The American Spectator

br> — Robert Randall br> Nashville, Tennessee /p> p> I am watching the Media Mood Swings concerning John McCain. Mr. Tyrrell states that Mr. McCain has to shore up the support of the conservative base in the Republican Party. Maybe. I suspect that one of the reasons Senator McCain emerged victorious in this primary season is because his plain speaking appealed to many who dislike that conservative base. To wit, I think McCain was correct when he called Rush Limbaugh a “circus clown” and called Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson and, by extension, James Dobson “agents of intolerance.” I applauded when he investigated the waste and corruption of the Boeing Tanker lease deal. No, Mr. McCain doesn’t need to shore up the conservative base. The conservative base needs to start walking the talk. McCain can win in November with the help of Independents, but he won’t get that support by pandering to a clown, agents of intolerance and politicians who preach fiscal responsibility and governmental efficiency and deliver the opposite. br> — Mike Roush br> North Carolina /p> p> I find it rare indeed that I don’t share the bountiful exuberance and optimism of Brother Tyrrell. His concluding query in today’s column though, provokes one of those infrequent moments. He asks “What kind of conservative…” would disdain Mr. McCain and thus open the fetid possibility of an Obama or Clinton election. Well, the kind that is offended by Mr. McCain’s backstabbing and consistently shabby treatment of truer conservatives. The kind who adheres far more consistently to conservative principles than does he, the kind that dislikes him as much as he dislikes us. That kind and I’m just warming up. Don’t misinterpret this screed — I quiver at the thought of the bilious Hillary and the utterly vacant Obama winning anything, but just because choices one and two are awful doesn’t perforce make number three any more savory. Prove it Mr. McCain. br> — James C. Eaton br> Chetek, Wisconsin /p> p>