Funny, just last night I read a blog on AR (sorry don't have the link) that said a vote for McCain is the same as a vote for Hillary.  Not saying that I agree, guess eveyone has their own view.

Go Mitt!

Brian Wentz, Des Moines "First In the Nation", Iowa

Steve - Our voting process is what makes America great. I use to love McCain but I can't tell if he is red or blue, conservative or liberal, and being a very conservative business owning republican - John McCain scares the heck out of me! Much like the democrats of the last eight years have been saying "Anybody but Bush I feel the same about this election "Anybody but Hillary".

John, I'm with you on your last sentiment, "Anyone but Hillary"

Brian, go McCain, but I sure agree with your excitement on "First in the Nation"  Go Iowa!

Eldon, I'd love to see that post, I'll go search and see if I can find it too for commenting.  I disagree of course, but I sure like the conversation.  Those of us in real estate need to be more active in the political discussion. 

Parked

Thanks Chris, Some additional links of possible interest:

THe National Ledger - McCain makes Christmas Move

The Boston Globe - McCain is no Ordinary Candidate

Steve:  I love McCain personally, I think he is a great American.  I don't know whether he's conservative enough for me...  

Jan, I think that John McCain may respresent the real conservatives. see What is a true Conservative for my thoughts on just this question.

Steve:  McCain's fooled a lot of people.  Look at his stand on "amnesty" for illegals... America's need for illegals.  Google the Keating 5 scandal when you get a chance.  He and Hillary are "big" pals (so says Bill Clinton).  If he gets the nomination, they won't be friends very long.  He divorced his first wife and remarried a woman much younger but with family money ... his children were not even at the wedding.  After getting into his new wife's family business, he met Charles Keating, Jr., all the while looking to get into politics.  Big nasty scandal that you probably don't remember.  Keating was convicted in the savings & loan scandal.  Keating & McCain were big buddies.  If he runs against Hillary, it will be brought back up for sure.  

Jan, thanks for the thoughts, I understand that John McCain, were he to win the Republican nomination soon, would have to run head to head against the Hillary machine.  And I can see that that machine will go after any and all dirty details.  I actually believe that Hillary has more to hide than John Mccain.

As for illegals, I do not toe the line with the litmus testing conservatives, I for one would favor a secured wall along the border, but an open philosophy toward those that are here already.  As a member of the home building industry, I benefit directly from the intense labor that mexican immigrants are willing to do.  Many "locals" aren't even willing to work that hard.

As for Keating 5, you're correct I don't remember the details.  It seems to me that I've seen some apologies from Senator McCain, and he's acknowedged the mistake.  But I don't know the details, and to be frank we don't seem to have a "clean" option this time.

I just realized why I cant join this Group on A/R.  The reason why I dont talk politics with friends.

Steve I agree that it is going to take  someone like mcCain to beat her I don't think Romney can

Hugh, Mitt got the quick and quiet win last nite in Maine.  I can only hope that more of the country knows what you've suggested ..... Romney may be great as a conservative leader, but he can't beat Hillary.

Follow on twitter http://www.twitter.com/JohnMcCain2008

I fear it will be Bob Dole vs. Bill Clinton all over again with McCain.  If Dole would have had some life and appeal to the younger voting public, I think history would be much different today.  Dole and McCain are very different ... but in their delivery and mannerisms, they are identical.  We shall soon see!

Steve:  Well, McCain is eating humble pie today, and so am I.  Your candidate will get the nomination.  My guy, Mitt Romney, has pulled out leaving Huckabee.  I really don't think the Huckster has a chance... (but I've been wrong before).  

Jan, no humble pie needed.  Mitt Romney was a professional and looked at the delagates and the costs of continuing, and made a decision that was best for the country.  No reason to prolong the battle among the Republicans.  Let the Democrats beat each other up, and spend their money.

John McCain will make a terrific President, one we can be proud of, perhaps we won't agree with all his positions, but we can be proud he's our leader.

Mike Huckabee is a good man as well.  Rumors are swirling that he's the guy for Vice President.  I don't think so, I think once again John Mccain will surprise all of us and go with someone we least expect.  No, not Lieberman.  How about a female congressman?  How about a latino state attorney general.  I could conjecture, but I won't, I can't wait to see the maverick at work.

Maybe I should start a running poll: Hoosiers for McCain

 Oh Stop your killing me!! lol... Lets see McCain.. His campaign should be No Jobs, We Can't stop Immigration and oh we plan on invading more countries!.. Just for the record that came from Buchanan.

Matthew, I appreciate your honesty, but that is not what John McCain is all about.

Given a choice between he and Hillary, will you seriously be looking to turn over our country to her?   I don't think so, I think primaries are the time for fringes and "wingers" to speak their minds, before the great middle chooses a person who really represents all the rest of us.

Steve, The fact is this is what he is saying. I keep hearing poeple say we will see things different once he is elected. But if this is what he is saying now?

I hope he doesn't change a bit once elected.  That was the problem with Bush, he stopped pushing to cut the size of government and let the Democrats rule for the last 4 years. 

For me cutting the size of government is more imporant than other more social issues.  John McCain appears to be the only candidate left that has a track record of wanting government to cut. 

I can disagree with him on immigration or first ammendment protection, he won't have much ability to change things there anyway without support of a Congress willing to work across the aisle.  He for sure has shown the ability to work across the aisle, a strength Hillary doesn't have and a strength Obama hasn't ever shown.  Frankly Obama would be like playing craps, no clue what he stands for except that he wants more government.

Steve, Just for the record the republicans held both houses for 6 years.

Steve: The Democrats have held the House in the 2006 mid-term elections and the Senate is essentially a 1- vote favor to the Democrats. That is not 4 years. The Senate is a non-working majority, since the Republics block and filibuster at every turn. Fortunately, since the Democrats are in control, there is now finally oversight since they can chair committees. 

Both Hillary and McCain are know as bipartisan legislators, do I do disagree with your assertion on your last point. 

Scott, I might not be sure what "last point' you're referring to.  The comment stream here has gone on a while.   It would appear that the mainstream media have "annointed" B. Hussein Obama as their chosen to face John McCain.  But ... I think Hillary still has some fire.  With wins in Texas and Ohio, she could easily stack up enough delegates, since these wins would help the super-delegates keep their word on supporting her.

Steve: I was referring to your comment that only McCain works in a bipartisan way. You said "He for sure has shown the ability to work across the aisle, a strength Hillary doesn't have.." She has show that as a strength and it has been widely acknowledged. 

Your calling Obama "B. Hussein Obama" is highly offensive and racist. There are many on the right that find this offensive as well. It adds nothing to the discussion and takes away from positive dialogue.  Oh, just for the record, I am no Obama fan. I fully support Hillary Clinton. 

Scott, I hop your gal wins the nomination too

Forgive me for the H-bomb, I thought it was funny that the whole episode happened

Steve: We're cool.