To know him is to, well, come to like him. Really. That is the untold story of John McCain. I should know...
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Almost immediately following word of the Union Leader's endorsement of John McCain came the release of past editorials published by NH's statewide newspaper which were, at the time they were written, less than flattering. And this, naturally, might lead to some confusion on the part of some folks as to why the change of heart on the part of that paper. How can they endorse somebody they don't fully agree with?
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While I don't purport to speak for Joe McQuaid & the gang at the Union Leader, I think I can fairly easily explain why the paper could support a candidate they aren't marching with one hundred percent lockstep on some issues. Senator McCain, when you get to interact with him directly, is the real deal. Whether he is discussing an area in which you agree with him or not, he has beliefs, convictions, and knowledge of the facts that make you, at the very least, respect his position-- all the while knowing there's no BS in the mix, either. This alone makes for a compelling candidate for president.
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If you would have said to me a year ago that one of my top considerations to cast my vote for in the NH primary would be John McCain, I would have laughed rather heartily at such a prospect. Not anymore. Having participated in many blogger conference calls with the Senator (listen in on one here-- mp3), ridden the bus and shared conversation (and chicken wings) with him, and attended numerous town hall events where the folks got to ask direct, unscripted questions, I can say I have a completely different view of the man than I did before. His general knowledge on just about any topic thrown his way is nothing short of impressive. During the frequent blogger conference calls, McCain reports on conversations he has recently had with any number of important players in a given issue. When it comes to the war, McCain speaks directly with the generals, as well as the political leaders both here and abroad. One gets the feeling that he could easily assume the job of Commander-In Chief on day one.
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Another compelling argument in favor of a McCain candidacy is the fact that he still holds a tremendous appeal to a large number of Independent voters. And, due to his so-called "maverick" ways, you can make a case that even some Democrats could cast a vote for him. This will be a major factor as a significantly large number of people might have serious reservations about another Clinton Administration. McCain could give these voters a comfortable safe harbor in which to seek refuge from the clutches of Hillary Clinton. And for those of us who believe that prosecuting the war to its successful conclusion is the most important issue of all, McCain is rock solid. There'll be no cutting and running under a President McCain.
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Unlike the Union Leader, I am not ready to make a final decision on who I'll be voting for in the Republican primary January 8th. But I can say this: McCain is definitely on my "A" list...
Comments
Posted by: Jeff | December 2, 2007 11:48 AM