Isn’t Mccain’s willingness to shift slightly to the center on certain issues exactly what appeals to moderate? Plenty of people are disgusted with the far left but don’t identify with ultra right wingers. Political analysts believe the failure to attract moderate voters cost the GOP in the 2006 elections.
Only about 3 years ago Gov. Arnold Schwarzenneger (dang his long name) introduced reform measures that Californians SOUNDLY rejected. His approval rating dropped like a stone and no one thought he could get reelcted.
But surprise! He hijacked a number of Democrat issues (like the environment) and touted traditional GOP values (tough on crime) at the same time. Phil Angelides tried his hardest to tie Arnold to Bush but he was trounced.
The GOP definitely needs a image makeover, and MCcain is the right person to do it. I agree with the other poster who believes a more straight up conservative like Romney would get destroyed in the election. On social / national security issues Mccain is right up my alley. On immigration and environment, yeah, some problems for him there. (although as a immigrant myself, I tend to think there’s room for a compromise). But I’ll vote for a 80% conservative over someone like Barrack Obama. No president of mine is going to talk to Kim Jong IL without preconditions.
