UPDATE -- 01/27/08 John Broder/New York Times

"Is John McCain, the maverick flyboy of the Republican Party, becoming the candidate of the Republican establishment?"

"Mr. McCain, who has delighted in sticking his thumb in the eye of mainstream Republicans throughout his political career, is now accumulating a base of support among party regulars who see him as the strongest general election candidate in the remaining Republican field."

"The latest evidence came Saturday night with the endorsement of Florida’s popular Republican governor, Charlie Crist, which surprised even Mr. McCain. That state holds primary elections on Tuesday."

"In an interview Sunday, Mr. Crist said his endorsement was based on 'trust and confidence and friendship,' as well as what he said were Mr. McCain’s unmatched national security credentials."

"But he also said he believed that Mr. McCain had the broadest appeal of the four major Republican candidates still standing and the best chance of beating the Democratic nominee in November. 'I’ve been traveling the state, and in the last few days people have been taking this very seriously,' he said. 'I think Tuesday will be very telling, and it will be a great day for Senator McCain.'”

"The Crist endorsement came 24 hours after that of Senator Mel Martinez of Florida, a former general chairman of the Republican National Committee and a popular figure in Florida’s Cuban-American community."

"Mr. McCain has also won the support of a number of established party figures, including moderates like former Senators John C. Danforth of Missouri and Howard H. Baker Jr. of Tennessee and conservatives like Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma and former Representative Jack F. Kemp of New York."

It is well-known that Mel Martinez, John Danforth, Jack Kemp, Tom Coburn and Howard Baker are big Bush supporters -- and this implies the unofficial "party" imprimatur to his candidacy

Original story....

Backroom Choice?

It is an interesting thought to pursue: John McCain is the hand-picked choice of the Republican power-brokers and elites who, after having sat in their back-rooms drinking good whiskey and smoking expensive cigars, have decided that McCain is the one to carry forward the Clinton-Bush legacy in this world.

First, there is his legendary stamina and energy that allowed him to survive the inhuman conditions in a Vietnamese prison camp.

Second, there is no doubt that he is willing to work with special interests as evidenced by his "Keating Five -- I was only helping a constituent" performance in the late '80s. 

Third, there is no doubt that he is willing to promote bi-partisan legislation as evidenced by McCain-Feingold (Campaign Finance Reform with democrat Russ Feingold) and Mc-Cain-Kennedy (Immigration Reform with Ted Kennedy).

And fourth, he appears to be a sincere messenger of his own positions.

Style: Reagan vs. Rockefeller?

But how does this analysis hold up when McCain is compared to Reagan-style conservatism or Rockefeller-style spending? Not as well as I had hoped. McCain, while appearing to speak of conservative values, apparently is willing to engage in Rockefeller-type spending. Considering his implied endorsement by the Bushies -- Rockefeller Republicans all -- there is no doubt McCain is already cast in the current Administration's mold. Something which displeases me greatly.

Style: Liberal vs. Conservative?

While John McCain generally appears to be conservative in an Rudy Giuliani-Arnold Schwarzenegger mold, he is far from an ideological conservative and is more of a "populist" than anything else. His past legislative votes indicate he is more liberal than a true conservative and more conservative than a true liberal. All-in-all, he sounds like a man who can deal with most issues on a bi-partisan basis.

Organization?

I can not find any evidence that McCain will or will not rely on the old "Republican" hands that have led us into our current situation. Since so much of his policy and actions may be determined by his closest advisors, one wonders if they will include disparate types like the so-called "neo-cons" and the "Henry Kissingers."

The Veep Component?

While McCain appears liberal enough to win the presidency, his choice of running mate is absolutely critical in bolstering his candidacy. It is believed by the mainstream press as well as other political pundits that a McCain-Thompson ticket would have a decent chance of winning against a Clinton-Obama ticket. Whether or not Thompson would be willing to accept the second place on the ticket has never been mentioned by Thompson who claims that he is focused on winning the primary nomination.

Swiftboat Potential?

Every candidate remains vulnerable to attack by the opposition. And there are those wondering in print if there is something "Kerry-like" in McCain's Vietnam experience which could cast a long shadow on his presidential aspirations.

Considering the John McCain was my first choice for the Presidency prior to his slavish endorsement of the ill-crafted McCain-Kennedy SHAMnesty bill, I am still hoping that McCain will publish a revised position on immigration and the treatment of illegal aliens prior to our February 5th California primary.

Final Analysis: National Security?

For all of his vaunted national security experience, it remains a fact that his promotion of the SHAMnesty bill, with its bogus security regulations, proves McCain doesn't care a whit for the nation's safety or security.

What can YOU do?

At this time, I would urge one to vote for the more conservative Mitt Romney than vote for a pseudo-conservative who has proved time-and-time again that he stands for whatever the democrats want.

Do not vote for any candidate or current politician who is willing to subvert the safety, security, sovereignty and economic strength of the United States or limit an individual's right of self-defense for personal power, prestige or profits.

-- steve

A reminder from OneCitizenSpeaking.com: a large improvement can result from a small change…

The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane. -- Marcus Aurelius

Quote of the Day:  Smooth seas do not make for a skillful sailor. --African Proverb