Conservatives To Battle For GOP Platform

Washington Post: Activists Hope To Prevent Some Of McCain's Views From Entering Party's Official Declaration Of Principles

(Washingtonpost.com)  This story was written by Michael D. Shear.

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Conservative activists are preparing to do battle with allies of Sen. John McCainin advance of September's Republican National Convention, hoping to prevent his views on global warming, immigration, stem cell research and campaign finance from becoming enshrined in the party's official declaration of principles.

McCain has not yet signaled the changes he plans to make in the GOP platform, but many conservatives say they fear wholesale revisions could emerge as candidate McCain seeks to put his stamp on a document that currently reflects the policies and principles of President Bush.

"There is just no way that you can avoid anticipating what is going to come. Everyone is aware that McCain is different on these issues," said Jessica Echard, executive director of the conservative Eagle Forum. "We're all kind of waiting with anticipation because we just don't know how he's going to thread this needle."

McCain has spent the past year and a half trying to straddle the philosophical schism in the modern Republican Party. In primaries, he stressed his conservative credentials, but since clinching the nomination he has often reminded voters of his more moderate stances while professing his fealty to conservative positions.

A platform fight at the convention could disrupt that carefully choreographed effort by highlighting the stark differences in vision for the party separating McCain from some of the GOP's most dedicated activists.

The battle may not be avoidable. The current GOP platform is a 100-page document, and all but nine pages mention Bush's name. Virtually the entire platform will have to be rewritten to lessen the imprint of the president, who has the highest disapproval rating of any White House occupant since Richard M. Nixon.

It is the prospect of a total rewrite that worries some.

McCain is "really out of step with the strong majority of his party," said Myron Ebell, director of energy and global warming policy at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, which opposes McCain's positions on climate change. "He might get what he wants. And he might get a change. But I don't think it's going to sit well with a lot of Republicans."

Officials in the Republican National Committee and in McCain's campaign say they have much in common with conservatives. They say their conversations as they approach the convention suggest there will not be a nasty platform fight.

"We are confident that this process will produce a platform that all Republicans will enthusiastically support," said Joe Pounder, a spokesman for McCain. "Our party is united, and will continue to work together to elect John McCain in November."

Ken Blackwell, a senior fellow at the Family Research Council and a former Ohio secretary of state, said he does not expect a "bloodletting" in the platform committee. He predicts that conservatives and McCain will be reasonable and stay focused on a November victory: "I don't think you are going to see any radical departures or inflammatory demands for change in one direction or another."

Those assurances are not enough for activists such as Echard, who have been on the front lines of GOP platform fights for years. She will be traveling to Minneapolis-St. Paul, site of the Sept. 1-4 convention, for two weeks in August, with the primary goal of making sure the 2008 platform reflects conservative principles.

One main concern is immigration. The current plank on that issue calls for a temporary-worker program, something that both Bush and McCain have supported but that many conservatives view as unwarranted amnesty for people who arrived in the country illegally. Echard would like a much tougher position and is wary of McCain on the issue.

"Our job is to make sure that the grass roots continue to have a say," she said.

Activists are also watching closely what the platform says about the environment. The current document has only one paragraph about global warming, which talks about using "markets and new technologies" to solve the problem of climate change, and states that the United States "strongly opposes" the Kyoto Protocol to curb emissions globally.

That contrasts sharply with McCain's message on the campaign trail. Government action to address global warming is a centerpiece of his campaign. He supports a cap-and-trade emissions plan that many conservatives oppose, and he has talked about trying to reach a global-emissions agreement that includes China and India.

"It is something that we are very concerned with," said Donald J. Devine, vice chairman of the American Conservative Union, which will have a convention operation to monitor proposed changes to the platform. In past years, the ACU has produced an alternative conservative platform as a guide to those working on the real one.

Devine said he is hopeful that the environmental planks in the platform will focus on McCain's support for nuclear power plants and his willingness to revisit offshore oil and gas drilling. But he is prepared for the worst.

"There's no question it's going to be changed radically," he said of the platform.

Most platform fights at Republican conventions have centered around abortion. McCain is campaigning as an abortion opponent, but conservative activists say they will not take anything for granted.

"That is the one issue that we're always ready to fight on," Echard said. "We will never take that plank for granted. We want zero changes in it. We don't want a comma changed. We don't want a word inserted."

Colleen Parro, executive director of the Republican National Coalition for Life, said her group will "cause problems" if McCain or his allies try to change that plank. But she's also focused on stem cell research, an area in which McCain differs with many anti-abortion activists.

The current platform "recognizes" Bush's support for a limited amount of research on embryonic stem cells and praises his opposition to federal funding for the effort. McCain, in contrast, supports embryonic stem cell research, touting his position as evidence of the "straight talk" he offers to conservatives.

"We would very much like to see a resolution passed by the platform committee that would encourage a ban on killing of embryos for their stem cells," Parro said. "If that were introduced, we certainly would hope that Senator McCain would not oppose it."

The one area where activists are not gearing up for a fight is the platform's section on war and terrorism. As an early backer of the war in Iraq, McCain is seen as a consistent supporter of the military.

But he will no doubt want to revamp much of the national security platform. It was written in 2004 and reflects a positive view of Bush's management of the Iraq war -- something that McCain regularly trashes on the campaign trail.

The current document says that "we are proud of the President's steady leadership in executing" the strategy in Iraq. In a recent fundraising appeal, McCain stated that "after four years of a badly mismanaged war, our new strategy is succeeding and we are now winning in Iraq." Almost two pages of the platform are devoted to halting the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Ebell said McCain should be careful as he and his allies seek to change the platform to reflect his political sensibilities.

"He attracts a lot of votes in the middle -- independents and moderates," Ebell said. But "if he pushes on each one of these issues -- campaign finance, immigration, or global warming and energy issues -- he's likely to keep a lot of people at home on Election Day."

[irliberal]

Hahahahaha.... tooooo funny. The neocons don''t even have someone running that they *like*... LOL!

[jack3213]

Republicans are on the side of caution for a legitimate reason, and though they are suspicios, it does not mean they will not favor McCain once he establishes his full plans. The media has been favoring the Democrats for years, and each time they lose, why? They don''t know when to be fair to both sides. They have perfected the art of eating their young, so to speak..lol

[mcvet]

Republicans are on the side of caution for a legitimate reason, and though they are suspicios, it does not mean they will not favor McCain once he establishes his full plans. The media has been favoring the Democrats for years, and each time they lose, why? They don''''t know when to be fair to both sides. They have perfected the art of eating their young, so to speak..lol

Posted by jack3213 at 09:04 AM : Jul 07, 2008

ARE you HONESTLY this bad? ROFLMAO. I have a grandson who knows more about what''s really going on than you do. McSame NEEDs to distance himself from these people but to get the "BASE" with him he must be a FASCIST... there is NO compromise for you freaks and everyone knows that. Thus he''s caught between the rock and the hard place! ROFLMAO America''s are turned of and are rejecting the Southern Fascist Mentality in droves... check out the numbers in the different States for the numbers. Now IF the Party does NOT move more to the mainstream and way from fascism they WILL most certainly loose their party. Already in some states they have fallen so far that they are THIRD behind Democrats and independents! In some states Republican''s have completely abandoned McSame and the Party

[mcvet]

So much for the "McBush" *** from the mouths of liberals. This proves them wrong - and, what should be much to their delight, McCain''''s stated, consistent positions on many critical issues are at odds with the "neocons" they so love to hate.

Posted by erichsh at 09:00 AM : Jul 07, 2008

Not so swastika breath!! LOOK at the facts on the ECONOMY! HEALTH CARE! SOCIAL SECURITY! MEDICARE! IRAQ! NO DIFFERENCE!! Sorry to burst your bubble but on the ISSUE''s MOST important to REAL American''s there is NO difference, he is McSAME! Now let''s here it... we want Bush to know you are trying don''t we??? SIEG HEIL BUSH

[nssherlock1]

Looks like the conservatives like to play ''DOOM''!

[beastof70]

...the Democrats for years, and each time they lose, why? They don''t know when to be fair to both sides. They have perfected the art of eating their young, so to speak..lol
Posted by jack3213 at 09:04 AM : Jul 07, 2008
===========================

The "eating their young" may be figurative, but the fact these same left wing pinko Democrats have the blood of millions of their young on their hands is literal.

Given the millions of babies these Democrats have been responsible for slaughtering over the years, they have to hope their athiest, or at least agnostic beliefs are fact.

[rowdywicca]

Strange isn''t it. McCain was chosen by the people for his nomination!

Obama was chosen by the DNC oligarchy.

Right now a conservative attitude makes a whole lot more sense than a tax and spend attitude that Obama will bring to his platform and sell it to you like the best thing since sliced bread when it won''t even achieve its goals! It will put us in a worse deficit than we''ve seen yet.

[beastof70]

Here is the truth----McCain sold out his conservative wing of the republican party and Hillary sold out the progressive social wing of the democratic party----hence Obama wins big time. Say goodnight Hillary and McCain. ... Makes you feel good to be an American, doesn''t it?
Posted by linymo at 09:33 AM : Jul 07, 2008
===================

I understand the "ffffffeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelll good" comment being offered by you emotionally driven Democrat minion, but it certainly leaves me scratching my head at how you left wing pinko, un-Americans define, "to be an American"???

For it''s certainly not the same America I and so many, many millions grew up in.

Thus, your self declaration of being a "progressive (=left wing pinko)"...eh??

[vortex1011]

Posted by erichsh at 09:29 AM : Jul 07, 2008"

Erichsh - get your fat head back up your beloved chimp''s fat *** - at least it served a purpose there

[beastof70]

Strange isn''t it. McCain was chosen by the people for his nomination!

Obama was chosen by the DNC oligarchy.

Right now a conservative attitude makes a whole lot more sense than a tax and spend attitude that Obama will bring to his platform and sell it to you like the best thing since sliced bread when it won''t even achieve its goals! It will put us in a worse deficit than we''ve seen yet.
Posted by RowdyWicca at 09:41 AM : Jul 07, 2008
=========================

No doubt, given the pathetic leadership we already have in Congress today, when coupled with a radical left wing pinko like Sen. "OsamaObama" heading the executive branch, they will have the entitlement spending increased before America will be able to react like they did in 1994 by throwing the pinkos out of office.

[vortex1011]

Right now a conservative attitude makes a whole lot more sense

Posted by RowdyWicca at 09:41 AM : Jul 07, 2008"

Yeah the "conservative" TexASSan attitude of borrow and spend which has landed the US with a $9 TRILLION debt
Your state is a leech state that requires bailing out by the Federal Govt each year - there is nothing in TexASS of any value that could be taught to the rest of the US let alone the rest of the world

[vortex1011]

they will have the entitlement spending increased before America will be able to react like they did in 1994 by throwing the pinkos out of office.

Posted by Beastof70 at 09:46 AM : Jul 07, 2008"

Nah the Dems will be cutting the spending on Halliburton so Govt spending will fall immediately by abot 50%

[beastof70]

Just remember folks:

Sen. "OsamaObama" = "New America" = "Changed America"

He promises.

[vortex1011]

Posted by erichsh at 09:49 AM : Jul 07, 2008"

As I said vortex - go stick your fat head up your baboon leaders fat *** where it at least served a purpose
You brainless dittohead souther and rural assh0les are a waste of oxygen

[beastof70]

Nah the Dems will be cutting the spending on Halliburton so Govt spending will fall immediately by abot 50%
Posted by Vortex1011 at 09:49 AM : Jul 07, 2008
================

The depth of thought processing you demostrate above explains why the left wing pinko wing of the Democrat Party so easily controls you minions.

I don''t know what else we might expect from someone with a screen name that openly admits to you being a whirling wind of cornfusion.

[vortex1011]

Posted by Beastof70 at 09:55 AM : Jul 07, 2008"

facts are facts bubba - cut spending on Halliburton and US govt spending will fall like a rock

[beastof70]

facts are facts bubba - cut spending on Halliburton and US govt spending will fall like a rock
Posted by Vortex1011 at 09:56 AM : Jul 07, 2008
====================

Like I said cornfused and spinnning, thanks for confirming what us real Americans have long suspected about all you hyphenated-Americans.

[leftyintexas]

By all means, Conservatives battle hard for the GOP (gobs of poop) platform. Split your party. Help Obama win in 08! Thank you! Only 197 days left! Yessss!

[leftyintexas]

Just remember folks:

Sen. "OsamaObama" = "New America" = "Changed America"

He promises.

Posted by Beastof70 at 09:50 AM : Jul 07, 2008

Couldn''t be happier!

[beastof70]

Just remember folks:
Sen. "OsamaObama" = "New America" = "Changed America"
He promises.
Posted by Beastof70 at 09:50 AM : Jul 07, 2008

===================
Couldn''t be happier!
Posted by PinkoInTexas at 10:01 AM : Jul 07, 2008
=====================

See what I mean folks....Regardless of the facade Sen. "OsamaObama" attempts to don with this faux run to the center, it''s all just that.

PinkoInTexas here offers the facts!!

The liberals truly believe this is their year to issue the final coup d'' graus their god Nikita ordered them to do almost 50 years ago.

"DESTROY AMERICA FROM WITHIN..."

[joe1022joe]

The flood of illegal aliens sneaking over our border is nothing short of an invasion. The number of these people in the USA is probably somewhere between 12,000,000 and 20,000,000 and they are entering the country at the rate of at least 1,000,000 per year. We must change the constitution so that the children of illegals born on our soil are not citizens. Anchor babies are a very serious problem. We must stop illegal alien entry with a physical (not virtual)multi-layer fencing system from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean. the fencing system must be properly equiped with cameras, etc. and might even have an electrified layer in the middle. It must be manned with enough border guards or troops to make it impenitrable except for the gates in it to allow for legal passage. Then, after it is built, we must begin finding these illegals and deporting them. I have heard and read some people say, "We can''t deport them all." That may be so, but just we might not be able to deport them all does not mean we should not deport as many as we can locate. If we can''t find the all we might be able to find 80% of them or 70%, etc. In other words, just because we can''t find and deport all of them doesn''t mean we can''t find and deport deport millions of them. McCain is wrong about letting these illegals stay.

[pepperp1]

An unworthy platform that has been very very bad for our country our politics and our communities its hate right below the BS moral rant leeches sucking away at our countries ethics and competency. They actually have more in common with Obama and the Progressives. Republicans should run them out of their Party and take their Party back instead of capitulating for this ugly sick power, they are wack a doddles who have done much harm with their anti social agendas.

[whitemale08]

You conservatives are getting what''s been coming to you for a long time.

Finally America wakes up and sees what people around the world see and that is fake conservatives are nothing but neo-cons that practice neo-liberalism with failed trickle-down voodoo economics on ordinary American citizens.

Obama will crush the fake conservative movement once and for all and junkyard dogs like Sean Hannity, Laura Ingram, Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh will have to eat dog doo for years to come.

Hahaaahaa.

[floydzepp2]

What a hoot! The Freakvannies are finally getting kicked out of the GOP!

[vortex1011]

Guess this is the best you can do LOL.


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Posted by erichsh at 10:00 AM : Jul 07, 2008"

Maybe - and it''s sure as hell more insightful and logical and truthful than anything you and the rest of the buybull thumping rapture crowd have had to say for the last 25 years

[leftyintexas]

The liberals truly believe this is their year to issue the final coup d'''' graus their god Nikita ordered them to do almost 50 years ago.

"DESTROY AMERICA FROM WITHIN..."

Posted by Beastof70 at 10:07 AM : Jul 07, 2008

Hey beastie boy, I just LOVE the fact you and the other toe tapping losers are so upset! It really makes me feel good all over. Obama is going to be your next President! Obama is going to be your next President! Obama is going to be your next President! Only 197 days left, Loser! Enjoy!

[beastof70]

You conservatives are getting what''s been coming to you for a long time.
Finally America wakes up and sees what people around the world see and that is fake conservatives are nothing but neo-cons that practice neo-liberalism with failed trickle-down voodoo economics on ordinary American citizens.
Obama will crush the fake conservative movement once and for all ...Hahaaahaa.
Posted by whitemale08 at 10:08 AM : Jul 07, 2008
====================

Seriously sonny, can you truly believe your above demonstrated English language abortion impresses anyone??

Please allow me to attempt to define your above in English:

Who exactly is it you claim are going to be "crushed" or "get what''s been coming"??

real Americans?? fake real Americans?? new-real Americans who have recently started working to destroy America??

Now which is it whitey??

[floydzepp2]

Posted by Beastof70 at 10:07 AM : Jul 07, 2008
---------

HaHa! You vannies are getting booted out of the GOP!

[watcher269-2009]

Republicans - Destroying America from within!

[floydzepp2]

Finally! Real Republicans like myself are vindicated. The Freakvangelicals are out and the NeoFreaks are out. Now the GOP can be rebuilt back to sanity.

I am just loving this!

[floydzepp2]

Republicans - Destroying America from within!


Posted by watcher269 at 10:21 AM : Jul 07, 2008
---------

Correction: FAKE Republicans. The vannies and the NeoCons aren''t Republican.

[beastof70]

Hey beastie boy, I just LOVE the fact you and the other toe tapping losers are so upset! It really makes me feel good all over...Posted by PinkoInTexas at 10:18 AM : Jul 07, 2008

=====================
TexasPinko, us real Americans have long recognized how it gives all you nation hating left wing pinkos a real ScoobyDoo moment every chance you get to do a little F*a*g bashing as we see you doing above.

[erichsh]

Analysis of Vortex''s stated positions: all conservatives are stupid southern white-trash buybull-thumping rednecks. ''Bout sums it up, right, Vortex?

[beastof70]

Republicans - Destroying America from within!
Posted by watcher269 at 10:21 AM : Jul 07, 2008
===============

Watcher you are correct. There are in fact some liberal Republicans guilty of this.

However, the whole 100% of the Democrat Party are nation destroying liberals.

This simply cannot be dispelled since 1968 when the communist wing of the party took complete control and have ruled with an iron fist ever since.

[vortex1011]

Analysis of Vortex''''s stated positions: conservatives are stupid southern white-trash buybull-thumping rednecks. ''''Bout sums it up, right, Vortex?

Posted by erichsh at 10:27 AM : Jul 07, 2008"

They''re the FACTS bubba

[leftyintexas]

TexasPink
o, us real Americans have long recognized how it gives all you nation hating left wing pinkos a real ScoobyDoo moment every chance you get to do a little F*a*g bashing as we see you doing above.

Posted by Beastof70 at 10:25 AM : Jul 07, 2008

Who cares what people like you think? You are a useless GOP (Gob of Poop) member and a disgrace to America. Only 197 days left , Beastie Boy. Enjoy! Hahahaha!

[vortex1011]

o, us real Americans

Posted by Beastof70 at 10:25 AM : Jul 07, 2008"

Real americans - oh you mean the obese, yellow bellied inbred, southern and rural buybull thumping trailer trash

[vortex1011]

Who cares what people like you think?
Posted by leftyintexas at 10:32 AM : Jul 07, 2008"

er point of order
The likes of beastof70 are genetically incapabele of thinking - they fervently believe that thinking is a sin and heresy against buybee Jaysoos

[aldon61]

Who cares what people like you think? You are a useless GOP (Gob of Poop) member and a disgrace to America. Only 197 days left , Beastie Boy. Enjoy! Hahahaha!



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Posted by leftyintexas at 10:32 AM : Jul 07, 2008

You''re in good humor today lefty. How was your fourth?

[erichsh]

Real americans - oh you mean the obese, yellow bellied inbred, southern and rural buybull thumping trailer trash
Posted by Vortex1011

Hey leftyintexas, you going to take this kind of talk trashing your state from a fellow liberal?

[leftyintexas]

This simply cannot be dispelled since 1968 when the communist wing of the party took complete control and have ruled with an iron fist ever since.

Posted by Beastof70 at 10:28 AM : Jul 07, 2008


Hahahahaha! Boy.... you are hysterical! What a dumb clod you are. Simply unbelievable!

[beastof70]

I ask you - would you ever, EVER see the MSM headline, "Liberals to Battle for DNC Platform"....
Posted by ritewingman at 10:31 AM : Jul 07, 2008
=================

There are never any such "battles" within the DNC, since the "White Massars" who in fact run the DNC and tell all these minions how and what to think, don''t allow it.

Simply look at how they used their "Super Delegate" system during the primaries to disenfranchise enough of their own to get this inexperienced, #1 most liberal boy appointed as the faux leader of all these hyphenated-Americans.

[aldon61]

Simply look at how they used their "Super Delegate" system during the primaries to disenfranchise enough of their own to get this inexperienced, #1 most liberal boy appointed as the faux leader of all these hyphenated-Americans.



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Posted by Beastof70 at 10:44 AM : Jul 07, 2008

I don''t usually agree with anything you say. However, these "super delegates" were not the greatest idea in the world. I hope they change the system.

[beastof70]

Given the fact these left wing pinko hyphenated-American Democrats offer nothing more than a self admitted 50%-American......

In all seriousness how hard can any of you believe it will be for John McCain to be American enough to make the majority of us real Americans willing to vote for him??

[jydavis1]

there are too many Africans on this site trying to talk the dollar down - nothing good comes from the south - FREE JOHN MCCAIN !

[beastof70]

"hyphenated-Americans"
Posted by Beastof70

Still talking about this non-issue?
OCD acting up?
Posted by jh6379 at 10:45 AM : Jul 07, 2008
====================

Point of fact JH, I remain on message by continuing to point out how no real American of sound mind could ever support, much less vote for the self admitted half-American you hyphenated-Americans are offering us for President.

Most especially given the nation destroying leadership you have given us the past two years in Congress to watch.

[leftyintexas]

You''''re in good humor today lefty. How was your fourth?

Posted by aldon61 at 10:41 AM : Jul 07, 2008

My 4th. was excellent. We went over to my CONSERVATIVE friend''s home and had a few beers and and ate hamburgers,hotdogs, and brisket, but I did do all the grilling. After filling up, about 25 of us sat around and watched the fireworks. We do it every year that way. How was your 4th.?

[aldon61]

Real conservatives should take a close look at Bob Barr this November. His conservative views are MUCH more in line with their''s.

[beastof70]

Real conservatives should take a close look at Bob Barr this November. His conservative views are MUCH more in line with their''s.
Posted by aldon61 at 10:53 AM : Jul 07, 2008
==================

Sorry, but Bob''s willingness to align with the baby butching, dope smoking Libertarians tells me all I need to know about this cat.

[aldon61]

How was your 4th.?



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Posted by leftyintexas at 10:53 AM : Jul 07, 2008

About the same as yours. Two days of grilling, some beers, family and friends...no fireworks though. The weather was perfect. I had a pretty good chat with Rowdy on line Saturday; she just lives around 30 miles from me. We kept it clean (no politics), had a good time with her.