The debatable question arose:
"Who is more likely to gain support from the independents? John McCain or Barak Obama?"
Some of the students argued that John McCain would be more likely to get the independents vote because he is a "moderate conservative," while Barak Obama is on the far left with liberal ideals. But what the students failed to understand is that McCain is a full-blown left wing conservative, and there's nothing "moderate" about him. Although some media outlets might make him out to be a moderate conservative, the proof is really in the pudding. Don't believe me?
The front page of Huffington Post featured an article today that perfectly summarizes just how conservative John McCain really is. When it comes to every partisan issue, John McCain takes the right-wing stance indefinitely. Not only does he support the war in Iraq, but he also has served as a key ally in George Bush's efforts to increase U.S soldiers occupying the country. Other topics like abortion, gun control, and gay rights also illustrate that "moderate," is really not a descriptive word pertaining to the Republican candidate.
When it comes to abortion, McCain is a self-proclaimed pro-life advocate. He has vowed to appoint Supreme Court Justices that will limit the impact of the Roe v. Wade ruling, which basically legalized abortion. His views on gay marriage are just as conservative since he completely opposes it. In fact, he worked to ban gay marriage in Arizona and fully supports the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy. He even opposed legislation that would protect homosexuals from hate crimes and job discrimination. To top things off, he is an avid supporter of the National Riffle Association and has voted AGAINST a ban for assault-style weapons. But people consider him a moderate conservative?
Where is the logic in that?
Polls have indicated that most people do in fact see McCain as a centrist while Barak Obama and Hillary Clinton are perceived as far left candidates. Studies done by political scientists such as Philip Converse show that independents are typically less politically aware than strong Democrats or Republicans. This presidential election would perfectly illustrate that finding if the independents are naive enough to fall for McCain's "moderate conservative" tactics.
Reader Comments ( Page 5 of 5)
61. Patty, you really live for this site, and are very passionate about what you say. But do you honestly believe that Obama's 75 million in campaign dollars in March alone (a record by far), had no soft money in it. Obama has not made those claims in quite some time, while he is feverishly trying to put Hillary away. There is no way, and Obama isn't claiming it anymore that some of that money is indeed very soft.
On the other hand, McCain can't even get defense contractors, what should be his strongest ally, to donate at all, because of his stance on Campaign Finance Reform. And please don't bring up the Keating thing, which happened 20 years ago. DeConcini, a member of the Keating 5, was exonerated also, and served under Bill Clinton in his Cabinet. Why don't we bring up Whitewater, and the fact that Obama used the name Barry through High School? Obama with his association to Reverend Wright, and others, will be ripe for more attacks on his record fundraising. It is inevitable.
Being loyal to a liberal site, that has nothing better to do but bash McCain, and then say Obama is a schoolboy when it comes to fundraising and other issues, is very close-minded. Also, you are going to have to do better than pick on McCain over a few well-spun attacks, and not even realize what Independents are all about. I am one and do not feel represented or refreshed by any of what these Democrats have to offer. All they are doing is attacking each other, and fumbling badly over the issues. Obama might still win, even after his comments in San Francisco, but he is a guy that has an incredibly small amount of experience to run for President. He has sponsored no bi-partisan bills of any consequence, and does not appear to be anyone who will listen to Independents or for that matter the Right. McCain has always proven, whatever you think of him, that he will listen to both sides of an issue, and reach out to the other party. That is what Independents want!
Brian Singer at 6:10PM on Apr 18th 2008
62. Patty #58
You suffer from the Rosie O' (mentally and probably physically) syndromes. As such I will pass on the "bite be" comment since there is no Eskimo blood in my veins and blubber is not a mainstay of my daily diet.
Paul Sparcello at 9:56AM on Apr 19th 2008
63. Dear Mr. Sparcello,
I was thinking of not responding to you, however, after carefully considering my options I decided I would respond to your pathetic attempt at an insult.
Furthermore, I wish to thank you sir for finally confirming my personal suspicions regarding your “persona”. You are the type of man that loves dishing it out to anyone who does not see things your way. However, your discomfort shines thru when a woman particularly a strong woman refuses to take what you pass for insults or attempts at demining the individual by dishing right back at you.
Alternatively, it appears you try very hard to hide your insecurities by displaying a thugs mentality who thinks he knows it all, and you fail miserably every time. In fact, your attempts to bully women only serve to prove that you truly lack a pair to make you a real man.
Now, I am not really a fan of Rosie and I am very different than she is both mentally and physically, however, what you thought was an insult is actually a complement when it comes from the lights of your small mind.
Once again, I wish to thank you for allowing us to see what’s really behind that façade of yours that hides your most intimate insecurities regarding women.
Patty at 3:52PM on Apr 19th 2008
64. Patty, Re: #58 & 62
Adherence to the "Philosophy of the Stupid" (aka: Liberalism) does not qualify ones self as a strong w*man.
Obama is an Economic and Constitutional moron as the last debate pointed out. His answer for proposing an increase in the capital gains rates by 90% knowing that it would decrease revenue collections and increase the deficit is "fairness". I call that a Stupid Proposal.
Want fairness then support the Fair Tax. It would provide you and your family with a monthly check of $537.00 (Family of two with two children) if I recall your situation correctly. Your husband would bring home 100% of his paycheck on top of that. The Fair Tax takes power away from the politicians and puts it back into the hands of the people which is why your guy, Obama, is against it.
Keep swallowing the "Corporate Tax" pablum (post #44, plank 9) of Obama if you must but always remember: Conservative Education will take you much further in life than will Liberal Indoctrination.
Paul Sparcello at 5:09PM on Apr 19th 2008
65.
I seriously doubt that I have ever discussed my family situation with you or my husband’s career and his earning power.
I will say this to you Mr. Spar cello, my husband and I would much rather see $537.00 going to pay off our national debt or going to families that cannot afford to pay for health care or for public education. It may come as a shock to you but Liberals also love money and love making it. We enjoy capitalism as much as you do the difference as I see it is that we do not mind sharing the wealth with those less fortunate.
I am extremely proud of the fact that after working in the corporate world all day my husband still feels the need to educate. He follows his passion and teaches part time at one of the State Universities in our State. Furthermore, we are very involved in volunteer work at our favorite University where we have been fortunate enough to endow a scholarship.
If as you say conservative education will take you much further, why is it that we have what might turn out to be the most inept, incapable and idiotic president in our nations history ?
Due to the superior conservative education your president has been entitled to have had handed to him, we are now in debt that even our grandchildren wont be able to pay off if we continue down this road. Our economy is in shambles and our debt is astronomical. Inflation has gone up much higher than peoples pay rates, this war is destroying our Military and most people do not even seem to recognize it or care. Therefore, I would have to say that if there is a person who is entitled to have bestowed the title of a “Constitutional Moron” it would have to go to King George Bush.
Furthermore, I do not think that Conservative vs. Liberal education has ever been the issue. It has always been the individual the issue lies with. I would recommend you try to remember that the next time you feel compelled to call someone else stupid.
Patty at 6:57PM on Apr 19th 2008
66. Patty #64
Charitable giving is commendable. Using the force of Government confiscatory taxation to bleed hard working Middle Class Americans out of the fruits of their labor in the name of "Social Engineering" under pretext of Liberalism/Communism/Marxism/Socialism/Fascism is contemptible.
[Liberty is not mankind's normal state of affairs, Liberty is fragile. Our liberties are under siege because most Americans are ignorant about our Constitution and its philosophical underpinnings. Thus, we fall easy prey to political charlatans and quacks all too ready to exploit this ignorance in their quest for power and to satisfy popular visions of social justice: by Walter E. Williams.]
Remember the C-Word.............CHOICE!!!!!!!
Paul Sparcello at 12:00AM on Apr 21st 2008
67. McCain is the best democrat on the field of players. The conservatives are just out of luck on this cycle.
Man_in_Wilderness at 10:57AM on Apr 21st 2008
68. I can tell some of you ignorant wretches believe all these woes have occurred because of President Bush. But that is not the case and you are a liar to say so. 1st the government does not owe you medical care, housing, or anything of the such. The social security benefits have been going bankrupt for the past 40 years. Our self serving senators and congressmen have been spending what they do not have. Like you writing a check when there is no money in your account. They are living big and rich, at our expense. And like sheep lead to the slaughter we just keep letting them get away with it. No accountability, and tax the people more. Or let's re-distribute the wealth. The problem is the rich keep getting richer, and the middle income keep getting poorer. Where are all the statesmen? Surely we can produce those of the same caliber as our founding fathers. Can't we?
Man_in_Wilderness at 11:07AM on Apr 21st 2008
69.
Dear Mr. Sparcello,
Regarding post #65
I must say with the exception of what you consider being Socialism, Communism, Marxism, and Fascism; I truly appreciate your response and found it to be thoughtful.
I do recognize we differ in the interpretation of the words from your post, however, I certainly see where there is common ground and that can only lead to better understanding all around.
Furthermore, your post is precisely what I would take to our president and hope he could understand what it means to be part of America’s middle class, or to be part of the America that is surviving while earning wages that are below poverty levels. In my opinion, our president and many in his administration are the ones who lack the most fundamental understanding of our Constitution.
In conclusion, I want to say that exchanging our points of view without resorting to childish behavior was in deed a pleasure.
Thank you!
Patty at 12:45PM on Apr 21st 2008