Top Republicans mock McCain

[Guest thebigjig]

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POLITICAL POINTS | 5.19 1:57 PM ET

Speaker Gets Riled Up Over McCain's Caution on Tax Cuts

By CARL HULSE

 

Published: May 19, 2004

 

 

enator John McCain is getting under the skin of some of his fellow Republicans, particularly in the House.

 

There has been grumbling in some quarters that Mr. McCain, the high-profile Arizona Republican, has not exactly been spouting the party line during his numerous talk-show appearances as he discusses problems in Iraq and the need to get to the bottom of the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal. Then there is the constant chatter about the possibility of his joining his buddy John Kerry on the Democratic ticket.

 

Today, Speaker J. Dennis Hastert was asked about Mr. McCain's view that Congress should not enact tax cuts during wartime because it keeps the public from developing the sense of shared sacrifice that war requires. Mr. Hastert, who was discussing tax cuts, the Republican budget and $50 billion for the war in Iraq, had had enough.

 

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"Who?" asked Mr. Hastert as he heard Mr. McCain's name. "Where is he from? Is he a Republican?"

 

Then Mr. Hastert really unloaded on Mr. McCain, who sustained lifelong injuries as a prisoner of war in Vietnam.

 

"John McCain ought to visit our young men and women at Walter Reed and Bethesda," Mr. Hastert said. "There is the sacrifice in this country. We are trying to make sure they have the ability to fight this war, that they have the wherewithal to do it. At the same time we have to react to keep this country strong not only militarily, but economically. We have to have the flexibility to do it. That is my answer to John McCain."

 

No doubt, however, that will not be the last word on the subject.

 

Mr. McCain's response was equally pointed. "The speaker is correct in that nothing we are called upon to do comes close to matching the heroism of our troops,'' he said in a statement issued through his office. " All we are called upon to do is not spend our nation into bankruptcy while our soldiers risk their lives.

 

"I fondly remember a time when real Republicans stood for fiscal responsibility. Apparently those days are long gone for some in our party."

 

---------------

 

I find it particularly disturbing that the philosophy of the Republican party now, is "Shut your mouth! You agree with party rank or you cant be a member!"

 

When did Republicans lose sight of true conservatism??

[kkktookmybabyaway 0]

When they got into power...

[Guest thebigjig]

I heard an interview with McCain on NPR last week, and he mentioned that he worships Theodore Roosevelt, a man that I'm heavily studying right now, and it's kind of funny how they're paralleling each other right now in terms of breaking rank from the party and gaining enemies because of it

[2GOLD 0]

I heard an interview with McCain on NPR last week, and he mentioned that he worships Theodore Roosevelt, a man that I'm heavily studying right now, and it's kind of funny how they're paralleling each other right now in terms of breaking rank from the party and gaining enemies because of it

 

Well, I know I'd vote for McCain.

 

Right now, I'm thinking of writing in a vote for Randy Savage over these two bums and the insane tree guy.

[Guest Vitamin X]

Right now I'm slightly torn between Kerry and Nader, but if McCain joined up with Kerry, there'd be no way in hell I'd vote for any other ticket on the ballot. If I was of legal age to vote back in 2000, you bet your ass I would have tried to make sure McCain would have won the caucauses in California. That man is awesome.

[Guest MikeSC]

Right now I'm slightly torn between Kerry and Nader, but if McCain joined up with Kerry, there'd be no way in hell I'd vote for any other ticket on the ballot. If I was of legal age to vote back in 2000, you bet your ass I would have tried to make sure McCain would have won the caucauses in California. That man is awesome.

Do you, honestly, know anything the man favors?

 

ANY candidate can look terrific on paper --- but when you actually study their views and beliefs, flaws become apparent.

-=Mike

[Vyce 0]

I find it particularly disturbing that the philosophy of the Republican party now, is "Shut your mouth! You agree with party rank or you cant be a member!"

 

When did Republicans lose sight of true conservatism??

 

In the last few months, McCain has made a new artform out of talking out of both sides of his ass.

 

It's as simple as that.

[Guest thebigjig]

I find it particularly disturbing that the philosophy of the Republican party now, is "Shut your mouth! You agree with party rank or you cant be a member!"

 

When did Republicans lose sight of true conservatism??

 

In the last few months, McCain has made a new artform out of talking out of both sides of his ass.

 

It's as simple as that.

How so??

[Guest Crazy Dan]

McCain is a politician I respect. I do consider myself a Democrat (ducks bolts of the Republicans on this board), but I am not a blind Democrat. And I will always try to hear out both sides of each party's when deciding on issues. So there are times that I find myself voting on issues that Republicans sponsor. (in Cali, we get to vote on pretty much every issue that comes our way, so we get bills from both sides of the spectrum). And I have even voted for Republicans I thought were better candidates in many elections.

 

But getting back to McCain. I like that he is his own man. Many issues he is very conservative on. And I am sure that there are issues that I disagree on that he supports. But, at least he is not blinded by partinship to support every Republican sponsored bill that comes his way. Just one example. He saw that a lot of our public policy was getting heavily decided by special intrest groups, and not by what the people he representated might agree with. Hence the bill he help draw up (pardon me if I can't recall the exact name, I am a little tired and lazy to go look up the name) that limits the amount of soft money one can contribute to a campaign. That to me might not have been a popular position in the Republican party, but it was what McCain thought was important. And that is why I respect him, regardless of his Party affiliation.

 

And man, the guy is tough. He survived 6 years as POW in Nam. Not many can say they do that. And I think that is why I believe that Kerry and him are on good terms. And if I am correct, I do think that Kerry supported McCain when he was getting mud slung on him during the 2000 South Carolina primary. This of course broke the McCain campaign's back. And those tactics used were very dirty and disrespectfull, IMO. So even if those two had different views on the war they fought in, both developed a mutual respect between each other. So even though McCain is supporting Bush in the upcomming election, I don't see him bad mouthing Kerry during election time.

 

And one last thing about McCain, how many of you thought he was hilarious as John Ashcroft on SNL's Hardball. "I would install a micro chip in every person that is controlled by this remote control". So the man has a sense of humor, and anyone who makes fun of Ashcroft gets brownie points in my book.

[starvenger 0]

You know, it's nice to see that at least ONE "name" politician (as opposed to some unknown back bencher) is willing to break ranks with the party line...

[Guest MikeSC]

McCain is a politician I respect. I do consider myself a Democrat (ducks bolts of the Republicans on this board), but I am not a blind Democrat. And I will always try to hear out both sides of each party's when deciding on issues. So there are times that I find myself voting on issues that Republicans sponsor. (in Cali, we get to vote on pretty much every issue that comes our way, so we get bills from both sides of the spectrum). And I have even voted for Republicans I thought were better candidates in many elections.

 

But getting back to McCain. I like that he is his own man. Many issues he is very conservative on. And I am sure that there are issues that I disagree on that he supports. But, at least he is not blinded by partinship to support every Republican sponsored bill that comes his way. Just one example. He saw that a lot of our public policy was getting heavily decided by special intrest groups, and not by what the people he representated might agree with. Hence the bill he help draw up (pardon me if I can't recall the exact name, I am a little tired and lazy to go look up the name) that limits the amount of soft money one can contribute to a campaign. That to me might not have been a popular position in the Republican party, but it was what McCain thought was important. And that is why I respect him, regardless of his Party affiliation.

 

And man, the guy is tough. He survived 6 years as POW in Nam. Not many can say they do that. And I think that is why I believe that Kerry and him are on good terms. And if I am correct, I do think that Kerry supported McCain when he was getting mud slung on him during the 2000 South Carolina primary. This of course broke the McCain campaign's back. And those tactics used were very dirty and disrespectfull, IMO. So even if those two had different views on the war they fought in, both developed a mutual respect between each other. So even though McCain is supporting Bush in the upcomming election, I don't see him bad mouthing Kerry during election time.

 

And one last thing about McCain, how many of you thought he was hilarious as John Ashcroft on SNL's Hardball. "I would install a micro chip in every person that is controlled by this remote control". So the man has a sense of humor, and anyone who makes fun of Ashcroft gets brownie points in my book.

Dan, the myth of what happened in SC in 2000 is just that --- a myth. Nobody can find ANYBODY else who received these alleged push poll calls. Nobody ever taped them (which people who come forward with this type of complaint routinely do). Nobody can find a script for a telephone person that matches what allegedly happened. Nobody can find any of this --- it's all based on the words of one kid and his mom.

 

And, funny, Zell Miller nevert got the respect that John McCain gets.

-=Mike

[Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0]

And, funny, Zell Miller nevert got the respect that John McCain gets.

-=Mike

 

John McCain isn't campaigning for Kerry (yet). Zell Miller is campaigning for Bush.

[Guest Salacious Crumb]

I thought McCain said he would be Kerry's VP if asked. Isn't that just as bad as anything Miller has done?

[Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0]

Wrong. McCain said he didn't want to be the VP. However, he's still rumored to be the pick, even though he said he won't accept it.

[Guest Salacious Crumb]

Ah, gotcha. Just checking.

[Jobber of the Week 0]

And, funny, Zell Miller nevert got the respect that John McCain gets.

            -=Mike

Zell Miller *IS* the kind of OMGTRAITOR~! that so many of you guys claim McCain is. McCain just thinks independantly more than the other Senators seem to.

 

Miller, on the other hand, seems to be pretty wildly different. His most recent attack on Kerry (which is fine with me, Kerry wasn't my choice anyway) was at his state's REPUBLICAN CONVENTION.

 

Gee, ya know, it's just me, but if you're attending THE OTHER PARTY'S CONVENTION AS A GUEST SPEAKER, perhaps you ought to consider changing sides.

 

Let me know when McCain goes and talks at a Democratic convention and tears down the joint with applause, and I'll concede you guys might have a point.

[Vyce 0]

Wrong. McCain said he didn't want to be the VP. However, he's still rumored to be the pick, even though he said he won't accept it.

 

McCain is Kerry's boy. Trust me, if Kerry picks him - he'll accept it. Gleefully.

[Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0]

Wrong. McCain said he didn't want to be the VP. However, he's still rumored to be the pick, even though he said he won't accept it.

 

McCain is Kerry's boy. Trust me, if Kerry picks him - he'll accept it. Gleefully.

Oh? Are you a source close to McCain, or are you speaking out of your ass, sir?

[Edwin MacPhisto 0]

Vyce IS John McCain. I figured this out 8 months ago. Y'all are behind the times.

[kkktookmybabyaway 0]

I'll bet anyone a steak dinner that McCain will NOT be Kerry's running mate.

 

Of course the travel expenses to get your ass over to Southwestern PA isn't included in the bet, but nevertheless...

[NoCalMike 0]

Would be nice to see McCain just leave the republican party and become and independent. It is election year, so you know anyone on either side of the two-party towers that DARES voice some concern or double checking on the majority decision is going to get lashed out against. We all should have seen this coming.

[Guest MikeSC]

Would be nice to see McCain just leave the republican party and become and independent. It is election year, so you know anyone on either side of the two-party towers that DARES voice some concern or double checking on the majority decision is going to get lashed out against. We all should have seen this coming.

Let him.

-=Mike

...Take Arlen Specter with you, John. Heck, take Chafee and Snowe, too.

[Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0]

The only way he'd do it is if the Senate was one person away from swinging to the democrats. He wouldn't do it if it wouldn't have any impact.

[Guest MikeSC]

The only way he'd do it is if the Senate was one person away from swinging to the democrats. He wouldn't do it if it wouldn't have any impact.

Ah, so he's not really independent --- he's an attention whore.

-=Mike

...And lord knows doing that worked WONDERS for Jeffords --- BWA HA HA HA!

[Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0]

Strategically, it would make little sense for him to declare as an independant. Although, if your will was done, you'd be losing four seats in the Senate for the Republicans. So, by all means, let's hope it happens.

 

I'm glad that you're so supportive of moderates within your own party.

[Guest thebigjig]

The only way he'd do it is if the Senate was one person away from swinging to the democrats. He wouldn't do it if it wouldn't have any impact.

Ah, so he's not really independent --- he's an attention whore.

-=Mike

...And lord knows doing that worked WONDERS for Jeffords --- BWA HA HA HA!

That's strange... considering McCain has been speaking out about an issue that you have criticized Bush for... excessive spending. Wouldn't you be more inclinded to... you know, agree with him?

 

But lets just forget that and just go with the real reason you dislike McCain... he's not a party drone... or is it because he would be so bold as to question George W Christ? I get it now! He's Judas, isnt he?!

[Guest MikeSC]

Strategically, it would make little sense for him to declare as an independant. Although, if your will was done, you'd be losing four seats in the Senate for the Republicans. So, by all means, let's hope it happens.

 

I'm glad that you're so supportive of moderates within your own party.

Tyler, news flash:

 

I'm a conservative.

 

I'm not necessarily a Republican.

 

Do I assume you love Zell Miller just because he's a Democrat?

That's strange... considering McCain has been speaking out about an issue that you have criticized Bush for... excessive spending. Wouldn't you be more inclinded to... you know, agree with him?

Goodie for him.

 

Hitler was a vegetarian. Do vegetarians agree with Hitler because he agreed with a major part of their lives?

 

Nope.

 

I don't support McCain. Period.

But lets just forget that and just go with the real reason you dislike McCain... he's not a party drone... or is it because he would be so bold as to question George W Christ? I get it now! He's Judas, isnt he?!

McCain gave us the campaign finance bill. That is reason enough to loathe him.

-=Mike

[Guest thebigjig]

Strategically, it would make little sense for him to declare as an independant. Although, if your will was done, you'd be losing four seats in the Senate for the Republicans. So, by all means, let's hope it happens.

 

I'm glad that you're so supportive of moderates within your own party.

Tyler, news flash:

 

I'm a conservative.

 

I'm not necessarily a Republican.

 

Do I assume you love Zell Miller just because he's a Democrat?

That's strange... considering McCain has been speaking out about an issue that you have criticized Bush for... excessive spending. Wouldn't you be more inclinded to... you know, agree with him?

Goodie for him.

 

Hitler was a vegetarian. Do vegetarians agree with Hitler because he agreed with a major part of their lives?

 

Nope.

 

I don't support McCain. Period.

But lets just forget that and just go with the real reason you dislike McCain... he's not a party drone... or is it because he would be so bold as to question George W Christ? I get it now! He's Judas, isnt he?!

McCain gave us the campaign finance bill. That is reason enough to loathe him.

-=Mike

oh please... you are the MASTER of melodrama

 

Either way, you don't like McCain because he's a critic of the Bush administration... PERIOD... campaign finance doesn't figure into it

[Hogan Made Wrestling 0]

Mike has been against the campaign finance reform bill (McCain-Feingold) since before Bush got elected, so you guys should stop tossing around insults that have no basis in reality.

[Guest MikeSC]

oh please... you are the MASTER of melodrama

 

Either way, you don't like McCain because he's a critic of the Bush administration... PERIOD... campaign finance doesn't figure into it

I have vigorously opposed the whole movement --- and the insepid McCain/Feingold bill, since it was first proposed. My disdain for John is hardly new stuff.

-=Mike