NPR: McCain Goes to Washington to See the Conservatives

McCain Goes to Washington to See the Conservatives

Considering political candidates frequently use Biblical metaphors to explain their actions during campaigns (Mike Huckabee practically retold David and Goliath during his speech on Super Tuesday), it's appropriate to think of Daniel going into the lion's den to describe Sen. John McCain's visit to the CPAC convention in Washington this week.

CPAC's yearly convention is the most important gathering of conservative Republicans for a presidential candidate to attend. John McCain's problem is that a lot of conservatives don't like him .... at all. So when he goes to the podium to give his speech Thursday at 3 p.m. in Washington's Omni Shoreham Hotel, it could be one of the most important speeches of his career. While he freely admits that there are some conservative hardliners, like Ann Coulter and Rush Limbaugh, that he will never win over, he knows he needs to generate enough support among other conservatives to help him win the nomination.

Matt Lewis writes at townhall.com that just as Mitt Romney had to give a "Mormon" speech, McCain needs to give a "conservative" speech.

The CPAC speech will tell us a lot about McCain.
If it's a stump speech about him being a "foot soldier in the Reagan Revolution," we will know that is perfunctory pablum and that he didn't care enough to write something new. In that case, it is likely to assume he didn't want to give the speech, was probably talked into it by his staff, and isn't willing to humble himself by really trying.

But if McCain looks us in the eye, acknowledge problems, but promises ... promises ... he will make conservatives proud on issues ranging from Life, to Judges, to taxes. Then, he has a chance.

Hot Air notes that last year McCain was the only declared GOP presidential candidate not to attend CPAC, and this has left lingering bad feelings. But in a conversation with National Review Online's Kathyrn Jean Lopez, Republican strategist Mary Matalin offers a "trust but verify" strategy for McCain tomorrow.

11:07 AM ET | 02- 6-2008 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

He could tell them that he would govern like Reagan. Reagan raised taxes as governor and payroll taxes as president. He made deals with the soviets and the democrats. He didn't really lift a finger to deal with social conservatove causes. It would be humorous to see the entire CPAC audience sticking their fingers in their ears and screaming: "la la la I can't hear you".

Sent by Mike Fleissner | 11:39 AM ET | 02-06-2008

I have seen the conservatives and liberals alike, from two perspectives.

The first perspective from my vantage in Roswell, New Mexico. Me and the ETs watched the infant election come out through the Washington umbilical, back when Dennis Kucinich was the darling child of change.

Then I traveled back to my natal Florida to watch the primaries from the east coast vantage. I watched the pathos and dirty political fighting of the Sunshine State. I can attest that the earthlings of Florida are far more surreal and brutal than the ETs of Roswell.

Come next Tuesday, I'll be back on the plane to Roswell. Back to sitting with the ETs watching the two ring circus of McCain and Hillary evolve. I feel much more confident in the company of the far more logical ETs than I felt in the gladiatorial arena of Florida's tanning earthlings and tourists.

I await news from the camps of Kucinich and Ron Paul if the former candidates will come be our guest here in Roswell. See the world politics respond in a most interesting, if not gruesome form.

There must be a reason for nuclear energy, if only to some day stop the insanity.

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra call | 11:49 AM ET | 02-06-2008

McCain will also have to promise to do his part to help the Republican party find an identity compatible with the Reagan socio-economic model, but aware of the shifting times and events of the world post cold war + 9/11. And he will need to deliver it with key appointments in his cabinet, staff, and first of all, his running mate, which I can guarandamntee looks like Huckabee.

Sent by Platonicform | 2:14 PM ET | 02-06-2008

It'll be a tough speech to make. John can't win without conservative votes. But, it was millions of moderate and independent voters that have delivered his electoral success. He can't please everyone and still appear consistent in this message.
The CPAC need to accept the reality that delivering up a hard core conservative campaign platform would only doom McCain's candidacy to failure in November. If liberal Democrats are to be defeated, it will have to be by a moderate Republican.

Sent by Mark in California | 3:23 AM ET | 02-07-2008

The concept of "Liberal democrats" is a construct. A prison for your mind. Wake up man.

"Defeating" them is impossible, and would accomplish little, except to diminish your own honor.

Sent by Jody Sol | 1:29 PM ET | 02-07-2008

McCain - Yes he is arrogant. Yes he is contemptuous. He doesn't have time for the kind of idealism put forth by phonies on both sides of the aisle. He has a very conservative voting record. His 5 plus years in a torture chamber does not allow him to suffer fools like Tom Delay or Harry Reid. All I care about are Strict constitutionalist judges and putting a lid on free for all spending. I also want someone who can gather a broad coalition of moderates on both sides. Gee let's try that approach for awhile !!

Sent by Thomas OShaughnessy | 5:20 PM ET | 02-07-2008

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