The McCain Problem

In today's The Wall Street Journal, Fred Barnes discusses John McCain's problem in a piece entitled, "Now McCain Must Convince the Right."

Barnes writes:

John McCain has a problem. After winning South Carolina's primary last Saturday, he should be the overwhelming favorite to capture the Republican presidential nomination. He's not, at least not yet, and the reason is that he's alienated so many conservatives over the past eight years.

Mr. McCain may become the Republican nominee anyway -- in spite of thunderous opposition by conservatives including radio talk-show host Rush Limbaugh, former Sen. Rick Santorum, and American Conservative Union (ACU) head David Keene. Even then, to win the general election, he must find a way to reconcile with conservatives and unify the Republican Party.

Mr. McCain will have to take the initiative to repair the relationship, and he appears ready to do just that.

Barnes goes on to explain specifically what points McCain must hit on to reassure conservative voters in spite of his cozy relationship with some Dems and his habit of sabotaging the efforts of fellow Republican lawmakers.

Barnes concludes that McCain can succeed.

Ultimately, Mr. McCain doesn't have to make conservatives adore him. But he'll never be president unless he persuades them he's the most conservative candidate available with a credible chance of winning the White House. That shouldn't be too hard a sell.

If you go by the results of the South Carolina primary, Barnes' assessment may be right. If the conservative Republicans in South Carolina are willing to support McCain, it seems within the realm of possibility for him to win over Republicans in other states.

But I think it will be harder than Barnes believes.

Barnes sort of tosses aside the degree of hostility directed at McCain.

He notes, "Former Sen. Santorum and ex-House majority leader Tom DeLay insist they won't vote for Mr. McCain, even if his Democratic opponent is Hillary Clinton."

That's an extreme stance.

Barnes acknowledges the problem, and admits its broad scope. Nonetheless, he thinks that McCain can manage to win the widespread support of Republicans by stressing his conservative credentials.

Easier said than done, much easier.

First and foremost, I think it's irresponsible of Santorum and DeLay to say they'll sit out the election rather than vote for McCain.

Under no circumstances should anyone sit out an election. Someone on the ballot will be elected. Even if it means choosing the lesser of two evils, then that's what one should do. McCain is a pain but he's no Hillary. Rudy Giuliani, for all his lib-leaning positions, is still no Hillary or Obama.

Good grief!

For Santorum and DeLay to send the message that it's OK to pass on an election is shameful. It's really disgraceful.

Second, Barnes says that "John McCain has a problem."

McCain's problem is nothing compared to what Republicans are facing when you have a former senator and congressman going around saying that they are prepared to sit out the election.

In the short term, that's a real problem for Republicans. In the long term, it's a problem in terms of the direction for the country, the consequences of which could be felt for generations.

We can't have an incompetent, weak on national security liberal Dem in the White House. Not now.

We can't have a liberal Dem nominating activist judges to the Supreme Court.

Sit out the election?

Never.