Given the vast and intense unpopularity of conservative George Bush, it seems that the Republican Party’s best chance of winning the White House in 2008 is with a candidate who can undercut Democrat support among independent-minded voters, who are a powerful and perhaps decisive group. Let’s not forget that H. Ross Perot could well be the reason that Bill Clinton became president in 1992, with one of the smallest shares of the vote in modern electoral history (close to 60% of the electorate voted against Clinton in 1992).
McCain fills that bill rather nicely, and he he has some strong policy points as well. As a Russia maven, I’m particularly delighted with McCain’s tough (Reagan-like) stance on Russia and its support of Islamic terror and American enemies like Hugo Chavez. It’s certainly the case that he’s not the conservative dream candidate, but if right-wingers like Michelle Malkin and Rush Limbaugh really can’t choose any Republican candidate over the likes of Hillary Clinton or Barrack Obama, then perhaps they’re as much a risk to the conservative movement as McCain is.
Given what a maverick McCain is, I think it’s kind of crazy for conservatives to attack and alienate him. What they should be doing is supporting him with an eye towards influencing him. I think his mind is open enough that he’s willing to listen. If they’re not careful, he’s going to win the Oval Office against Hillary without their help, and then where will they be? Out in the cold.
Seems to me that what McCain needs is a young and dynamic conservative running mate, somebody who could succeed him in 2012 or 2016, preferably somebody with economic chops who could help deal with the wobbly economy, who could be given substantial responsibility in the new administration. Anybody got any suggestions as to who that might be? Pity that Rush and Michelle are offering some constructive suggestions.
http://publiuspundit.com/2008/01/an_open_letter_to_michelle_mal.php
