Where's The Real McCain?

Borger: The Spark That Made Him A Sensation In 2000 Has Given Way To The Status Quo

(US News)  This news analysis was written by U.S. News & World Report columnist Gloria Borger.

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Presidential campaign staff shake-ups are as predictable as sunrise, but leave it to Sen. John McCain to provide one with a flourish. Picture this: The senator, just back from a trip to Iraq, has the political world on edge as he takes to the Senate floor to announce whether he still supports the president. (He does.) Yet just as McCain asks the country to have more patience on the war, his campaign announces that the candidate's own patience-with his stalled presidential bid-has run out. (He's mad.) Two top aides are gone, with more changes to come. The candidate, says one close aide, "hit the roof" before his trip abroad when he learned the details of an undeniable disaster: He's broke, with less money than GOP presidential contender Ron Paul. Ridiculous.

The story of the imploding campaign is not just a tale of mismanagement and political miscalculation, although it is that. It's also about McCain himself — the fiscal conservative who paid too little attention to his own bloated operation. The experienced candidate who should have known better than to believe in his own inevitability. The outsider who became the pinup for the GOP establishment — a status quo candidate in an election about change. Like most things with McCain, says a close friend, the turmoil is "all complicated and conflicted." And emotional. So emotional, in fact, that both his wife, Cindy, and Sen. Trent Lott — who has, by one account, become the "single-most-influential elected official in McCain-world" — had to intervene. Top advisers Terry Nelson and John Weaver had to go, they told the candidate. For McCain, parting with longtime friend and political ally Weaver was hard, like firing his alter ego.

Lapsed reformer. But it's just as hard to find the real McCain these days. The very brilliance of McCain circa 2000 was rooted in the reformer with a gut connection to voters because he was willing to defy his own party — or just about anyone, for that matter. Yet after losing, the iconoclast was somehow lost, too, and mired in a premature national campaign. We need conservatives to win, the consultants said. Go directly to Liberty University and hug the Rev. Jerry Falwell! Then it got worse. No matter where McCain turned, he was up against it: Conservatives still hated both his devotion to campaign finance reform and his pro-immigration stand. (Bye-bye, small donors.) Liberals and independents hated his steadfast support for the war. (Bye-bye, electability.) And so, the candidate went into free fall — in the polls, in the fundraising, without a clear message or a plan to win. Instead, "McCain became a legislator in chief, and the issues didn't work for us," grumbles one McCain ally. "We need to get back to what makes McCain an interesting person and a candidate."

Here's the problem: It's one thing to become an anti-establishment maverick, which McCain did brilliantly in 2000. But it's a feat worthy of a contortionist to join the establishment, then leave it again — and expect voters to follow through every detour. "Last time around, he was independent-minded," says GOP pollster Tony Fabrizio. "This time, he became scolding, even annoying. He used to be charming." Charm aside, there is something that hasn't changed: McCain does have beliefs, despite the occasional urge to pander. Sure, support for the war helps him with the Republican base, but that's not what it is about. McCain may be irritating all kinds of constituencies, but at least we know he's not pretending. "Nobody can ever suggest to McCain that he change what he believes," says a close aide. "Nobody would ever think to go there."

But where can McCain himself go now? He's flanked on the right on almost every issue by his GOP opponents. Even on national security — and the matter of how to handle terrorists, and torture. Front-runner Rudy Giuliani is pitching himself as the tough guy. Old buddy Fred Thompson is ready to run against McCain on immigration. And Mitt Romney is on the airwaves in Iowa and New Hampshire positioning himself as the conservative Real Deal. McCain needs to take on all three, establish his credentials for governing, and get on with it. Or get off the bus.

It's not a good sign that it took his wife, a Senate confidant, and top fundraisers to persuade him to change his campaign. (Or did he always know and not pay attention?) And now, what's left of the campaign is reduced to these talking points: "Why can't McCain start over now?" asks strategist Charlie Black. "If people in the political community assume Fred Thompson can start a campaign now, why not McCain?" Maybe it's because McCain has been running for the past eight years, and there's not much to show for it. No bucks in the bank, no clear message. Just a long road to Iowa and New Hampshire.

[adventurepa]

"It's over Jonney! Over I tell ya"
Your out of touch John.
You sold your soul to the devil, Bush and Cheney.
You became one of the GOP faithful.

[drummer94]

Ya spent 14 million but only raised 10. Yep, pure republican. Too bad, cause Ya "coulda been a contender."

[rushlimpdrug]

McCain - a prisoner of his own making. I as sooo many once thought highly of him.
But then he openned his mouth and started his singing career.
"Bomb Iran"
Play it again McCain.
I don't care just play it again.

[drivelphobe]

Hey Big John;

Adios buddy!

When you went pro-illegal immigration on us, you signed your own demise. The illegal alien/border issue is bigger than you politicians want to admit. You keep sweeping it under the rug. It's on the same level as the Iraq war, but you just don't get it. Other politicians are going down like you, John. We voters are going to get rid of every illegal alien-loving, entiltlement distributing politician left standing. There are two wars here, Iraq and the illegals. We are going to win both, obviously without your help.

[nativewoman]

This IS the real McCain.

Just another typical politician who will do or say anything to get elected.

Caught out early with the blatant lie that one could "safely stroll" through the streets of Iraq.

Yeah, if one is wearing body armor and being followed by helicopters and soldiers.

[random_radar]

The picture they chose for the article is interesting. Dejectedly looking at the ground. I am sure they have a file photo of him smiling and shaking hands with dignitaries. But since they came not to praise Caesar, but to bury him, I can see the subtle imagery.

[pepperp1]

Too funny and he thought he was playing to the reupg base.

[sjc_1]

You could look at a campaign like a mini administration. If they can not handle a campaign, how are they going to handle an administration?

Well, here you have an example of that. Back in 2000 you had McCain being swift boated by Junior and he was angry. Bush just had more money and more oil people that wanted him in power. McCain had none of that. Now, 7 years later he is out of steam. Some folks stay too long at the party.

[tucano2]

Mr McCain shot himself in the foot with his advocacy of AMNESTY for criminals

[infidel_us]

There are two wars here, Iraq and the illegals. We are going to win both, obviously without your help.
Posted by Drivelphobe at 12:01 PM : Jul 18, 2007

Here, here....well said!

[lars008-2009]

UN MAKES NON MUSLIMS SLAVES TO FASCIST NAZI TERRORISLAM SHARIA LAW

Sharia Trumps Universal Human Rights in the UN
http://talk.mailarchive.ca/politics.mideast/2004-08/0196.html
Universal Human Rights and "Human Rights in Islam"
http://mypage.bluewin.ch/ameland/Islam.html
Islamism Grows Stronger at the United Nations
http://mypage.bluewin.ch/ameland/Islamism.html
And Dhimmitude For All
http://www.frontpagemag.com/Articles/ReadArticle.asp?ID=17637
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html
The Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam
http://www.islamichumanrights.com/20070520/the-cairo-declaration-on-human-rights-in-islam/
http://www.childsupportanalysis.co.uk/information_and_explanation/rights/cdhri.htm
http://www.answers.com/topic/cairo-declaration-on-human-rights-in-islam
http://www.answers.com/topic/sharia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairo_Declaration_on_Human_Rights_in_Islam

[toldyouso21]

From the blurb lead in: "It took a stubborn John McCain too long to admit his campaign was in peril, and now he finds himself starting over and outflanked by his opponents"

When did the old fvck ever admit this? They are delusional. His actions may scream this--but as for McCain himself--he claims he is in a great place/position, that he is fine where things are, couldn't be happier. Somebody get him a bandage and a tetanus shot for all the glass embedded in his hand from crushing his drink as he speaks.

[infidel_us]

why then is it that every picture of Bush looks like a chimp-flinging-poo?
Posted by Nancy_Naive at 01:38 PM : Jul 18, 2007

ROFL!!!! Nancy, are you married? I LOVE your sense of humor!!! :)

[toldyouso21]

"Then it got worse. Liberals and independents hated his steadfast support for the war. (Bye-bye, electability.) And so, the candidate went into free fall %u2014"

I love this. And since almost every GOP candidate is FOR the war---if this holds true, then NONE are electable. And yet there they all are, promising us more years of Bush like stonewalling and mindset. Remove all the stumbling blocked Republicans who keep our troops in Iraq, remove the Republican from the Presidency and we will be out in a flash. Unfortuantely, when they have such a monopoly--as our 150K + troops come home, we will also be getting over 12 million potential new citizens. The Democrats have never made a secret of their overwhelming support for this. And in the mix will be gang members, felons, child molesters, ne'er do wells, bums, baby making machines as well as those "hard working and decent people that do jobs no American is allowed to do".

So here is the problem--if we maintain the status quo, our soldiers keep being used and killed for GOP profits, and if we destroy them in government, our entire country will be used and killed for Dem. profit. ahhhhh the choices we have to make.

[toldyouso21]

There are two wars here, Iraq and the illegals. We are going to win both, obviously without your help.
Posted by Drivelphobe at 12:01 PM : Jul 18, 2007


Odd, that the Republicans refuse to listen to the public about the war and the Democrats refuse to listen to the public about illegal immigration. Neither side respects, listens to or understands the will of the actual citizens in this country, because they are too busy listen to their REAL base: Business and corporations. You say you want a Revolution......

[lars008-2009]

VICTORY AT ALL COSTS!!!

I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined this Government: 'I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.' We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I can say: It is to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us: to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival. Winston Churchill Speech in the House of Commons, after taking office as Prime Minister (13 May 1940) This has often been misquoted in the form: "I have nothing to offer but blood, sweat and tears..."

[starleo146]

John, John, John, I found him he is in Bush's pocket. He is gone, gone, gone.

[randalds]

If it were true that they use file photos to capture the emotion in the story, why then is it that every picture of Bush looks like a chimp-flinging-poo?
Posted by Nancy_Naive at 01:38 PM : Jul 18, 2007

Because Bush IS a chimp flinging poo.

;-)

[randalds]

"Where's The Real McCain?"

He's dead. He was killed by a combination of naked ambition, blatant pandering to the lunatic fringe right wing (religious and political) and advancing senility. Change his diapers, get him out of the Senate and put him in a rocking chair on the porch of a "rest home" in Sun City AZ. His time has passed and good riddance.

[grazinggoat]

blatant pandering to the lunatic fringe right wing (religious and political)
Posted by RandalDS at 02:41 PM

-most of it is due to this pandering. Senility is not installed yet, though, I acknowledge, it must be not far, somewhere around the corner...

[toldyouso21]

"VICTORY AT ALL COSTS!!!

I would say to the House, as I said to those who have joined this Government: 'I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.' We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many long months of struggle and suffering. You ask, what is our policy? I can say: It is to wage war, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us: to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. That is our policy. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word: It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory, however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival. "

quoted by a Chicago war lord, prior to going out to kill/fight other gang members on the South side. LOL

Churchhill actually advocated war against the countries that attacked England, not to fight imagined wars as proxy. LEARN THE DIFFERENCE. If Roosevelt had did what Bush and Co did...When the Japanese attacked us at Pearl Harbor, he would have launched an invasion into Canada to teach those 'evil CAnadians' a real lesson, and he would have bumped up diplomatic relations with the Japanese and ignored their part in the attack.

[lars008-2009]

SIGN THE PETITIONS!!!

help end fascist nazi terrorislam apartheid
http://new.petitiononline.com/CDHR2005/petition.html
http://new.petitiononline.com/CDHREU/petition.html
http://www.dhimmi.com/petition.htm
http://www.petitiononline.com/dhimmi/petition.html
http://www.dhimmi.com/action_campus.htm
http://www.dhimmi.com/action_community.htm

[clestes-2009]

His steadfast support of Bush's illegal war sank his chances, just as it will others who continue to follow Bush.

[timetrips1]

I liked McCain in 2000, and while I still respect him, I can not support him in 2008 because of two very large issues that we are on opposit sides of. I think the war was a mistake and needs to be ended and our lax immigration policy is a threat to national security and needs to fixed. I just can not support allowing ANYONE who came here illegally gaining citizenship. I could support getting them documented and letting them continue residing here unless they commit a felony crime. However they should not be entitled to any social services. We can not be the Welfare state for Mexico. Don't deport them but don't reward them either. And we really should change the constitution to prevent children of illegals being automatic citizens.

[infidel_us]

His steadfast support of illegal immigration and amnesty sank his chances, just as it will other RINO's who continue to follow democrats.

[randalds]

His steadfast support of illegal immigration and amnesty sank his chances, just as it will other RINO's who continue to follow democrats.

Posted by infidel_us at 04:30 PM : Jul 18, 2007

Except for Arnie of course. He's untouchable in California, even though he's pro-immigration, pro-environment and a "RINO".

[mommajomma-2009]

i heard the s.o.b. was going to change parties... and become a republican.

[jn122736]

If it were true that they use file photos to capture the emotion in the story, why then is it that every picture of Bush looks like a chimp-flinging-poo?
Posted by Nancy_Naive at 01:38 PM : Jul 18, 2007
------------------

could it be because Bush IS a chimp-flinging-poo?

[bill1fj]

I once supported McCain, but after he sold out the legal citizens of this country I could no longer support him.
The legal citizens of the state he is supposed to represent will not even reelect him to the Senate if he runs again. He's done.
I hope that someone will jump into this race that will represent us, and not just talk like so many that are now running.

[keithle1]

Read the writing on the wall, Senator. Drop out of the race. This was your last chance. You hardly have any money. A lot of your key staff
are gone. No one cares about your campaign. You're lost in the shuffle. Bite the bullet.
Give up. We're sick of you!

Perhaps a bigger and more interesting story is that Dr. Ron Paul's donations are increasing, while most of the other candidates are slowing down. The Ron Paul rEVOLution is gathering momentum.

By the way, I trust your use of the word "ridiculous" was directed at Senator McCain, and not Dr. Paul. Nevertheless, it is mean-spirited.

I will bet you dollars to donuts that a story on Dr. Ron Paul's ascending campaign will garner your site way more visits (and advertising dollars -- ka-ching, ka-ching!!!) than this story about McCain.

Perhaps a bigger and more interesting story is that Dr. Ron Paul's donations are increasing, while most of the other candidates are slowing down. The Ron Paul rEVOLution is gathering momentum.

By the way, I trust your use of the word "ridiculous" was directed at Senator McCain, and not Dr. Paul. Nevertheless, it is mean-spirited.

I will bet you dollars to donuts that a story on Dr. Ron Paul's ascending campaign will garner your site way more visits (and advertising dollars -- ka-ching, ka-ching!!!) than this story about McCain.

Perhaps a bigger and more interesting story is that Dr. Ron Paul's donations are increasing, while most of the other candidates are slowing down. The Ron Paul rEVOLution is gathering momentum.

By the way, I trust your use of the word "ridiculous" was directed at Senator McCain, and not Dr. Paul. Nevertheless, it is mean-spirited.

I will bet you dollars to donuts that a story on Dr. Ron Paul's ascending campaign will garner your site way more visits (and advertising dollars -- ka-ching, ka-ching!!!) than this story about McCain.

Perhaps a bigger and more interesting story is that Dr. Ron Paul's donations are increasing, while most of the other candidates are slowing down. The Ron Paul rEVOLution is gathering momentum.

By the way, I trust your use of the word "ridiculous" was directed at Senator McCain, and not Dr. Paul. Nevertheless, it is mean-spirited.

I will bet you dollars to donuts that a story on Dr. Ron Paul's ascending campaign will garner your site way more visits (and advertising dollars -- ka-ching, ka-ching!!!) than this story about McCain.

Perhaps a bigger and more interesting story is that Dr. Ron Paul's donations are increasing, while most of the other candidates are slowing down. The Ron Paul rEVOLution is gathering momentum.

By the way, I trust your use of the word "ridiculous" was directed at Senator McCain, and not Dr. Paul. Nevertheless, it is mean-spirited.

I will bet you dollars to donuts that a story on Dr. Ron Paul's ascending campaign will garner your site way more visits (and advertising dollars -- ka-ching, ka-ching!!!) than this story about McCain.

Perhaps a bigger and more interesting story is that Dr. Ron Paul's donations are increasing, while most of the other candidates are slowing down. The Ron Paul rEVOLution is gathering momentum.

By the way, I trust your use of the word "ridiculous" was directed at Senator McCain, and not Dr. Paul. Nevertheless, it is mean-spirited.

I will bet you dollars to donuts that a story on Dr. Ron Paul's ascending campaign will garner your site way more visits (and advertising dollars -- ka-ching, ka-ching!!!) than this story about McCain.

Perhaps a bigger and more interesting story is that Dr. Ron Paul's donations are increasing, while most of the other candidates are slowing down. The Ron Paul rEVOLution is gathering momentum.

By the way, I trust your use of the word "ridiculous" was directed at Senator McCain, and not Dr. Paul. Nevertheless, it is mean-spirited.

I will bet you dollars to donuts that a story on Dr. Ron Paul's ascending campaign will garner your site way more visits (and advertising dollars -- ka-ching, ka-ching!!!) than this story about McCain.

Perhaps a bigger and more interesting story is that Dr. Ron Paul's donations are increasing, while most of the other candidates are slowing down. The Ron Paul rEVOLution is gathering momentum.

By the way, I trust your use of the word "ridiculous" was directed at Senator McCain, and not Dr. Paul. Nevertheless, it is mean-spirited.

I will bet you dollars to donuts that a story on Dr. Ron Paul's ascending campaign will garner your site way more visits (and advertising dollars -- ka-ching, ka-ching!!!) than this story about McCain.

Perhaps a bigger and more interesting story is that Dr. Ron Paul's donations are increasing, while most of the other candidates are slowing down. The Ron Paul rEVOLution is gathering momentum.

By the way, I trust your use of the word "ridiculous" was directed at Senator McCain, and not Dr. Paul. Nevertheless, it is mean-spirited.

I will bet you dollars to donuts that a story on Dr. Ron Paul's ascending campaign will garner your site way more visits (and advertising dollars -- ka-ching, ka-ching!!!) than this story about McCain.

Perhaps a bigger and more interesting story is that Dr. Ron Paul's donations are increasing, while most of the other candidates are slowing down. The Ron Paul rEVOLution is gathering momentum.

By the way, I trust your use of the word "ridiculous" was directed at Senator McCain, and not Dr. Paul. Nevertheless, it is mean-spirited.

I will bet you dollars to donuts that a story on Dr. Ron Paul's ascending campaign will garner your site way more visits (and advertising dollars -- ka-ching, ka-ching!!!) than this story about McCain.

Oops! Sorry for the multiple posts, folks. I kept getting the message, "The Publish button will be enabled shortly. We have temporarily disabled it so everyone has an opportunity to comment." which made me think that my post had not gone through.

My apologies.

[lars008-2009]

His steadfast support of Bush's illegal war sank his chances, just as it will others who continue to follow Bush.
Posted by clestes at 03:40 PM : Jul 18, 2007

the war is legal

the resumption of hostilities was only a matter of time since iraq broke the ceasefire agreement.....

blame saddam for iraq%u2026%u2026. Even clintoon and the dems wanted the resumption of hostilities back in 1998

"We know that he has stored secret supplies of biological and chemical weapons throughout his country." - Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002

"Iraq's search for weapons of mass destruction has proven impossible to deter and we should assume that it will continue for as long as Saddam is in power." - Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002

Moreover, no international law can prevent the United States from taking actions to protect its vital interests, when it is manifestly clear that there is a choice to be made between law and survival. I believe, however, that such a choice is not presented in the case of Iraq. Indeed, should we decide to proceed, that action can be justified within the framework of international law rather than outside it. In fact, though a new UN resolution may be helpful in building international consensus, the existing resolutions from 1991 are sufficient from a legal standpoint. - Al Gore, Sept. 23, 2002
http://www.gwu.edu/~action/2004/gore/gore092302sp.html

[lars008-2009]

SIGN THE PETITIONS!!!

help end fascist nazi terrorislam apartheid
http://new.petitiononline.com/CDHR2005/petition.html
http://new.petitiononline.com/CDHREU/petition.html
http://www.dhimmi.com/petition.htm
http://www.petitiononline.com/dhimmi/petition.html
http://www.dhimmi.com/action_campus.htm
http://www.dhimmi.com/action_community.htm

[imprisonbush]

Yep. John Boy's goose is cooked. He is finished. That became apparent months ago however when he was hugging and pandering to GW and Jerry Falwell, trying to change his own stripes and reputation. This zebra wanted to be a chimp. However, like most who attempt such a change, this will fail. That is why the Republicans are in such deep, deep trouble. Romney the pseudo Democrat has recently become a rabid conservative Republican. Angry, socially-liberal Guiliani has tried to become a tough, reasonable conservative Repub. Thompson has tried to become the anti-abortion candidate despite his legal advocacy of some in the anti abortion movement. Like the Chimp in chief, nobody can believe anything these Repubs say because they are so willing to change their politics to get elected.

[toldyouso21]

will bet you dollars to donuts that a story on Dr. Ron Paul's ascending campaign will garner your site way more visits (and advertising dollars -- ka-ching, ka-ching!!!) than this story about McCain.
Posted by reblauvelt at 03:00 AM : Jul 19, 2007


Even if all of your posts were by different people, Ron Paul would have a total about 150 votes---11 which would not count since they would be you again and again and again. Whatever his views, he is not even in the running. The fact is, not enough Republicans are taking him seriously and most Independents and Democrats are sworn off Republicans for the next decade or so.