing the time to introduce imself to the nation will blast the competition away. I predict Gore will win the next election with a record landslide. In fact, I going to check the line in Vegas.

[karlimhof]

I owuldn't trust McCain with his finger on the nuclear trigger. This guy loses his cool all the time and cannot stand criticsm;

McCain once said to Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, "You know, senator, I thought your problem was that you don't listen. But that's not it at all. Your problem is that you're a ******* jerk"

Real presidential, eh?

[us_infidel]

Mr. McCain, in the words of Lisa Simpson, "you've had you moment in the sun and now it's time for you to gracefully step aside."

[formrusmcsgt]

I predict Gore will win the next election with a record landslide. In fact, I going to check the line in Vegas.
Posted by dallison7 at 07:50 AM : Mar 01, 2007

I would not be surprised to see Gingrich do the same on the Repub side.

I think Gore could handily beat the rest of the announced Repubs, but Newt might be a bit more difficult.

[scott4261]

The master plan unfolds.

Just like Hillary.

Republicans need to nominate a real conservative, someone who will wage a real war, and protect us.
Posted by hamiltongrad at 02:17 AM
---------------------------

I don't want John McCain. I don't want Hillary Clinton. But that is where my agreement with you ends.

We need a president with a spine who can get us out of this illegal war. I hope it is John Edwards. I know it isn't Hillary. And it sure as hell is NOT that Bush a s s -kisser, McCain!

[formrusmcsgt]

Republicans need to nominate a real conservative, someone who will wage a real war, and protect us.
Posted by hamiltongrad at 02:17 AM

Right! Just what we need! More wars! We already have two unfinished with no end in sight on either front. Bring it on! lol....

[formrusmcsgt]

Scott4261-

Too bad that Powell was disgraced by Bush's prostitution of him before the UN, eh? He is a Repub I could vote for. But he's now tarnished for life......

[scott4261]

Scott4261-

Too bad that Powell was disgraced by Bush's prostitution of him before the UN, eh? He is a Repub I could vote for. But he's now tarnished for life......
Posted by formrusmcsgt at 09:08 AM

-----

Yes that is too bad. You remember the movement in 1996 to draft Colin Powell as the Republican who could overtake Bob Dole for the Republican nomination? The parallel track was to draft him to run an independent campaign. I would have voted for him then. The only problem was that the GOP was (and is) hung up on the abortion issue and Powell is pro-choice. And if you have seen my Electoral College posts, you can see that it was doubtful that even someone as popular as Powell was at the time could overcome the odds against him in an independent run.

I think Powell lost all credibility in the lead up to the war back in 2003. I also believe that he left at the end of Bush's first term because he knew he had perpetuated a lie. This was a sad end to an otherwise stellar career for Powell. And that really is too bad.