Surging McCain Faces Conservative Skeptics

CBSNews.com Reports: Despite Early Wins, Conservative Establishment Has Yet To Embrace Republican Presidential Hopeful

(CBS)  This story was written by CBSNews.com political reporter Brian Montopoli.

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According to American Conservative Union chairman David Keene, John McCain is not what you'd call a conservative's conservative.

"There's this personal animosity he has towards people over issues," said Keene, who has endorsed Mitt Romney. "Most conservatives see that he would like to remake the party without them."

Despite a voting record that suggests he should be in conservatives' good graces - he has an 82.3 percent lifetime rating from Keene's ACU - McCain has strident critics within the conservative establishment. Among them are Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, Former Sen. Rick Santorum (who has vowed to support any Republican but McCain), and a host of conservative talk radio hosts led by Rush Limbaugh, who has suggested a McCain nomination would "destroy the Republican Party."

Much of their disenchantment is tied to the positions McCain has staked out on hot-button issues. McCain's relative moderation on immigration led his onetime rival in the GOP race, Tom Tancredo, to suggest that McCain "is one of the most dangerous threats we have." His sponsorship of campaign finance reform legislation has prompted outrage from conservative advocacy groups who see it as a limit on free speech. And his longtime opposition to the Bush tax cuts, characterization of conservative religious leaders as "agents of intolerance," decision to partner with Joe Lieberman on global warming legislation, and bipartisan Senate compromise on judicial nominees have all generated anger from the right.

But the animosity towards McCain stems from something deeper than just his positions. The Arizona senator's ACU rating is only six percentage points behind Santorum's, and his voting record is conservative enough that he's been able to line up support from well-respected conservative Republicans like Tom Coburn, Phil Gramm and Sam Brownback.

For many, McCain's style is the problem: He not only breaks with conservative orthodoxy on issues that many conservatives consider basic tenets of the movement, but he does it with a "finger in your eye" style that alienates them even further.

"He's tough to deal with, there's no doubt about it," said Randy Pullen, chairman of the Arizona Republican party, citing McCain's general unwillingness to compromise. "He believes what he believes in, and he wants other people to support him in those beliefs."

"Some of his battles are so intense and loud that it sort of increases the animosity," said GOP strategist Greg Mueller. "You've got these intense issues where a lot of rhetoric gets tossed around and it breeds resentment."

Keene said "those who've worked with [McCain] get the sense that he doesn't like conservatives."

"In his world, it's very difficult to have a simply policy disagreement," Keene said. "Everything becomes personal. His position is right, and everyone else's is basically evil."

McCain's defenders say that the conservative establishment's skepticism towards McCain grows out of his unwillingness to defer to them.

"McCain has never kowtowed to them or anybody else," said McCain strategist Charlie Black.

"I think with Rush Limbaugh and some of them, they're always looking for a perfect conservative," added Black. "They see that as their job. And nobody's perfect."

Some of the anger towards McCain could be personal. McCain launched the Jack Abramoff investigation that sank DeLay, and his focus on eliminating pork barrel spending may have alienated some of his Senate colleagues.

"John McCain couldn't win a popularity contest in the Senate if he tried," Senator John Warner, a McCain supporter, said on Tuesday. "Why? Because he cuts too much government spending."

According to McCain press secretary B.J. Boling, any disenchantment with McCain among the conservative establishment has not been reflected among the rank-and-file.

"Just take Greenville County [South Carolina] for example," said Boling. "Bob Jones University, North Greenville University, and a few theological seminaries are located in Greenville - it’s practically the buckle of the Bible Belt. It’s home to some of the largest evangelical congregations in the state, and John McCain came within three points of defeating a former Southern Baptist minister [in Mike Huckabee] there.”

But McCain, who courted South Carolina's conservative establishment, has largely been dependent upon moderate and independent voters in the early contests. Mueller argues that his campaign needs to do more to consolidate support among the conservative base.

"Just because they found one county in South Carolina where the vote was closer to them, I hope they're not taking that to the bank," Mueller said. "They're going to need to do a lot more than that with conservatives. You want the base energized, want them mobilized. You're going to need every vote."

McCain and his surrogates have made some overtures to skeptical conservatives by stressing that McCain will pick strict constructionist judges as president.

"It's a huge issue for Republicans, a party crossing issue," said Mueller. "The next president could appoint two, three, even four Supreme Court judges. If McCain goes out and talks about that, it's going to be a reminder to the conservative base of the party - 'who do you want picking your judges?'"

Conservative Republican media strategist Craig Shirley, who is supporting McCain, says the opposition will dissipate if McCain wins the Republican nomination.

"Winning is a great antidote to bruised feelings and strained relations," said Shirley. "What he's got to do is keep articulating his conservative positions. And keep the lines of communication open with everybody. And everybody in the end is hopefully going to play nice."

Black puts it more bluntly.

"All these conservative leaders will be for him in two weeks when we lock up the nomination," he said.

[perception5]

Why don''t we cut through all the propaganda from the most corrupt institution in America, our corrupt MSM wolfpack press.

It''s the 90% of our liberal MSM wolfpack that''s "scare" to death of Mitt Romney.

They have only the past year lied, smeared, and distorted the postions and views of Mitt Romney.

Republicans want Mitt Romney and our corrupt wolfpack press wants to pick our nominee for us.

And they don''t want Mitt. That''s why we see them promoting and propping up John McCain while censoring all good information about Mitt.

Mitt will win in Florida next Tuesday but the attempts by our wolfpack press to "shape" the outcome of the GOP race will continue.

It will continue through MSM wolfpack anti-Mitt propaganda.

Really sad indeed.................GO MITT !

DOWN WITH THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

[glossypan]

The only semi-sane Republican candidate with a consciense.
Too bad for America that he is married to the idea of Perpetual War.

[mcvet]

I don''t know when I''ve enjoyed anything more than watching the Radical Reich slowly twist in the wind! If the REAL Republican''s put McCain out there it''s an admission they screwed up. The freakevangicals and the Borrow and Spenders are in deep and most intelligent people know it. I don''t think McCain can win but he sure is a step in the Right direction for a ONCE proud Party. Sieg Heil Bush!

[mcvet]

DOWN WITH THE ASSOCIATED PRESS



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Posted by perception5 at 08:04 AM : Jan 24, 2008
+ report abuse

Hey Percp how you doing you old Nazi?! Still trying to tear down our free press I see!! You never did answer the question I asked you some long ago though! Who do YOU think should determine what WE the PEOPLE hear and see? Right now I determine who and what I hear and read but you OBVIOUSLY do not want SOME of that to be available to me so WHO would you suggest we allow to determine that if NOT WE THE PEOPLE?? Sieg Heil and Amen!! Dumb as a box of rocks.. these fascist!

[mcvet]

The media is pumping up McCain. They want McCain to be the nominee because he is a liberal Democrat in Republican clothing! Romney is the conservative choice and will be the Republican nominee!! GO MIT GO!!!!!!!!!


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Posted by commonsence1 at 08:23 AM : Jan 24, 2008
+ report abuse

Well of course!! Sir Lies-A-Lot and the Fascist have taken a good economy, a balanced budget AND a surplus that was handed to them in 2000 and turned it into record debt so why not stay the course!! ROFLMAO Right! You have had WAY to much Kool Aid there Sparky!! ROFLMAO Sieg Heil Bush!

[perception5]

One of the main reasons I''m supporting Mitt, and I sponsored an ad in Jacksonville yesterday, is because he "knows" how to create wealth. Mitt has done a great job of creating wealth for himself and his family. Now it''s time we hired Mitt as POTUS so that he can create wealth for ALL Americans.

America is the largest enterprise in the world so why won''t you hire the "most" qualified candidate to run that enterprise? Mitt is Mr. Clean, Mr. Fixer, and Mr. Economy and no one can dispute that.

America needs a "Domestic" president to go to Washington DC and make major reforms in our entitlements, health care, energy independence, and many more. Mitt is clearly the best candidate running from either party in 2008................GO MITT !

[sleepyric]

I don''t know.....Santorum hates him; Delay hates him; Limbaugh hates him......I''m starting to like him!

[xlib]

Umm, seems funny and fishy to me when the msm bolsters any Republican, even McCain. Seems to me that they think (the soros group and clintonistas)the madame can beat him. So, based on that, don''t be surprised if your guy, McCain, doesn''t get the nomination.
I suppose this will be an election that the media controls what is presented, how, and what is not. Hey, that''s what they''ve been doing all along. Aw, msm, soros is soooooo proud of you.

[xlib]

mcvet-maybe you were off your meds when bubba left but the economy was in a recession. I think it was a little thing called the "dot-com bust." We also had a little thing called 9/11, remeber?? Oh yea, you probably don''t because your media and socialist leaders want you all to forget. You need another dose of koolaid, buddy.

[micma-2009]

Of course you would blame Clinton for a recession that happened during Bush''s term just like you blame 9/11. I''m sure that you''ll find some way to blame the Iraq debacle on Clinton as well as the 9 trillion dollar deficit and the current recession.


Liberal media..blah..blah..blah..Clinton''s fault..blah..blah..blah.. Same old loony tune song.

[glossypan]

The vibrant, consistent, articulate young Republicans - sensing a massacre - are sitting this election out.
It must be tough to be a Republican and have to choose among this bunch of Bush dittoheads and looneys.
Most of this crew should be playing shuffleboard. Mitt Romney should be selling flip-flops at the beach.

Republican candidates: Do the world a favor - stay in Florida after the primary and force the convention to draft a viable candidate.

[bm6005]

Why don''''t we cut through all the propaganda from the most corrupt institution in America, our corrupt MSM wolfpack press....
Lackofperception5

How can you even think to leave CONgress and the current admin of losers out!!

[okmd58]

If the media likes John McCain & want''s him as the Republican nominee what doe''s that tell you?
The media is mostly Liberal & if they can''t get Hillary elected, McCain is allowable. McCain is as far away from being a true conservative.
Romney is closer to conservative but not as much as I would like.

[joyous88]

conservative skeptics? Hey! Are not conservatives the very same scumbags that brought us GW Bush, the war in Iraq, Torture, the faith based bribe and the mineless christian vote?

Ya, lets pay some more attention to what this group of dirtbags has to say!

[roger_inkart]

Oh, MAN I am loving watching the GOP flounder! You SOBs make excuses, blame the media, basically do everything in your power to avoid responsibility for what you let your party become. You''re like spoiled children who can''t understand why all of a sudden you can''t get anything you want.

You made your bed, now lie in it.

[joyous88]

Xlib, speaking of meds , I don''t know what you are taking but it has effected your ability to read,

the conservatives are the problem not the solution,

mcvet hit the nail on the head and you reacted in the typically mindless christian manner, attack the messenger,

thats because your are living a lie

[watcher269-2009]

McCain is surging again - better make sure he is wearing his Depends!

[carolrhill]

I hope and pray that McCain will be our future President he has nothing to prove because he has already proven himself over and over again.

[chrisl45]

Yea, yea, yea, if John McCain is a threat get rid of him, shame, shame, shame on you!

[taotxzen]

From the %u201Cyou gotta love it%u201D department:

I was watching MSNBC this morning. The talking blonde states that Giuliani is behind in New York and New Jersey and asks the question, %u201CHow will the Giuliani campaign spin this?%u201D She then introduces the talking head from the Giuliani campaign that goes into full spin mode.

Journalism at its finest!

Then I switch to Spin(C)NN, John Roberts ask a question about Hillary to John Mc Cain, Mc Cain goes into the full Bush shtick, %u201CShe is raising the %u201CWhite Flag%u201D, she wants to surrender. Iraq is the central battle against terrorism, pause, Al Qaeda, she wants to throw away all the gains from the %u2018surge%u2019%u2026making the Bush tax cuts (for those making over $250k) permanent will fix the 9 trillion dollar deficit.%u201D Roberts, %u201CWhat do you think of Huckabee%u2019s chances?%u201D WHAT!? How about a follow-up question such as, %u201CHow are your policies different from the most unpopular President in US history?%u201D

This is what you get when you rely solely on the main steam %u201Ccooperate%u201D media for information %u2013 total BS.

[roger_inkart]

Journalism at its finest!

Posted by taotxzen at 10:27 AM : Jan 24, 2008

In studies done the so called ''librul media'' is actually anything but. Overwhelmingly the talking head programs have on conservatives more often then progressives, and Republicans more then Dems. In the lead up to the Iraq invasion the media was, again, overwhelmingly pro-war.

The Liberal Media exists only in the minds of the conservatives, because they desperately need it to.

[newz4i]

"...a McCain nomination would ''destroy the Republican Party''..."

The Republican party needs another round of destruction.

Evangelical Christians have used the GOP in their endless search to "find" their (g)od. Non evangelicals already found their spirituality and have peacefully moved on.

Save America and vote another round of Republicans out of office THIS YEAR ! ! !

[chrisl45]

These age-McCain jokes are beginning to get to me. Basically, I''m sure he''ll be alive at the end of his 4 year term! Can we just stay with the issues governing this campaign.

[glossypan]

%u201CIf we are to achieve the goals we share, we must make equality for *** and lesbians a mainstream concern,%u201D Romney wrote. %u201CMy opponent cannot do this. I can and will.%u201D,,,, 1994 letter to the Log Cabin Club

"Gov. Mitt Romney (R) supports the proposal, which would require all uninsured adults in the state to purchase some kind of health insurance policy by July 1, 2007, or face a fine" ,,,,, AP April 05 2006

In his 1994 US Senate run, Romney backed two gun-control measures strongly opposed by the National Rifle Association and other gun-rights groups: the Brady Bill, which imposed a five-day waiting period on gun sales, and a ban on certain assault weapons.... Boston Globe Jan 14 2007

Article by John J. Miller, also noted that Romney said during his gubernatorial campaign that he would "fully protect a woman''s right to choose" abortion .....National Review June 20 2006
** ** **

Conservative Mitt??????
Mitt Romney panders to the electorate but has one consistent agenda - the Bush / Cheney / Halliburton agenda. More tax cuts for the wealthy, shovel your tax dollars to mega-corporations and let them do as they please about product safety and the environment.

[nolalou]

perception5, you are another of those who want to blame the press for all your problems, and perpetuate the myth of the ''liberal media''. I don''t see any media conspiracy to promote McCain or to oppose Romney. You hear the same B.S. on the Democratic side. The funny thing is for every body who claims the Media is biased toward Hillary Clinton, you hear just as many people upset that the media is against her.

Sorry, I just don''t buy it! I don''t deny there is valid criticism of how the media covers campaigns, but the main motivation is ratings and dollars, not a political agenda.

[briannorwood]

Oh dear! What''s a bible-thumping, anti-gay, anti-abortion, single-topic voter to do!

The GOP certainly has its panties tied up is a wad this year. Now that the "Great White Dope" (Thompson) has dropped out, the "True Believers" are left with Huckabee (who hasn''t yet sold his sole to the establishment).

But, the "Pretend Believers"--the guy''s who only use wedge issues as political ploys without really believing in them--have to somehow justify voting for either a flip-flopper (Romney), a cross-dressing moron (Guiliani) or a liberal (McCain).

No wonder the #1 GOP candidate is "None of the Above"!

[chrisl45]

The only reason I am one hundred percent behind John McCain is he has been molded by his military experience. This molding will enable John to make correct decisions on day one. The other GOP candidates have capabilities, but they would take a longer path to reach John''s fast decision. Second, John is good on all the other issues. He says what he means and he means what he says!

[prinzowhales]

McCain is married into the same Marley led mob that was responsible for the bombing death of investigative Don Bolles. He is a Keating Five S&L crook. He supports open borders and in the Kennedy-McCin amnesty bill showed his true colours by supporting the pardonning of drug gangsters of MS13 for crimes such as child molestation and murder...some of these animals were involved in the murder of the New Jersey kids in the school yard of late. He has stated that the US will stay in Iraq for a hundred years if need be...

This, the Human Garbage Candidate, will undoubtedly have the backing of the same dumb animals who support George W. Bush. The only purpose he serves in this election is to make Romney look good.

[antoniof123]

Sorry, I just don''''t buy it! I don''''t deny there is valid criticism of how the media covers campaigns, but the main motivation is ratings and dollars, not a political agenda.

Posted by nolalou at 11:01 AM : Jan 24, 2008

Absolutely 100 percent correct.

I wanted to say something but after reading your comment I just felt that it should be rewarded with a comment like this.

[b-easy63]

If it comes down to McCain vs Hilary and Hilary locks up her nomination with the tactics she and Bill are presently using...look for a lot of support for the GOP candidate from irate Independents and disaffected Democrats (former Obama and Edward supporters) Some will vote Dem no matter what--but I suspect if Hilary and Bill keep distorting Obama''s record and winning through lies ---that they will win the battle and lose the war as those who supported their choice, decide that due to such ugliness--"Anyone but Bilary" should be the order of the day.

If McCain is the GOP nominee and he squares off against Hilary--I look for McCAin to win and for Dems to be very, very angry with Hilary and Bill.

[b-easy63]

Umm, seems funny and fishy to me when the msm bolsters any Republican, even McCain. Seems to me that they think (the soros group and clintonistas)the madame can beat him. So, based on that, don''''t be surprised if your guy, McCain, doesn''''t get the nomination.
I suppose this will be an election that the media controls what is presented, how, and what is not. Hey, that''''s what they''''ve been doing all along. Aw, msm, soros is soooooo proud of you.

Posted by Xlib at 09:13 AM : Jan 24, 2008


Then again, in anticipation of your suspicion, maybe they push McCain, KNOWING then--you will reject him due to your own prejudices against him and therefore, force the GOP to jettison the only candidate who has a chance of winning in this anti-Bush, anti Republican environment.

I am an independent and have been one for over 20 years. I''m totally voting Dem this year unless they really screw up--except for this--if it comes down to Hilary and McCAin, and Hilary and Bill are still doing the dirty tricks--McCain will probably get the bloc of votes I control. It''s simple--he is less divisive than Hilary. He is about the only Republican candidate whose own record indicates inclusiveness so he probably is the only one that can net a GOP win--but don''t believe that. Just remember when people know your weaknesses--they employ reverse psychology--so that when you think you are going against them--you end up doing exactly what they planned you to do in the first place.

[briannorwood]

For the GOP to claim liberal bias is laughable. They only need look inward to the connection between Fox News chief Roger Ailes and Rudy Guiliani.

Most apparant, immediately after the S.C. GOP debate--where Fox''s "undecided" opinion group declared Fred Thompson the undesputed winner. (when, in reality, he was the same dopey grandpa as usual).

That whole ruse was a naked attempt to pull evangelical voters from Huckabee to Thompson. Not that Fox wanted Thompson to win, but rather that a Huckabee win in S.C. would certainly doom Guiliani. And as in the Nixon trial, Thompson was more than happy to play waterboy for his team.

Add to that the constant barrage of vitriole from the likes of Limbaugh and Hannity against Huckabee and McCain, it looks as though Fox News has a serious intent to try to be kingmaker in the GOP nomination process.

So I say, wake up Republicans! There are powerful people trying to influence you. You should start asking why!

[emma915]

Even war heroes get old. Mr. McCain can''t keep up with himself when reading his own speeches from paper or monitor. I don''t think he''ll win the Republican nomination, but if he should, the debates will probably be sad to watch.

[flalady41]

I am still hoping that Huckabee can come through with a win!

[wardoglrs]

Proof about McCain.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/12/30/AR2007123002848_pf.html


http://www.slate.com/id/1004633/


http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2007/12/20/politics/horserace/entry3636436.shtml


http://whatreallyhappened.com/lieofthecentury.html

[watcher269-2009]

Will someone get this man a box of Depends - He''s surging again!

[papabc]

Well!,
I liked Fred but he fizzled.
Next is Mitt
Then Rudi (maybe)
If McCain is the selected Democrat then he is far better than Hillery or Obama.

I Know, McCain is running as a republican but he really is a Democrat at heart.

[terrapin78]

935 Documented lies by the Bu$h Administration between 9/11/2001 and 3/31/2003 in order to drum up support for the Bu$h War of Choice in Iraq!

Talk about spineless!!!! And smarmy!

And I bet McCain believes/supports them ALL!!!

[mrmazerati]

It will be McCain vs. Clinton. Not bad, IMHO.

[papabc]

Posted by masterballs2:: McCain should just ignore the American Conservative Union.

They''''re just a bunch of idiots anyway and who needs them. Their group consists of a bunch of Right Wing Christian hypocrites who are extremely dangerous to the world.

He%u2019s better off without these morons and can stands a pretty good chance of winning the election without them.
------------------------------------------------------

?????

Moron.

[endpcnow]

The Republican Party has been hijacked by the far, far right religous zealots, the snake shakers who are unable to think for themslves. McCain doesn''t need ''em.

[minminmin-2009]

I''m confused at how many people refer to John McCain as a liberal. Is anyone who isn''t a Bush clone a liberal? Everyone is so extremist these days. So sad.

[smile311]

I still firmly believe Mike Huckabee is the ONLY man who should lead this country.

[smile311]

I still firmly believe MIKE HUCKABEE is the only person who should lead the USA. I am an informed voter and I am very dissapointed in the people who are voting like "scarecrows" and not using their brain and allowing the media to implant whatever ideas they should have.

WAKE UP AMERICA!!!! Vote for HUCKABEE!

[rwassel]

You guys (perception, Xlib, etc.) who are blaming the "dastardly liberals" and the "wolfpack press" are freakin'' morons. That''s all you ever do is blame the liberals and the press - it''s a tired, worn-out argument, and ran thin several years ago.

What would you say about the media''s obsession with the Clintons vs. Obama, trying to an egg them into fighting with each other and bringin race into the issue? What is your opinion on that? Just the dastardly liberal media trying to bash the Democrats?

Get over yourselves. The media does it to each and every politician.

[bdbliss59]

John McCain IS the pick from the Republicans.....and whichever Democrate that "takes the cake"...will only get to eat the cake, cause McCain will have the Icing!! GO MCCAIN!

[wdrussell1]

I don''t care who the GOP picks to lose in 08.
Just so it is not the Spanish Inquisition lover Huckabee.

[walt1944-2009]

Although there is much talk about "Bagdad" John McCain grabbing the Fascist GOP nomination running for Great Emperor of the US(SA), the odds makers on the street are laying their money on Mitt "Mormom" Romney. While McCain may have the moderates, independants, and rug makers in Bagdad on his side, Romney has the power of the Mormom church and the Osmond family on his.

It will be Romney/Huckabee versus Hiliary/Richardson in November!

SIG HEIL, BUSH!!!!

[marcodele]

I just can''t see a senile republican being able to clean up the Bush mess. Somebody has to pay for Junior''s eight year spending orgy. But I think McCain would do well with continuing to sacrifice America soldiers to Halliburton Iraq.

[rohink-2009]

Quit trying to shove McCain down my throat. I''m not voting for him.