Why I think McCain will win

Back in September, when John McCain's candidacy was almost uniformly regarded as deader than Dead Jock McDead the winner of the Mister Dead competition, I took issue with the consensus.

I thought he could still be the Republican nominee, a contention (backed by my colleague Gerry Baker) which caused renewed debate about McCain over in the US.

Now I want to go, dangerously, one step further.

I think McCain will be the nominee.

Here are my four reasons. First, he is rising steadily in the polls. And he has been doing this since November and before the Primary season started. His performance in New Hampshire was the result of this long-term steady rise. His lead now is a little bit momentum, but even more long-term trend.

Second, I think that he and Rudy Giuliani are the only Republicans with the remotest chance of winning in a general election. I don't think serious parties choose candidates who they know will lose. Even though the conservative party establishment distrusts McCain I think they would be with him if things got tight and he was the only winner still available.

Third, I think he might be the only winner still available because Giuliani is fading fast. This is not just because of his (odd in the extreme) campaign strategy. It started back in November after the indictment of his friend and associate Bernie Kerik. Doubts about Giuliani's character have undermined him.

Fourth, I think (I think) McCain will win in South Carolina. This will bring renewed momentum and dish Mike Huckabee.

McCain was not a very good frontrunner. But this is not a long campaign. I think his momentum may last this time.

Comments

[adam]

"I don't think serious parties choose candidates who they know will lose."

Three words: Ian Duncan Smith

And, for a bit of balance, two more words: Michael Foot

[Letters From A Tory]

I think it's hard to predict how strong Giuliani will come back into the race, as his late surge is a very risky but potentially effective strategy.

McCain is looking a bit too comfortable at the moment as there will be many more fightbacks to contend with.

[Julian Cox]

It was Senator McCain who was (rightly) reprimanded and required to apologize for saying that Chelsea Clinton was so ugly because Janet Reno was her father.

Outlandish as this scurrilous remark was, it touched not just a raw nerve in the public mind. Let's face it, there are large chunks of the US electorate who, if they will put up with a woman president, certainly do not want one of the feminist old guard with all her attendant political correctness. And if you do not think that Obama's race and colour will not affect peoples' choices in the privacy of the polling booths - the primaries are very public - think again.

So far, Clinton has played the gender card, Obama has refused to play the race card in what has, on the essentials, been for the most part a very polite campaign.

But if McCain were chosen to run for the Republicans, there is still every chance he could win an outright victory on these two factors alone.

[Doug]

I doubt that Huckabee or McCain will be the nominee. They are media creations, not the natural choice of the Republican party, which, in general, despises them both.

McCain might win SC, but only with around 25% of the vote, hardly an endorsement in a state he's fought so hard in. I'd guess that it'll go to the convention, where Romney will get the nod.

[Rowland Manthorpe]

McCain has got one big gaffe in him yet.

His temper almost got the better of him in the ABC debate when he made that quip about Romney being "the change candidate". And while his honesty is heartening (say over job cuts in Michigan), it must give his campaign director nightmares.

http://reheated.wordpress.com/

[John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada]

McCain is a mental case.

Only yesterday he told a crowd in South Carolina that the state "was, hands down, the most patriotic in the nation."

First, what does his utterance mean?
Nothing. Empty rhetoric of the worst kind.

Two, keeping Dr Johnson's dictum on patriots in mind, who the hell cares who is most patriotic? It's a characteristic of value only to the brain-washed and feeble-minded.

Three, regardless of the meaning you attribute to his statement, if you account for the historical facts, quite the opposite is true.

South Carolina was the state that started secession from the Union. It was also "hot to trot" back in Adams' day under the promptings of opposition leader Jefferson.

Recently, too, McCain told us he would still have invaded Iraq, even without the excuse of "weapons of mass destruction." He has learned nothing from all that death and misery. Nothing.

McCain undoubtedly suffered brain damage when he was shot down while bombing civilians near Hanoi.

Other brain-dead Americans regard him as a hero for surviving prison in Hanoi. But heroes do not bomb civilians.

And a hero doesn't grovel to the likes of George Bush as McCain has sickeningly done for years.

A hero doesn’t support Bush’s disgusting “torture” legislation, as McCain did.

And a hero doesn't apologize immediately for one of the only unvarnished truths he ever uttered. I refer to his year 2000 remarks about the influence of the Religious Right in American politics.

McCain also a while back made a big joke of the idea of bombing Iran.

His sometimes charm simply does not compensate.

[Argonaut]

Doug said that McCain is "not the natural choice of the Republican party which in general, despises (him)". Well Doug I'm a card carrying member of the Republican State Central Committee in my state and I, along with many other on the committee, am convinced that John McCain is the very best choice for our party's nomination and for the nation's Presidency. McCain has the Experience, Courage and above all Honesty to win the Republican Patry's nomination, the general election and to effectively lead this nation for the next four years.

[Desmond Taylor]

McCain is a Democrat. McCain-Feingold was the biggest attack on the 1st Amendment ever. He was one of only 3 Senators to vote against the tax cuts. The Kennedy-McCain Amnesty bill shows where he is on an issue that 80% of the population are against. Always votes/works with Ted Kennedy. The only reason people vote for him is lingering hero worship from his terrible treatment by the Vietnamese. It is about about delegate votes. Romney has won two States and second in two others. Romney will win Nevada-34 votes. SC has 24. Where is the Press on this. ?

[Watchdog]

Not your best Mr. Finkelstein, not by a long way. No original thought and quite clearly no research. Dashed off on the back of a fag packet after eavesdropping while in line at McDonalds was it? Add to the list of names chosen by serious parties as sure fire winners, Neil Kinnock, Al Gore, John Kerry etc. etc. And to Argonaut above, well I'm an officer in our State GOP and I can assure you that McCain has zero chance here. He should have crossed the aisle years ago where his fundamental political ideology would find more friends, like Kennedy, Feingold & Co.
My guess and hope is that the eventual nominee will be one that has not before served in Washington.

[gb]

McCain has 'groveled' before President Bush? I must have missed that. What channel was that on?

If anything, McCain has been a colossal pain in the a** to Bush on any number of occasions. That's why his supporters like him and why some Republicans hate him.

But I agree with the comment that once it's all said and done, Republicans will get behind McCain without too much grumbling. They won't sit on their hands and risk the presidency going to Clinton or Obama.

McCain's our best chance, and Republicans generally realize that.

[Alan Wesson]

I am sure McCain has a very good chance of becoming the Republican presidential candidate. I am equally sure that he hasn't got a hope in hell of beating Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. So what does it matter?

[Walter Lantz]

McCain is mentally unstable. He certainly doesn't represent Republicanism. He has support of unenrolled voters and of crossover Democrats.

[Ray Muldoon]

My estimation of John McCain has increased immensely since reading in these posts that he once said Chelsea Clinton was so ugly because Janet Reno was her father.

[personinoffice]

I agree with Daniel Finkelstein. McCain will be the nominee. And he'll put up a good fight against Hillary. As I said in a previous post:

BUSH/CLINTON/BUSH/CLINTON

That's not a change. And Bill will remind people of that.

BUSH/CLINTON/BUSH/McCAIN

That's a change of sorts.

It might just be enough.

[Larry North]

McCain is a Liar, a Bully, a Coward and a Criminal. Look at the horrible things he has done and is still doing to this American Family. It is unbelievable but True. Because he refuses to even respond to this, he leaves me no choice but to file a Federal Lawsuit against him, et al. Just take a look at my videos...

[Dan R.]

Republicans everywhere better hope McCain wins tomorrow in SC. They'd better hope that the same dumb, racist SC rednecks that screwed the party by sticking us with George Bush in 2000 don't screw us again and stick us with Mike Huckabee or Mitt Romney as the nominee in 2008. If they do, it will be a Democratic landslide in November.

John McCain is the GOP's only serious chance at retaining control of the White House. Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter and the other far-right wing nut jobs might not like it, but it's true. Don't believe me? Then take a look at the national head-to-head polling data on www.realclearpolitics.com. John McCain consistently polls as the Republican best able to beat either Hillary or Obama in November. In fact, he's currently running ahead of both of them

[Care Wallick]

I have been an independant voter for over 30 yrs. I also know that my next remark will be absolutely hammered but I have to make it. I cannot vote for Hill/Bill because at the end of her FIRST tenure two families will have held our highest office for 24 yrs. I just can't live with that. I also just cannot bear to hear the President of United States being introduced as Barak Hussein Obama. I know that I'll be called a racist for that remark, but, that's the way I feel. I have researched where each candidate stands on positions that are important to me and, honestly don't trust any of them. The Other side doesn't excite me either. It's the first time in my life that I really don't know which way to go. I live in SC and will vote in the morning, but, I honestly don't know who for.

[steven Bainbridge]

"he hasn't got a hope in hell of beating Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama"

The reason why Obama didn't win New hampshire as predicted was because McCain won the race between him and Barack over the independents!

Recent polls had him doing best out of all republicans, being in a statistical draw with both main democrats, he has the advantage of both Democratic frontrunners being so liberal that it doesn't matter that Republicans don't trust him.

His fate is linked to that of General Patraes, if Iraq continues improving he will be win,as his idea of the surge, and criticism of Bush and Rumsfeld's original plan will win it for him.
If Iraq returns to it's pre-surge levels then he is doomed, and im sure he knows it!

[Garth Rex]

McCain is an intellectual clone and echo of George W. Bush. He has not had an original thought or idea in many years.

It is very doubtful that the American people will want a prattering, nattering parrot as their next president!

[James]

McCain has publicly said, modestly, that he is not a smart guy. All his wisdom comes from the experience of history and common sense. There are far, far worse alternatives for America.

[John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada]

McCain has just added more evidence of his mental instability.

He promised the voters of South Carolina he'd hunt down Osama bin Laden even if it took him "to the gates of hell."

And he swore he knows how to get him.

Good Lord, if he knows, why has he kept it secret all these years? He's either irresponsible or nuts.

'The gates of hell"? McCain in 2000 made fun of Christian fundamentalists.

And I think we know that Osama has long been dead, despite the CIA's phony periodic tapes released to intensify the public's paranoia.

The government hasn't wanted to claim credit because that would make Osama a martyr. Also, the remains are buried under a million tons of rocks in the mountains that they bombed the crap out of.

McCain might well be a more dangerous candidate than Bush. A true madman with some intelligence rather than a moron.

[gb]

If one is to believe some of these comments about John McCain, what does that say in turn about the other Republican candidates? Nothing very flattering, I'm afraid.

Unlike, say, John Kerry, McCain is a genuine war hero and a true patriot. That is one thing no one will be able to take away from him. If nothing else, we can be certain he'll defend the US. That alone is reason enough for me to vote for him.

You Rush Limbaugh Republicans better get your heads out of the sand or you're going to be sitting on the sidelines griping for the next four years. Maybe that's what you'd prefer doing anyway.

[Ken]

Gareth Rex says "It is very doubtful that the American people will want a prattering, nattering parrot as their next president", - I thought that's what they had had for the last 15 years - why the change all of a sudden?

[RIV]

LOOK !!! MC CAIN JUST LOOKS !!!! LIKE A PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

OBAMA IS MUCH MUCH TOO YOUNG AND INEXPERIENCED. IDEALISM AND HOPE ARE WONDERFUL THINGS. BUT THEY HAVE TO BE TEMPERED BY EXPERIENCE AND ADVERSITY FOR SOMEONE TO BE FIT TO HOLD THE HIGHEST ELECTED OFFICE IN THE WORLD.

IN EIGHT YEARS' TIME, IF IT'S THE DEMOCRATS' TURN, THEN MAYBE OBAMA - HE WILL STILL BE EARLY FIFTIES FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE - LET HIM WAIT AND LEARN. LET THE US ENJOY THE BENEFIT OF MCCAIN WHILE HE IS STILL AROUND.....

[Joan]

McCain is not a democratic. I am, and I ought to know. McCain did sell out last election with that big bear hug he gave GW. They despise each other and that was a creepy moment.
Compared with the other weirdos on the Repub side, I guess he's the best. I only hope that Romney tanks. He's GW2. Never met a rich guy he wouldn't give another break to.
Good idea for all Repubs: don't even have an opinion on abortion let alone voice it.

[András Bereznay]

I don't care about any of the analysis. I just desperately hope you are right as I feel it in my bones that the World needs him, McCain. I knew that for about nine years.

[Lewis Field]

Senator McCain might well win the necessary primary races to become the Republican nominee. If that catastrophe overtakes the party I will not only stop sending checks (minuscule as they are) in support of the GOP, but will sit out the race. I would prefer a true, in your face liberal like Hillary to that cad McCain. I want no part of a party that puts its backing behind one with so little in common with my values and beliefs. That may mean absolutely nothing in the greater context of national elections, as I'm a nobody Community College teacher with zero political influence. But then again, a whole bunch of isolated, lonely nobodies walking away from the now rather fetid Republican Party could catch the attention of the somebodies. Mr. Bush, as Peggy Noonan wrote, already abused us with his spitting on conservatives, hence I skulk away already hardened and hurt by the turn of that once great Party of Lincoln.

[Ann]

Do we really want a third Bush term? That is what a McCain presidency would be.

[JCL]

McCain and Hillary have many things in common, one of which is that they both have the attitude that we should vote for them because they "deserve" it. I will not vote for either one.

[Stu]

McCain? No chance; he's old school and the American public are rather disappointed with that class of politicos. Same can be said for Guiliani who has enough ball and chain personal baggage, as his daughter wryly observed.

No, the man for the GOP will be Mitt Romney; most importantly he is handsome and he certainly does look well for a 60 year old.

The opposition in the run off will not be La Clinton; she too has the baggage handicap.

Obama is the man who will attract enough of the usual apathy non- voters to stir their stumps, get down there and vote, swinging it for the Presidential candidate who personifies "change" and "new", words so loved by advertisers.

[Pamela M]

Yuck, I'm a Republican from Arizona and don't like John McCain at all. I haven't voted for him for a quite a few years.

He's a closet Democrat and he really didn't do much about our immigration problem in AZ. I have been here for 19 years and finally we have a solution but it's not a total solution. Muliple families on wellfare that aren't even citizens living in one home on wellfare, getting free lunch and being taught in Spanish while I pay taxes for my English speaking special needs child having to be homeschooled because he can't get what he needs. Fix your state sentator. You will never have my vote.

He's useless and if someone would run against him here then he wouldn't be in Washington.

Please Don't vote for this idiot!

[Engineer]

McCain and Huckabee are both liberals. If either one gets the nomination, I will sit out the election.

[Susan Kachmar]

Electability? Reading the countless blogs, there is no doubt in my mind that Hillary Clinton is despised by many within her party and certainly by the "other" party. She may very well win the party nomination, but she can be beat. The person that can beat her must be attractive to the independent voter. That would be McCain. That person must win over the conservatives, which slowly and steadily McCain is doing. He was dead-even with Huckabee in SC regarding evangelicals. According to Madeleine Albright the next president must have an understanding/compassion for the troops which certainly McCain has above the others since he has walked the walked. The next president in order to get a darn thing done in Washington, must be able to work with the other party. Clearly McCain has shown to be the only one that has done that even when it hurt him within his own party. As much as the Iraq war is hugely unpopular, not that any war should be popular, it was ONLY McCain that argued from day 1 to have more boots on the ground. His position, if anybody had listened, would have most certainly guaranteed that more men/women would have come home in one piece. Maybe by now we would have been withdrawing instead of authorizing more money towards a war that if planned with any forethought could have been successful. Successful meaning that Iraq could take care of itself. McCain might not be a speaker like Barack, but his resume is far thicker.

[sam medford]

Neither Huck or Mc. can win. I'm in contact with too many disabled vets who have seen his flat out rebuke of them when they approach.Pictures and articles in vet magazines for proof.Other vets AND their family's do not like that.He votes against any disabled vet benefit.Other than that,the other little things are being one of the twelve opposing the judicial appointments,the Mc./Feingold campaign bill,against all tax cuts,rebuking the 80% against illegal immigration and on and on.He is a Democrat.In the last couple of days I've met two guys who will never vote for him.I won't.If thats the best,let Hill or Obama win.Watch how they handle our defense.Mc.,the secret Democrat, would probably do about the same.

[GPW]

John McCain was co-chairman of the "Committee for the Liberation of Iraq." He was recently caught on video, only a few days ago, saying to prospective Republican voters that he would be willing to keep U.S. troops in Iraq for "50 or a hundred years." His chance of winning the general election is zero. Let us make this universal: It does not matter who the lying Republicans nominate. He is going to lose.
See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFknKVjuyNk

[Bill Cole]

??? McCain won't even be able to win ARIZONA, let alone beat Ron Paul
Bill in Arizona, 85018

[george F]

I belileve that Hillary will win as I think she will be Gods judgement on a baby murdering, homosexual advancing, welfare state nation. I do not want her to win but think she will. I am embarassed by what our nation is voting for in spite of all the data that exists on Clinton and McCain. I will not vote for McCain under any circumstances and see no difference in their platforms to speak about. He is no more a conservative than she is. To put in a woman that will advance Gay rights, the NOW agenda, the Nea agenda and socialism in general in an alleged enlightend nation is beyone my comprehension.
To vote race, gender, religion, is unpatriotic nonsense. We need to be like lady justice in these areas and be blind folded. We need people of principle and neither of these are.

[John S.]

The thought of McCain as the republican nominee makes me sick. I want our forces to get out of Iraq as quick as possible. With McCain they will be there for another 100 years. And with McCains lack of knowledge of our economy, it will go into a tailspin like when Jimmy Carter was the president.
We will then really need a Ronald Reagan to bail us out if there is anything left of the United States.
There is another thought, elect Mitt who is not so pro war and really understands economics.

[David Cunard]

On the subject of gaffes, John McCain said that he hoped the US would be in Iraq for 100 years - the American electorate will not vote for such a policy. As when Bill Clinton was campaigning himself, this year again it will be "it's the economy, stupid!" The housing crisis, the poor financial outlook and the demand for a universal healthcare system of some kind is what voters want, not more money and young lives to be wasted in Iraq.

[J.D. Dutton]

They won't sit on their hands and risk the presidency going to Clinton or Obama ? Sorry but this Republican and many like me will be sitting on our hands if McCain is the nominee. I would rather suffer under Clinton or Obam and have a chance 4 years from now of getting a real Conservative for President than having McCain in the White House destroying the Republican Party, he has done more damage to our party than either of the Democrat Candidates ever have.

[andyf]

I can imagine Mc Cain now standing on a carrier with the banner'Mission Restarted' meanwhile dystneyland being converted to a trailer park for the homeless.
america should be represented by a constitutionalist and there is no other like Ron Paul.

[John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada]

McCain "a genuine war hero"? What a black joke.

The man was bombing civilians around Hanoi when he was shot down.

The entire Vietnam War was an insane holocaust, the greatest such event since Hitler's. I’ve always thought the black subterranean walls of the Washington Memorial fitting for this reason. That mass murder was a national shame.

Three million corpses left behind along with a deadly sea of Agent Orange and a million landmines to cripple thousands of poor farmers for years afterward.

And for what? Choosing a government the U.S. disapproved of.

The government of the artificial rump-state, South Vietnam, was in every detail as much a dictatorship as the one in the North. It was deliberately created in conniving with the departing French colonial power.

The U.S. had no business trying to tell the Vietnamese how to settle their affairs.

These facts considered plus the clear fact that the U.S. never bothered with the nicety of declaring war pretty much means that McCain and the other murderers of innocents were exactly what the Vietnamese called them, war criminals.

Actually, despite McCain's whimpering about his treatment, he and the other prisoners got off rather lightly.

Do a thought experiment: just imagine a North Vietnamese pilot during the war somehow getting through to a city in California and dropping bombs or napalm.

What would have happened to him if he were shot down?

He would have been torn limb from limb or lynched by the people who almost launched an atomic attack on Afghanistan because of something done by some Saudis and who used to enjoy family picnics during lynchings of blacks.

[Geoff]

This would have been a much stronger article if the author had spoken about McCain winning the general 2008 presidential election...something that will definitely happen if Hillary Clinton gets the nod from the Democrats.

[Donna L.]

I sincerely hope that McCain isn't elected our president. I do believe that he will keep us in Iraq, killing our young people, and that he would be more than happy to do so for the duration of his term. I believe that he would be willing to leave our MIAs there, as he was content to leave them in Vietnam without even looking for them, and I don't think he cares what the cost of war is, much like Bush didn't care what the cost of war was.

I would hate to see anyone elected that isn't willing to draw up the purse-strings and try to reverse the financial direction of this country or so many people will suffer horribly. If we end up creating social programs for everyone, it is going to drive this country deeper in debt.

Look at the rebate program that is currently being considered: being our country is basically bankrupt, that 1.45 billion is going to have to be borrowed and eventually payed back, with interest. How on earth is that going to help us in the long run?

I think there are only two candidates that can save our country, one on each side of the fence. Flip side of that equation - I don't think either have a chance of being elected.

[Silvia]

My heart loves McCain, he is a hero, my mind tells me he is a loose cannon.

[Hasan Afzal]

Finally Finkelstein, something that I agree on! McCain is by far the best Republican candidate and your right on only Guiliani being a viable contender but his chance of success will become clearer after the Florida vote. On the Democrat stide, it looks like Hiliary will end up winning her nomination so Election '08 should be a very good (and close) one.

[Doug Robson]

I take it that John Chuckman was one of the Dodgers like Clinton and thats why he is so bitter and twisted. McCain did his duty as did millions of others only to be pilloried on returning home.

[David Broome]

McCain is a courageous person and hopefully he will be the next President. While the Democrats and his Republican rivals flip-flop and spin from one opinion poll to the next, McCain proves a real leader can shape popular opinion. That's political art.

[AAAAANDRE]

NOOOOO00000ooooooooooooo!!!!

[Missmarple]

I think we also have to factor in who he is going to pick as VP if he gets the nomination. The two names I hear are Lieberman and Huckabee. Lieberman is a Republican in Independent's clothing and Huckabee's loyalty is to the Constitution of God. Considering McCain's age and health -one of these two gentlemen could very well become the next POTUS. Be careful what you wish for - Again!!

[eric c]

I am a registered Republican, staunch Regan conservative. McCain drives me nuts BUT he is the only Republican who can win and the only Republican who deserves to win.
He is honest and he is for America.
That covers a multitude of sins.

[M. Weinzapfel (Arizona)]

This is an inflammatory comment(at least it would be in the U.S.): John McCain was a naval pilot in Viet Nam. He flew planes over the country dropping bombs on people and places far below. He didn't see the devastation he caused, the hideous consequences of his actions. That is why he can be such a flaming hawk. This is not to diminish his suffering as prisoner of war, but really, given what he had done to that country and its people, is lucky they didn't kill him. Hero, I think not.

[Cliff]

I sincerely hope McCain wins the nomination as he will deal with Iran

[Jack Matheson]

McCain's Voting record 88% conservative according to "On The Issues." I've never heard such B.S. as some of the comments above. McCain is completely honest and brilliant, like Winston Churchill. 100 years in iraq? it was a rhetorical irony to a persong who couldn't think for himself - like why not try to avoid a bloodbath by winning and securing the fledgling country with enough troops. But he's not stupid like Bush and Rumsfeld - he'll know when to move on. Silver Star Medal, DFC, POW, an utter hero, who dared stand up to Rumsfeld, who dares even now to stand up for humane treatment of prisoners. McCain is a real conservative and not a lying shallow fascist like many competitors. When the terrorists put their hands on nukes, you're gonna want Mac in charge - the only one of the lot who knows how to protect us. We're bloody glad to have him - as I said, like Winston. History will reveal it.

[oldasiahand]

I'm sure that McCain would make the race much closer but I simply cannot see it being anything but a Democrat year given the war and, more importantly, the economy.

[Stan(expat)]

Chuckman
Read some real history, not just that from leftist blogs.

The coming election gives us the new Commander in Chief with all that that implies in today's world.

Hillary as CinC with her documented contempt for the Services ?
Obama ? Not hardly.

[Stan(expat)]

""I don't think serious parties choose candidates who they know will lose."

Three words: Ian Duncan Smith

And, for a bit of balance, two more words: Michael Foot"

And for US balance: John Kerry LOL

Last time McCain came up against Romney's superior organization in a state too big for him to travel and greet all the voters he lost.

Let's see how he fares in Florida

[Chris Gallagher]

It is perhaps my greatest hope, Mr. President, that some day we'll consider tax and spending measures with no one else in mind but future generations of American taxpayers. We're tying a millstone of debt around their necks, and it is a grave mistake.

The above quote indicates why as a Brit I believe McCain will win. He's fiscally Conservative and strong on defence. Right wing Republicans may whine about the guy, but confronted with the most Liberal senator in the US (Obama's voting record makes Howard "The Scream" Dean look positively Conservative) or Hillary they'll hold their noses and vote for him in the knowledge he's a one term President. The Independents will plump for his experience. Quite frankly he's the only GOP who can win the Presidency, especially as he'll choose somebody like Huckabee to be his VP running mate and promise constitutionalist Supreme court Judges.

He also called the kid who called him too old a Jerk, the guy's honest too.

[eliXelx]

Most important of all McCain points towards a new incarnation of the Republican Party--one that does NOT genuflect to the word REAGAN; one that does not reflexively toe the LIMBAUGH Line; One that does not kow-tow to the outdated Evangelical Christian Shibboleths!

Republicans must come to terms with the reality of the pollution of the atmosphere, albeit they don't call it AGW. Why fight fruitlessly AGAINST a cleaner planet?

Republicans must see the light on illegal immigration; you cannot round up, incarcerate, judge and deport all the II's in one fell swoop; it will take decades!

Then again is it all II's, including Brits, Canadians, Colombians, French and etc. etc. etc. or just the Mexicans that are to be rounded up and placed in Concentraion Camps? That's not just illegal; it's positively racist.

McCain and Bush have at least come up with positive albeit imperfect plans for dealing with II. Where are the ideas of the other Repub Candidates?

Lastly, about age! A country should be proud to have the wisdom of years at the summit of public service; only in America are the old flung onto dung heaps because youth and image are all!

In fact, let's settle this race with an arm wrestling competition. Which Candidate on either side would you go for?!

[Chris]

Bomb, bomb, bomb; bomb, bomb Iran.

In his favour though : he's the anti-torture candidate.

Hope he doesn't run with the Huckster, though. Lieberman is a warmonger, but at least he's sane.

[John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada]

McCain has all the signs of a bizarre personality disorder.

He can be charming in limited exposures.

He sometimes is bluntly truthful, as when he talked about the Religious Right in 2000.

But in private, he is famous for a furious temper.

The man has made some simply absurd claims over the years, reminding me very much of Princess Diana's stuff about high people wanting to assassinate her, all the while smiling beguilingly in public.

And McCain simply loves death and killing.

My God, after seven years of the low-grade psychopath, Bush, and the destruction he leaves as his legacy, the last thing the planet needs is this smiling death's head as commander-in-chief.

And, yes, if it is anyone's business, Chuckman was a resister against the holocaust in Vietnam, and he's mighty proud of having done so, wearing it as badge of honor.

[Stephen Strachan]

Some of the comments posted here regarding McCain are incredibly off the mark and ill-informed. As an American citizen who remains well ahead of the events curve here, it is very unclear to me which election is actually being discussed in these comments! It's possible that foreign media outlets have a particularly "non-American" outlook, I suppose. But, please, people...get your facts straight or please don't publish them. We have enough of that going on in the USA.

[Piter, Moskov, Russia]

If American people will choose John McCain, it will choose war with Russia, and is similar not cold!
By the way, McCain have told, that war of Vietnam for a long time has terminated?
Well Americans would wake up...

Joke:
McCain about Putin: ' I have glanced in its eyes and have seen there three letters: ' K', ' G ' and 'B"
Interestingly, whence McCain knows the Russian alphabet? :)

[Stephen Strachan]

Chuckman: Any chance of a McCain/Thompson ticket? Perfect! A couple of old white guys that gives a bit of balance and might actually get the support of the GOP!

[Andrew]

I dont think Guiliani can't be written off until we know Florida's result. There are two reasons why florida is very important. One; its a 'closed' primary meaning the 'independent' voters CANNOT come to McCains rescue like they did in South Carolina and New Hampshire. Two; following on from that if Guiliani does manage to win Florida, which is still very possible, he will get ALL of floridas 57 delegates. Yes! its a winner-takes-all primary unlike the 3 contests past. And seeing as he already has New York and New Jersey in the bag Guiliani will look very nice in the delegate count.

Calling this for McCain is VERY premature.

[Andrew Pandap]

I live in Manhattan and on two occasions I have seen Chelsea Clinton in person, going about her business, not prepared for public scrutiny in any way. And she is a damned attractive woman, much prettier than any photos I have seen would suggest. I respect Sen McCain for a number of reasons, but perhaps he needs to put vanity aside and invest in a pair of specs.

[bob]

As a Vietnam veteran, I like McCain, but McCain's dishonesty on illegal immigration made me give up on him. America needs to control its borders, as every nation does. And it is sheer lunacy to have 12 million illegal immigrants wandering around the U.S. in an era of terrorism.

[Brian Mora]

Polls are an extremely poor indicator of how ANY candidate or ANY issue will pan out, especially because most polling conducted by the American media is conducted with an entirely subjective liberal viewpoint (1) and mostly in Democrat- and liberal-friendly area codes, eg 212, 213, 202, 312, 415, 617, 314, 816, 206 (2), purposefully shutting out most people in most Republican- and conservative-friendly area codes, eg 417, 918, 580, 719, 334, 919, 928, 559, 208 (3), with a predetermined outcome based solely upon the biases of a liberal news editor or organisation (4).
And yes I MUST agree with Andrew, calling it for Macca is premature, especially when Mitt has the current lead on the number of delegates (1), and when even Huck and Paul continue with respectable showings of their own (2).
There is a long campaign ahead and still quite a lot of primaries left. Be careful about how you call an election: There is a very famous example of a major mistake by an American newspaper from 60 years ago when they called the presidential election for Thomas Dewey.

[Stephen Pain]

In a parallel universe, perhaps I'd vote for the Republicans, and if I did, it would be for John McCain. He seems to have some integrity about him, and appearances are everything in American politics. Of course I might also vote for the dream ticket, a trained chimp the descendant of Bonzo who was in the movie with Ronald Reagan. Now that would be swell until the press uncover the dirt on Bonzo III's background - and the fact he has been the current President's financial advisor. But next time round Bonzo IV maybe.

[John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada]

THE FIGHTER PILOT AND THE PRINCESS IN AMERICA’S PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES

The fighter pilot of this story is, of course, John McCain, but the princess is not Hillary Clinton as some readers might have guessed. The princess in the story is Britain’s late Princess Diana.

What possible connection is there between the late Princess Diana and John McCain? Well, as it proves, there are connections of serious importance to American voters and citizens of the world.

There is today an unpleasant but necessary, excruciatingly-detailed inquiry into Diana’s death underway in Britain. It is unpleasant because no one should have every private thought and act exposed this way, but it is necessary because the Princess’s own actions and words left millions believing dark, paranoid fantasies around her death. Her remarks and notes in private about believing she would be assassinated, her batteries of obsessive telephone calls, her reported private fits of moodiness and hysteria, her going public with private marital problems – these and other events point to a person with mental instability. Detailed revelations of the inquiry come as no surprise because many sensed something more than her wonderful public charm and grace, and her family does have other such cases in its history.

McCain has all the signs of a similar personality disorder. He can be charming in public, and he has a reputation as an interesting maverick. He is sometimes bluntly truthful, as when he talked about the Religious Right in his 2000 campaign for the Republican nomination.

But McCain has the same highly inconsistent pattern as Diana in public and private behavior. In private, he is famous for a colossally ugly temper. McCain has made some absurd claims over the years, reminding me very much of Princess Diana's whispers and notes about people in high places wanting to assassinate her, all the while smiling beguilingly in public.

Recently, McCain told us he would still have invaded Iraq, even without the excuse of "weapons of mass destruction." He has learned nothing from all that pointless death and misery.

McCain promised voters in South Carolina that he'd hunt down Osama bin Laden, even if it took him "to the gates of hell." And he swore he knows just how to do the job. Good Lord, if McCain knows, why has he kept it secret all these years?

“The gates of hell"? McCain in 2000 made fun of hellfire Christian fundamentalists’ role in politics, now he’s feeding them their own lines.

I think we know that Osama has long been dead, despite the CIA's phony periodic tapes released to intensify the public's paranoia to support the war on terror. The government hasn't wanted to claim credit because that would make Osama a martyr. His remains are buried under a million tons of rock in the mountains that had the destructive equivalent of World War II dropped on them. And were it possible that Osama did miraculously survive, would hunting him down now be a high priority to a rational person? Two unfinished wars are underway. McCain’s promise is just one for increased destruction and horror abroad.

Recently, he told a crowd in South Carolina that the state "was, hands down, the most patriotic in the nation." First, what does his utterance mean? Nothing, it is empty rhetoric of the worst kind. Two, keeping Dr Johnson's dictum on patriots in mind, who cares who is most patriotic? That way is the certainty of more war. Noisy patriotism is a valued characteristic only to the brain-washed, feeble-minded, and aggressors. Three, regardless of the meaning you attribute to McCain’s statement, if you account for the historical facts, quite the opposite is the truth. South Carolina was the state that started secession from the Union at the start of the Civil War. South Carolina was also "hot to trot" back in John Adams' day under the secret promptings of anti-federal opposition leader Jefferson. Again, in Andrew Jackson’s day, South Carolina pitched the national government into a crisis over a state’s right to nullify federal law. Jackson threatened troops to put an end to it.

Recently, too, McCain told us he would still have invaded Iraq, even without the excuse of "weapons of mass destruction." He previously had one of his tasteless, juvenile joking sessions before reporters about bombing Iran, complete with vicious, laughing antics. The man has learned nothing from all the death and misery of Afghanistan, Iraq, and Vietnam.

McCain simply loves death and killing, just as it can be argued Princess Diana regularly flirted with death. She had deliberately turned down requests to increase the level of protection about her.

She needlessly drove off on wild adventures like the ride in Paris that killed her.
After seven years of the low-grade psychopath, Bush, and the destruction on every front he leaves as his legacy, the last thing humanity needs is the smiling death's head of John McCain as commander-in-chief.

[Russell, London]

"He promised the voters of South Carolina he'd hunt down Obama bin Laden even if it took him "to the gates of hell."

What kind of language is that to use against an opponent? Not the way we like to do things here.

[rob]

Why is everybody so concerned with any of the front runners? Clinton/Obama/McCain are all legislators. 2 questions:
1)When was the last time a legislator was voted in as Chief Executive?
2)If they want to be executives why get elected as legislators?
Best bet for any president election will be a Governor or ex-VP

[Daphne Kenward]

I am amazed at the number of comments in reference to McCain winning the next Election. The comments range from people being sure he will protect them, if it is so easy to assume Mr McCain will protect them, I wonder why Mr G W Bush did not protect them from Sept 11th, and protect them from Katerina, and the Credit Crunch. What do they think Mr McCain will do that George Bush did't do?. Some say The President of America has no business telling people how to run their country, because the President can not run his own country. What the policies are, to me seem more important. Some say they don't want Obama because they don't like his name, another said they prefer Mr Mittey to win because he is Attractive and looks young for his age. From reading all the one's I read leads me to one assumption I am not surprised the world is in such a mess, and America is in Recession and is likely to bring down the rest of the world with it. People in America needs to Vote for things of substance, things that makes a difference in peoples lives, and world policies. Printing money at will is exactly why American economy is in such a mess. America needs a reality check. The turbulance in the global economy is an issue, and people should not be Voting if they don't know what they are voting for. Looks, name, age, man, woman. These are not Policies, another war is not going to solve the problem either, puttting Santions on countries is both damaging to the American Economy as well as the countries they put santions on, if American goods and services can not be sold it dammages Employment and the Economy. Wars cost money America does not have, money that could otherwise be invested in health and education, and Job creation, and renewable energy and technology.

[Dave]

Mccain will win because he is going to be the only White man left.

- Hillary wont win because she is a woman

Obama wont win on two counts

1. Hes Black

and

2. His name sounds and reminds people of Osama Bin Laden

- Romney wont win because hes a Mormon

Sure these are cold ruthless facts BUT this is how Americans vote

Therefore the only candidate left

is MCCAIN!

Simple deduction!!!

[Bradley Gibson]

Remeber this, President Ronald Reagan was one of the greatest Commander's In Chief that this nation has ever elected. President Reagan never served in the military, John McCain needs to get off his "I'm a Veteran" high horse and come back down to earth. This generation doesn't care what happend in Viet Nam. This country is in need of a young thinker who can focus on the future and not on the past.