I thought Romney would have been the toughest.
Ron Paul?
Ok, just kidding. I have no idea who the 'Pubs should have run other than McCain. From my perspective I sort of agree with what seems to be the majority sentiment…he’s simply to old and boring (anyone catch the parody video clip of William Shatner being vetted by the Republicans to run as their guy? It was hilarious when he kept snoring whenever McCain was mentioned).
That said I think the Obama-mania is getting to people here. Let’s think about something here for a moment…why is McCain so close to Obama despite the current conditions in the US with the economy, Iraq, gas prices, food prices…and the ball and chain that is Bush around his neck? Last time I checked it was something like 48% Obama to 43% McCain (with like a 3-5 point margin of error IIRC)…and this is in the post Hillary concession euphoria and Obama snore fest (did anyone notice that Ron Paul finally conceded?? ).
I think McCain is a stronger candidate than some people think he is. I don’t know WHY he is as he certainly doesn’t appeal to me…but obviously he appeals to a lot of folks and the Dems would be silly to take things for granted as much as some of the folks on this message board do.
-XT
It’s actually 6 points, as of the first few days after Hillary’s concession: 47-41. But to answer your question, McCain is “so close” (if being behind by twice the MOE can be called such) because of…
(1) …white suburban women, who will be brought over in the near future by Her Majesty Herself as She reminds them that McCain is anti-Choice (and yes, that may be how She puts it);
(2) …bigotted white men, who will never be brought around;
and (3) …ignorant and hysterical Christian evangelicals, some of whom will come around after Obama’s October fireside interview with Katie Couric in which he discusses his faith.
Obama already leads among blue color workers generally (from the same poll). He leads by a huge margin among Hispanics and Latinos. He leads by the same percentage among women generally that he does now overall — 6%.
I see Obama’s campaign as a process. I’m watching it unfold into this amazingly crafted and managed plan, of the sort I’ve seen only from the best CEOs I’ve known. I can’t remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when it dawned on me that I don’t really have to worry about Obama anymore. As long as I do my part — vote — I rest assured that he’ll do his.
The first poll I saw had Nader at 6 %. Much higher start that I thought likely. Gives a little more hope to Repubs.
I don’t think this is true. From what I’ve heard, McCain was the choice of the GOP leadership. Romney and the others were hoping to gather enough popular support to convince the elders to switch over to him but McCain took the lead once the primaries started.
This is just hyperbolic bullshit Liberal and short hand for ‘those who don’t agree with me’. Not all folks who are supporting McCain fall into these categories, no more that those who vote for Obama fall into similar strawmen positions.
It’s a good thing that Obama doesn’t have such folk on his staff…because if he and his staff felt the same way he would be well on the way to losing this election by taking the competition to lightly, and attempting to paint them with such silly broad brush strokes.
He should be leading by much more right now…which was my point. McCain has been all but forgotten for months now, Obama is coming off the high of the close battle with Hillary and her concession…yet this thing is still close enough that McCain could still win it.
The point being that McCain is probably NOT the worst choice for the Republicans in this election. Though myself I don’t see it, obviously he DOES appeal to quite a large number of folk. And despite you attempting to paint them all as bigots and racists or the disaffected Hillary rejects it seem pretty clear that this race is close to neck and neck right now (still early days)…and it really shouldn’t be this close with all the factors impacting this election.
Myself, I think he’s going to win to. But attempting to demonize the opposition isn’t the way to go. I’m glad HE isn’t doing so…and I’m glad HE (and his staff) are taking McCain seriously.
-XT
Although he came across as very lackluster during the debates, I think the candidates whose views would have been better suited to most Republicans is former Senator Fred Thompson. He really didn’t seem to have his heart in it though. He was enormously popular with both Democrats and Rupublicans in Tennessee.
No, sir, the Pubs have not, since Abe Lincoln, run as good a man as Carter for any office at any level.
Herbert Hoover.
I’m still a little surprised Hagel didn’t try to make a bid – he would have given either Clinton or Obama a tough fight in the general, though his anti-war stance may have blocked his nomination. Even though 2008 was probably not his time, a training run would have been beneficial. It would have put him in the public eye for the next go-round (see: McCain), and would have provided first-hand experience navigating the terrain of a national campaign.
As it is, 2012 might be his last shot, since he’s already in his early sixties.
Or maybe he doesn’t want the job. He’s certainly smart enough to know better.
Look, let’s get real. Look at the candidates. Romney established a liberal reputation as Massachusetts Gov and, in trying to distance himself from it, only succeeded in looking dishonest. Giuliani had too much scandal-baggage. Huckabee showed some hopeful economic populism but was inextricably associated with the batshit-insane religious right. Paul, with the nearly-as-batshit Libertarian right. The others are hardly worth mentioning. McCain really was the best choice.
…of a bad litter.