The Spectacle Blog
For those conservatives coming to grips with the prospects of a John McCain nomination, I would suggest the following approach. In a recent column, Jim Antle advised conservatives to keep McCain at arm’s length. I agree, but would put things slightly differently. I propose abiding by the McCain Rule.
The McCain Rule, simply stated, is:
Do unto McCain as McCain would do unto
you.
What I mean by that is for years, McCain has often been on the same side as conservatives on issues such as spending and the surge, but often against them on other issues such as illegal immigration, taxes, and campaign finance reform. McCain always argues that people may not always agree with him, but he’ll always put principle ahead of politics and fight like hell for whatever he believes is best for our country.
Conservatives should take their cue from him. That is, when he is taking a position they agree with him on—such as opposing pork barrel spending or pursuing victory in Iraq—they should rally around him, but when he is pushing policies they abhor, they should oppose him fiercely and put principle ahead of loyalty to the leader of a political party.
View all comments (1) | Leave a comment
Related Blog Posts
More Blog Posts by Philip Klein
http://spectator.org/blog/2008/02/04/the-mccain-rule
Follow us:
ADVERTISEMENT
SPONSORED LINKS
FLASHBACK TO: 1995
-
Pope Culture
A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
-
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck
Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
-
Dames at Sea
-
In the Absence of Guns
In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
-
The Metaphysical Martini
-
Counting the Costs of Clintonism
The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
-
Chuck McHagel
It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
-
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted
-
It’s the Best Time of the Year
The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
-
The Bush Crack-Up
Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?
Clip of the Day
ADVERTISEMENT
