Posted by
tony in brazil on Monday, February 11, 2008 9:26:47 AM
Folks,
Even though I once thought Romney be the man, the more I think on it, the more I now think McCain be he and the '08 presidential election is going to turn out to be a victorious one for Republicans.
First, Republicans are about to nominate a centrist Republican with fairly broad cross-over appeal and a compelling story, Senator John McCain. Despite his occasional (and exasperating) lefty leanings, Senator McCain will obviously appoint fellow Republicans and most-likely govern as a solid conservative if elected, e.g. nominating conservative justices, reducing government spending and lowering taxes (personal and corporate), etc. As well, McCain will put into play many constituencies that might have been out of reach with a candidate perceived to be more conservative, e.g. Hispanics, Blacks, and moderate Democrats.
The (wholly advisable) addition on Mitt Romney to the Republican ticket would air out and open up that last section of the "big tent" for the conservative base to occupy.
Secondly, on the Democratic side, Obama is either going to eliminate or badly beat up the Clinton political machine. If Hillary Clinton faces McCain in the general election, she'll be severely wounded by the time she gets there and in no condition to take on a fresh and rested McCain.
If Obama wins the nomination, his messianic appeal will soon wear off, he'll be pressed on specifics and his WHOLLY liberal record will become an issue - he's peaked too soon.
Americans aren't going to vote for someone just because he's nice and trucks in optimistic platitudes. Come prime time, Obama will rightfully look like the political man-child he is next to McCain.
So... once the ultra-conservatives quit their whining and get on-board the steam-gathering McCain Express, it's going to become readily apparent that the train is, full-throttle, headed to the White House and Republicans (and other McCain supporters) are going to be very pleased with their chosen candidate come November.
tony in brazil (the ex-pat gazing into the fishbowl from without)