The American Spectator

Conservatives have had many reasons over the years to differ with Sen. John McCain: his opposition to tax cuts, campaign finance reform, and his tendency to act like a Democrat on anything not related to defense or earmarks. Bottom line: most conservatives with memories don’t trust the man.

But now all voters have a chance to rally against the man. D.C. Examiner goes after the Senator today for his arrogance.

Apparently his intemperate side cropped up last week, and he had this to say about free speech versus “reform”: “I would rather have a clean government than one where, quote, First Amendment rights are being respected, that has become corrupt. If I had my choice, I’d rather have the clean government.”

That, my friends, is why John McCain shouldn’t be president, in principle. And why he may not make it, practically. This quote will come back to haunt him.

RedState links to the video (go to the middle), notes he first said it on Imus’s show last Friday, and wonders whether he meant his oath to protect and defend the Constitution.