As the Republican Pal of Vinnie Kelly from Georgia (Hi Vinnie how are Joey and George) I must say that I'm torn on who I would rather be the nominee.
In terms of the candidates the best and most qualified of the batch was of course Joe Biden. The party rejected him as he isn't on the best qualified candidate is clearly Sen. Clinton.
In terms of my #1 issue (The Iraq war) I would rather have Sen. Clinton than Sen. Obama the reason being that she is less likely to follow through with the left's desire for a pull out which will in my opinion lead to a wider war at a greater disadvantage to us.
In terms of winning or losing its a tough call. Sen Clinton has skeleton on top of skeleton that might be a delight to run against however she has been vetted and re-vetted so that might not be enough, also the tough campaign she has run against Sen Obama suggests she will not be a pushover. Sen Obama with his Chicago Pol education likely has a lot more waiting to come out that might make things easier but the historic nature of his run and "liberal guilt" which makes him appealing to many. (Why he and not Harold Ford a much more qualified, experienced, sensible and frankly vetted candidate is beyond me). The inevitable playing of the race card by our friends on the left will attempt to paint us as evil. Oddly enough their use of this in the current campaign surprised me showing that party registration has no bearing on racism. I can't for the life of me see how a person with less than two years experience in Washington and as thin of a resume as Sen Obama has got this far but he is winning by the rules, so be it.
I think we make a mistake focusing on who we can beat, we are better off explaining why Sen McCain is the better candidate. I think you have to give a positive reason to vote for someone. There are many arguments in favor of McCain that will reach across party lines and the footage of our friends on the left lionizing him over the last 6 years will be amusing to see.
Strategically Obama is the better choice for us for two reasons:
1. His weaker and incredible leftist resume and associations
2. We are better off dealing with him now then in 4 years when he WILL have the experience and qualifications to be president. (He will likely be just as wrong but he will have at least a full term in office) If he loses this year he will be a defeated candidate in 2012 which will make a win harder.
Either way no matter who wins we will get the candidate we deserve.
Dan of MN wrote: "(H)As anyone here actually seen one of Wrights sermons in context and not a sound bite produced by republicans or clintons attack dogs?"
Obadanny Boy, Oabadanny Boy!! Don't know where you been, but American voters do not need to see these sermons "in context", because the Reverend went on a 5-day press trip and repeated all of these fanatical rants and asserted those same "out of context" views, plus, he accused Obama of doing the polically expedient thing. Afterwards, Obama finally denounced Rev. Wright's views, saying he was a different man than the one he knew. NO, Obamafreaks, the only difference between Rev. Wright's message at Trinity Church and the message he provided two weeks ago was the audience.
You better look for a new spin instead of this catch-all "out of context" excuse you've used to spin all your radical views. Under what context are any of the following statements defensible: "God Damn America" ? "White America invented the HIV virus to eradicate the black population"? "Today, for the first time in my adult life, I am proud of this country"?
Obama Jihaddists-come November, YOUR chickens are coming home to roost!
Manny of Phoenixof AZ6:13PM May 14, 2008
Bush and McCain have ensured that the Republicans will be handed the most lopsided and soundly defeat in decades. Obama will cruise over McCain and the Democrats will gain more seats in both the House and the Senate. This is due to Bush's utter contempt and incompetence as the republican president and the utter disgrace of outed (no pun intended) and lewd adn shameful and criminal acts of the the republican party. And thats just the ones that got caught so far!
The Republicans have destroyed themselves this cycle and probably the next too. Will be interesting to see if the Democrats can actually produce and propser for the betterment of the country. Still hoping anyway.
Ex-Republican, 25 year US Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Disabled Amercian Vet retired (1978-2003)
HFD6:09AM May 13, 2008
Republicans have only themsleves to blame for this and rightfull so.
hfd6:00AM May 13, 2008
I hear this argument that McCain doesn't want to face Clinton's attack machine come the fall which is why the GOP prefers Obama. Well I have news for all of you. If and when Obama wins the nomination, Clinton's attack machine can still go after McCain. When Obama secures the nomination which I'm sure he will. Do you really think Clinton won't turn her attack dogs on McCain anyway.
The only way McCain can escape a vicious blood thirsty attack machine is if he dies of old age before the election is underway.
The voters who won't vote for any black ever, are already republicans.
I kinda agree with Phill I'm against gay civil unions to. I think its a insulting slap in the face. Gays should be allowed to get married like everyone else.
Though I assume Phill was characterizing traditional republican values of pro-life and racism against gays.
And on the subject of Obama's Reverend Wright. As anyone here actually seen one of Wrights sermons in context and not a sound bite produced by republicans or clintons attack dogs? What no one? I thought as much. My problem with Obama is he didn't defend his pastor and instead threw him to the wolves.
By the time the election actually roles around McCain won't have anything new to attack the democratic nominee as the democrats will be sick of hearing old news after such a long road to the nomination.
Danof MN5:50AM May 13, 2008
Obama would be easier for McCain to beat than Mrs. Clinton. Why? Even in 2008, millions of Americans (particularly in the South) won't vote for a black liberal for President. Many of them might vote for a conservative black, such as someone like Clarence Thomas or even Colin Powell (who unfortunately isn't conservative on abortion). But others won't vote for any black, even in this day and time. I myself would vote for a conservative black for President--but not Obama, who is anti-life and pro-gay civil unions.
Phillipof TX2:51AM May 13, 2008
If Hillary loses, I'll be voting for McCain. So is all my family. We're sick of all the Clinton-bashing.
Raphael Portoof IL1:01AM May 13, 2008
instead of selecting an experienced, tough, smart candidate (Clinton) to lead their party in Nov, they're letting the republicans brainwash them with their anti-Hillary editorials and commentaries. Hillary should be the next president. Why? Because she is the most competent, best candidate out there. That's what you want from your president, no?
men for Hillaryof PA12:47AM May 13, 2008
A McCain/Obama race is my worst nightmare. Must pick between two evils. I was actually behind obama until i got to know him better - now i know he's worthless and nothing but hot air. he declined to vote so many times he should be thrown out of the senate. he has no backbone. he stands for nothing. his loyalty to america is very, very questionable. i voted for hillary - she's the best candidate by far. I want the republicans out, but i can't vote for obama. at least we know mccain is a loyal american. at least mccain stands for something. as much as i hate to see obama win the nomination, i relish the opportunity to see the kid gloves come off when the GOP tears into him. as far as obama being different from the rest of the politicians - that's laughable. he's a bigger liar than hillary and mccain put together. dems are making a big mistake putting obama in and yes, that chicken will come home to roost - the day mccain is sworn in.
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Peter Ingemi of MA 1:53PM May 18, 2008
jack of OH 9:42AM May 16, 2008
Manny of Phoenix of AZ 6:13PM May 14, 2008
HFD 6:09AM May 13, 2008
hfd 6:00AM May 13, 2008
Dan of MN 5:50AM May 13, 2008
Phillip of TX 2:51AM May 13, 2008
Raphael Porto of IL 1:01AM May 13, 2008
men for Hillary of PA 12:47AM May 13, 2008
of 7:15PM May 12, 2008