John McCain and the Conservatives

Throughout this primary season the debate among Republicans has been who is the true banner carrier of the Reagan Revolution. It has been interesting to hear the debate because the real debate among conservatives should be who is the banner carrier of the Republican Revolution of 94. It is this segment of the Republican party who has been the most vocal but the most unrealistic in their desires.

Reagan ushered in an era of government effectiveness, not government reduction. Reagan did not abolish the Dept of Ed., he did not reduce entitlement programs and he did not kick out the illegal immigrants. Reagan did lower the absurdly high tax levels, he did rebuild America to a major power after Carter's attempted socialism of the nation, he did raise the military to the point where it is today because he would not compromise on his military budget.

Reagan was not what the foggy memory of those who espouse him to be. He granted amnesty to illegals, he approved expansion of social programs(although he did it as part of the deal with Tip O'neal to raise the Pentagon budget).

Even Reagan was not Reaganesque. I heard that somewhere but can't remember where, maybe Bill Kristol.

That brings us to John McCain. McCain has shown throughout his political career that he is able to cobble together effective coalitions of both sides in order to achieve his legislation. He has always been against pork barrel spending and he is the strongest hawk that has come along in a very very long time. He is more military minded than any potential president since Reagan and he understands the importance of keeping America safe through strength.

McCain may not be the ideal of the right but he is a conservative. Because he doesn't march in lock step with the far right he is as villified as Joe Leiberman on the left.
Reagan did not march lock step with the right, he was the one giving the marching orders.
Reagan was a true leader, McCain has those same qualities.

If the Republicans want someone who walks in time with the right wing of the party then they will miss a golden opportunity to expand the party. The Republicans could use this nomination to reach out to an entire new constituency, the disaffected and the disillusioned. Those who are unhappy with Washington make up a larger percentage than membership in the Republican and Democratic parties combined. Tap into that.

Let me close by saying that the time for change is here and we need to be very careful about what kind of change we want. Do we want change that strengthens America by not backing down to a fight. Do we want change that brings coalitions together from both sides in order get things done.
Or do we want something else.

Just remember what my old Grandpappy used to say, "God gives every bird his food, he just don't throw it in the nest".

Until next time....