Times Columnist Picks McCain

Columnist for NY Times pick McCain and crazy enough Bloomberg for the nomination and the eventual winners of the election.

I think he was leaning toward strong on terror and international issues for this pick. Of course John McCain is the right choice if one is concerned about internatinal issues.

Prediction: "I would be putting my money on John McCain"

I guess I'd have to agree

clipped from campaignspot.nationalreview.com MITT ROMNEY, JOHN MCCAIN, 2008 HOMEPAGE CAMPAIGN BOX, HORSERACE Santa was good to me, and got me an XM Satellite Radio receiver. Right now on POTUS08, David E. Johnson, CEO of Strategic Vision polling company is predicting the Republican primary will come down to a two-man race between John McCain and Mitt Romney. "If I were to bet right now, I would be putting my money on John McCain," says Johnson, who worked on Bob Dole's 1988 campaign.

McCain 1st in new poll

These results come as McCain—for the first time all year--finds himself on top of a GOP national poll with support from 17% of Likely Republican Primary Voters. In the muddled GOP race, McCain becomes the third person to top the poll this month and the fourth since October. But his lead is statistically insignificant--Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee are just a point behind at 16% and Rudy Giuliani is two points back at 15%. Slightly off the pace, but still within five points of McCain, is Fred Thompson at 12%. Ron Paul retains his base support at 7%(see recent daily numbers).

Now what? Who will do what to solidify some support?

Presidential Selector Misleading

So I followed the link from one of my favorite bloggers (ChristopherHedges)here in NW Indiana, and went thru the survey, only to find out that Mitt Romney is my best selection ... problem is that he has changed his positions to mine. He didn't start with these positions, he got here by trying to seem right to the party. I can't support him for that reason.

So, I stay put with McCain at 73% who started where he still is. Go to Presidential Selector


1. Theoretical Ideal Candidate (100%)
2. Mitt Romney (82%) Information link
3. Alan Keyes (80%) Information link
4. Tom Tancredo (withdrawn, endorsed Romney) (80%) Information link
5. Chuck Hagel (not running) (75%) Information link
6. Duncan Hunter (73%) Information link
7. John McCain (73%) Information link
8. Sam Brownback (withdrawn, endorsed McCain) (73%) Information link
9. Stephen Colbert (campaign halted) (71%) Information link
10. Newt Gingrich (says he will not run) (70%) Information link
11. Rudolph Giuliani (62%) Information link
12. Jim Gilmore (withdrawn) (61%) Information link
13. Mike Huckabee (61%) Information link
14. Kent McManigal (campaign suspended) (60%) Information link
15. Fred Thompson (58%) Information link
16. Ron Paul (54%) Information link
17. Tommy Thompson (withdrawn, endorsed Giuliani) (53%) Information link
18. Michael Bloomberg (says he will not run) (48%) Information link
19. Bill Richardson (45%) Information link
20. Hillary Clinton (41%) Information link
21. Joseph Biden (39%) Information link
22. Christopher Dodd (37%) Information link
23. Al Gore (not announced) (36%) Information link
24. John Edwards (36%) Information link
25. Barack Obama (35%) Information link
26. Wesley Clark (not running, endorsed Clinton) (32%) Information link
27. Mike Gravel (29%) Information link
28. Dennis Kucinich (26%) Information link
29. Alan Augustson (campaign suspended) (13%) Information link
30. Elaine Brown (4%) Information link

Updates on McCain Tonite

Governor of Minnesota campaigning with John McCain

The Honarable Senator Mccain won't stoop to Romney levels with negative attack ads

Who do you want handling Pakistan and India and Iraq and Iran? Hillary? How about Romney? No, you want a great leader like John McCain

For my thoughts, for what they are worth, John McCain is the only candidate that can be reasonably expected to beat Hillary. That's the key.

McCain on Assasination

McCain:
“The death of Benazir Bhutto underscores yet again the grave dangers we face in the world today and particularly in countries like Pakistan, where the forces of moderation are arrayed in a fierce battle against those who embrace violent Islamic extremism.“Given Pakistan's strategic location, the international terrorist groups that operate from its soil, and its nuclear arsenal, the future of that country has deep implications for the security of the United States and its allies. America must stand on the right side of this ongoing struggle.“In my numerous visits to Pakistan - to Islamabad, to Peshawar, even to the tribal areas of Waziristan - I have seen first hand the many challenges that face the political leadership there, challenges so graphically portrayed by today's tragedy. There are, in Pakistan, brave individuals who seek to lead their country away from extremism and instability and into the light of a better day. America, I believe, must do all we can to support them.”

The McCain surge now in Iowa

I have quoted nearly the entire column here, by Michael Medved at http://www.townhall.com/

Thursday, December 27, 2007
McCAIN'S MOMENTUM
Posted by: Michael Medved at 12:56 AM
With Iowa Caucuses only one week away, the latest poll from ARG (American Research Group) delivered huge surprises for both Republicans and Democrats.

On the Democratic side, a tight-as-a-tick three way race (between Hillary, Obama and Edwards) has turned into a Clinton blow-out: the survey of 600 likely Democratic caucus goers (completed on December 23rd) showed Hillary with a commanding 34%, to Edwards’ 20% and Obama’s disappointing 19%. If she wins Iowa with that sort of margin (after the relentless focus on the state by her two rivals) she will wrap up the nomination for all intents and purposes, and become unstoppable in other early primaries..

Meanwhile, as the Democrats watch the New York senator reasserting her status as clear front-runner, the Republican field looks more muddled than ever before. In the previous survey, Mike Huckabee held a substantial 11% lead over his chief opponent Mitt Romney in a two-man race that left their rivals far behind. The new ARG poll (surveying 600 likely Republican caucus goers) shows erosion in Huckabee’s support along with sudden and unexpected strength from John McCain --a candidate who had written off Iowa several months ago and devoted no visible time or money to the Hawkeye state. For the first time, the GOP contest in Iowa looks like a startlingly close three-way battle, with 23% for Huckabee, 21% for Romney, and 17% for McCain. When combined with all the recent polls from New Hampshire – which show the Arizona senator either tied for the lead with Romney or running a close second – the new Iowa numbers reflect undeniable momentum for a candidate whose campaign a few weeks ago looked disorganized, moribund, under-funded and irrelevant.

What’s behind McCain’s Big Mo?

Two factors figure most prominently:

1) Negative advertising and nasty attacks have damaged his principal competitors. Three weeks ago, Mitt Romney began unleashing a series of slashing attacks against Iowa front-runner Mike Huckabee, focusing on the former Arkansas governor’s “record” on illegal immigrants (Huckabee once supported an unsuccessful drive to allow children brought to Arkansas illegally to compete with their classmates for university scholarships), and clemency for criminals (he generated intense controversy with his pardons and commutations for serious lawbreakers). Romney’s negativity produced predictable results--: driving down Huckabee’s numbers without winning new fans for Mitt. In multi-candidate contests, attacks often damage both the target of the assaults and their initiator, benefiting other contenders. In Iowa, some potential caucus goers may feel weary and wary of the nasty tone of the campaign, feeling disgusted with both Romney and Huckabee (despite the fact that the former Arkansas governor has tried for the most part to maintain a positive approach). McCain, by contrast, not only looks like he’s above the battle, but absent from it – stirring up little or no controversy in the state because he’s not competing. In the same way, prior sniping between Mitt and Rudy (remember the cringe-inducing exchange about “sanctuary city” vs. “sanctuary mansion”?) helped fuel Huckabee’s rise several weeks ago. A candidate who roughs up his opponent may indeed damage his rival (as Romney apparently has damaged Huckabee) but in the process he makes himself look desperate and un-Presidential – especially when he’s delivering the attacks in person, rather than using surrogates.

2) In the last week before the caucuses, voters are finally taking a serious look at which candidate represents the most plausible commander-in-chief. McCain’s biggest advantage in Iowa, New Hampshire and across the country involves his military background, personal heroism in Vietnam, and courageous consistency concerning the Iraq War. The unmistakable success of the surge (even Harry Reid now admits that the new policy has delivered big time military progress) validates McCain’s leadership and underlines his expertise on defense and foreign policy. A month before making up their minds, citizens may cast about for a “fresh face” or an “agent of change,” but when they face a fateful decision on caucus night or primary day they generally prefer a president who’s ready to lead the ongoing war on Islamo-Nazi terror from day one. This factor undoubtedly helps to explain Hillary’s sudden rise in Iowa – as pathetic as her national security credentials may seem to her critics, she’s clearly more prepared to take command in the Oval Office than Obama or Edwards. By the same token, it’s vastly easier to imagine McCain leading our military than Huckabee or Romney. Even though Mitt earns points as a successful business executive, his slick leadership of the Winter Olympics can’t compare with McCain’s history as a combat veteran and long-time Congressional leader on military issues and strategy. If his rivals ever wanted to undermine Romney’s defense policy credibility, they need only fashion a TV ad replaying one of Mitt’s major gaffes from the debates: asked about the President’s authority to unleash a strike against Iran, the former governor suggested that his first priority would be to meet with his lawyers. McCain is unlikely to turn negative at this stage in the campaign and to recall that disquieting interchange (since the Arizona solon has gained so much from his dignified, grown-up, above-the-skirmish posture). But an increasingly desperate Giuliani might well challenge Romney’s preparation for confronting our enemies (Rudy’s new slogan – “Tested. Ready. Now.”—seeks to re-focus voter attention on his own admirable record of fighting crime and confronting terrorism).

Despite the powerful factors behind John McCain’s new found strength, it’s still unlikely that he could actually win the Iowa Caucuses. He boasts only a flimsy, rudimentary organization in the Hawkeye State, while Huckabee and (especially) Romney should fare much better in the “ground game” that may determine victory. Both former governors boast the manpower strength to overcome the challenge of dragging their people out of the comfort of home on a cold Thursday night (next Thursday, as a matter of fact) to spend significant time in a neighbor’s living room.

Nevertheless, one more joker in the deck might yet assist McCain at the last minute. Under caucus rules, if a candidate draws less than 15% of the participants in any local neighborhood, the votes won’t register for him and his supporters get the chance to support their second choice. In the latest poll, Rudy Giuliani runs fourth and pulls 14% in Iowa-- meaning that in many precincts he’ll win support, but not enough to allow the votes to go to him. If Giuliani regularly finishes out of the running in local caucuses with, say 6% to 14%, then his voters can easily decide the outcome. For several reasons, Rudy backers should prove far more willing to throw their support to McCain than to Huckabee or Romney. For one thing, Giuliani voters will likely view terrorism and military strength as their chief concerns—focusing on issues that constitute the very heart of McCain’s appeal. Moreover, people who are drawn to Rudy won’t likely be swayed by the social issues that animate Huckabee’s legions, or the bombastic hard-line on immigration that’s been a big focus of the Romney campaign in Iowa. Even if McCain makes no further progress in statewide polls – remaining just behind the frontrunners (with 17% to their 23% and 21%, respectively) he could plausibly win the Iowa caucuses, or at least finish a strong second, by winning second-choice votes from Rudy’s backers. Either way, he’d get a powerful boost for New Hampshire (just five days after the caucuses) and beyond.

With just seven days to go, the race remains shockingly fluid and unpredictable. If Romney wins his twin wars (Iowa and New Hampshire) against his two challengers (Huckabee and McCain) he’ll be tough to beat for the nomination—and could cruise to victory as a lavishly well-funded, magnetically mediagenic golden boy candidate. If, on the other hand, he loses both early states (despite his prodigious investment of time and money) he looks instead like a golden turkey and he’s probably through. On the other hand, if Huckabee prevails in two of the early contests (where he could win both Iowa and South Carolina very plausibly) he may well win the nomination. McCain must win in New Hampshire and Rudy must win in Florida – otherwise they’re each out of the running. Thompson (who’s rapidly fading in polls despite his much improved performance as a candidate) needs a miracle win in South Carolina to stay in the race – otherwise, insider gossip suggests he’ll drop out and endorse one of his best friends from the Senate, John McCain (provided that the Arizona senator is still a factor).

Meanwhile, McCain needs to succeed in his must-win New Hampshire struggle, and then knock off one other early state before “Tsunami Tuesday” on February 5th; South Carolina (with an abundance of military veterans) and Michigan (where he beat George W. Bush handily eight years ago with the aid of independents) represent his best bets.

If the white-thatched Arizonan somehow beats the odds and scores an upset win in Iowa, it’s entirely possible that he sweeps to early victory and unites the party. Romney might well drop out if he lost both Iowa and New Hampshire (or else fight on to Michigan, Nevada and Florida, badly weakened). Thompson (as mentioned above) would almost certainly leave the race if he posted a weak showing in South Carolina. Huckabee might continue to compete (as a regional candidate with a primarily Southern and rural base) as would Rudy (who must somehow maintain the nation’s attention until the February 5th primaries in California, New York, New Jersey and other big states provide him with sympathetic settings for his urban appeal).

I guess it's possible I'll get an email telling me that I quoted too liberally, but this was a very well written post, and I couldn't have said it better than Mr. Medved.

According to some - McCain is the frontrunner now

Townhall.com feature walks us through the first couple primaries, and the key is McCain could very well win New Hampshire, Michigan, and gain the strongest support from Governor Crist in Florida finally. This does finally look very possible.

"Over the past few weeks, I’ve received more-than-sporadic emails from early and serious Rudy supporters ready to jump ship to McCain, largely to stop Romney. McCain is dangerous to Rudy because Rudy’s votes are directly transferable to McCain in a way they aren’t to any other candidate. If momentum shifts to one, the other one suffers."

Now that's some serious prediction, and the "more than sporadic" emails from Rudy supporters saying they may jump to McCain is worth noting.

McCain is in the Lead!

For the first time in more than 7 months, John McCain is leading Mitt Romney in Intrade’s New Hampshire market.
John McCain 47.0
Mitt Romney 44.8

Some have suggested that this pollster isn't the best, but trust me, the Romney people are shaking in their boots

Secondly, I think the Huckabee people are starting to quake too. McCain is gaining ground in Iowa with a possible second place there! Now Michigan and South Carolina become really big.

John McCain and Ronald Reagan

McCain beats Hillary in New Poll

A new Rasmussen poll provides double-barreled good news for Republican Senator John McCain: it shows him greatly widening his lead over Democratic Senator Hillary Clinton if the two face each other in Election 2008 — and that McCain is widely perceived as a centrist to the right of Clinton. (see The Moderate Voice)

"Another good piece of news for McCain: according to Rasmussen, the Arizona Senator is viewed more favorably now than any other candidate running for President in either party. That’s the most positive rating of any Presidential candidate in either party (see ratings and other key stats for all Republican and Democratic candidates). McCain also has the lowest level of core opposition among the leading candidates—just 33% of voters say they will definitely vote against him if he is on the ballot.As noted in a recent analysis, it’s a good time to be John McCain, He has increased his support in Iowa and is within a few points of the lead in New Hampshire." (Source: McCain Victory 08)

Watch for a 2nd place finish in Iowa (that's my prediction)
"If you look at Pollster.com's chart of Iowa polling for the GOP primary, you can see that with Rudy and Fred Thompson currently dropping in the state, McCain stands at least a shot at coming in third, behind Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney. For McCain to come in third in a state he'd almost entirely given up on in advance would be a clear victory for him. (Source: http://tpmelectioncentral.com/2007/12/mccain_planning_campaign_swing_in_iowa.php)

A family tradition of service - McCain

John McCain, his sons, his father, his grandfather ... have all served this country with their lives. Willing to sacrifice, willing to defend honor with their lives.

clipped from www.nashuatelegraph.com Running is just another mission for McCain John McCain's life has always been framed by his legendary Navy forebears – the father and grandfather who were illustrious admirals; the tough, passionate men whose code and calling McCain was preordained to share. He is a product of almost 80 years of family service, which included his 5-1/2 years of torture and deprivation in North Vietnamese prison camps John McCain's white hair looks thin and wispy as he jokes with his son before the football game. His voice sounds gravelly as he tells stories and greets friends. His presidential bid has been battered by money woes and a staff meltdown. It has also been hurt by McCain's stubborn support for the war in Iraq and by his vocal compassion for the plight of illegal immigrants.

Articles of note from Race 4 2008 on John McCain

John McCain for President 2008 is beginning to shape up finally. Trent Lott will now head out to join other prominent leaders who have endorsed and are working with Senator McCain to spread the word.

clipped from race42008.com John McCain McCain could win New Hampshire Lott to campaign for McCain McCain: Now with Joementum! Odd bedfellows Lieberman & McCain: Freedom-Loving Patriots The case for John McCain By Robert Caldwell ‘Straight Talk Express’ back on track? by Susan Estrich Making my independent choice: McCain

McCain takes lead in New Hampshire with Republicans

Also polled as most trustworthy candidate by wide margin, most experienced of course as well.

clipped from race42008.com Poll Watch: Boston Globe/UNH GOP New Hampshire Primary Which candidate do you think is the most trustworthy? John McCain 30% Mitt Romney 23% Mike Huckabee 12% Rudy Giuliani 11% Which candidate do you think has the most experience? John McCain 35% Mitt Romney 27% Rudy Giuliani 19% Mike Huckabee 3% Among registered Republicans likely to vote in the New Hampshire primary (N=273) John McCain 26% (15%) Mitt Romney 26% (33%) Rudy Giuliani 14% (21%) Mike Huckabee 11% (6%) Ron Paul 7% (7%) Other 5%

We are Americans - We don't torture

Or, at least, we shouldn't be torturing. I have posted that i agree with John McCain on this one very important issue. It's somewhat shocking to me how many very strong conservatives are so willing to let the government torture in the name of security. Stop yourselves from this 'easy theory' ... democracy is hard ... democracy requires choices that are hard.

I took this comment straight from a post on McCain vs. Romney and had to dig down more than 100 comments to get to someone suggesting that former Speaker Gingrich agrees with McCain.

December 22nd, 2007 at 11:30 am
look what i just found! Newt Gingrich agrees with McCain on torture…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMLA33_G-hM&NR=1
stunning to put it mildly.

Will we see Newt jump back in the race, at least from a support or endorsement position?

Paul is spamming Tech Crunch - Go vote yourself

It's getting a little foolish with Ron Paul's people spamming all the techie sites. Go out and vote for McCain, it only takes one click

clipped from primaries.techcrunch.com Republican party (vote)

McCain and Romney Now tied

McCain 26% and Romney 26%
Romney is in free fall and McCain seems to be picking up steam
What's next? 30% or 35% for McCain?
Now he's going to need similar results in Florida and South Carolina

clipped from http://www.americanresearchgroup.com/pres08/nhrep8-713.html American Research Group, Inc. New Hampshire Presidential Primary Preference:

McCain closing on Romney

Check it out! McCain only down a few points to Romney, now the race is on

clipped from rasmussenreports.com Election 2008: New Hampshire Republican Primary New Hampshire: Romney 31% McCain 27% The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of the state shows Romney with 31% support, McCain at 27% and no one else close. Rudy Giuliani attracts 13% and Huckabee barely reaches double digits at 11%. This is the first time any candidate has been within single digits of Romney in several months

Torture is Un-American

John McCain agrees with the American public, torture is Un-American

clipped from mccain08olc.blogspot.com Two things really moved me at the luncheon. The first was when Dr. Kissinger told the story of being in Hanoi negotiating the prisoner release schedule with the North Vietnamese. As a sign of good will, they offered to release John McCain immediately so he could fly back on Air Force Two with then Secretary of State Kissinger. Kissinger refused just as McCain had done two plus years earlier. No special treatment. Prisoners would be released on the schedule established by the US Code of Military Conduct. "But what if water-boarding some terrorist would save thousands of lives?" Same answer. We are Americans. We don't do that. "But what if it was the lives of your children?" Same answer. We are Americans. We don't do that.

Yes, I read Daily Kos

GOP Factions Parade

"As schisms in the GOP become more pronounced and erupt into a low-intensity civil war, a quick look at the party's factions will be useful for future scorekeeping."

Kos goes on to list the four major groups proposed within the party.

• Corporate Cons
• Paleocons
• Theocons
• Neocons

So, do you feel there are four factions? More? Less?
Who has the leadership ability to pull all the factions together to beat Hillary?
Who will hand Hillary the President?

Romney losing lead in New Hampshire

As many pundits expected Mitt Romney is beginning to lose his lead in New Hampshire with John McCain picking up the slack and moving within striking distance in most recent polls. Remember this is the state where independants can register at the polls, with Hillary strong in New Hampshire the independants may find that a vote for McCain helps them in their push to hold both parties to the middle.

With Romney locked in a battle with Huckabee in Iowa, and Huckabee locked in a battle with Guiliani in Florida the race is tightening and second tier candidates losing their appeal. Basically there are only four candidates at this point.

I support McCain, no surprise there, but here's my prediction for the first couple states:

• Huckabee will narrowly win Iowa over Romney, placing great stress on Romney to show a win somewhere for all the money he's spent.
• McCain will narrowly win New Hampshire, again putting second place Romney in trouble in public perception, where does he get a win? Ron Paul in third will continue to sap Fred Thompson's hopes of a recovery on any front.
• Now, out on a ledge, Huckabee will win Florida with Guiliani second and McCain picking up third on a surge following New Hampshire. Guiliani is in trouble with conservatives who feel he is now less likely to able to beat Hillary, but he still has the money to keep fighting it out thru at least Super Tuesday.
• South Carolina - wow what a tossup, I see McCain getting the military establishment and Huckabee the strong evangelical. Romney sliding quickly and Pat Robertson's endorsement of Guiliani still looking pretty foolish. I'll call it for McCain and suggest that following South Carolina the second tier candidates will begin to drop out and endorse first tier candidates.

That's it for now, fantasy primary is fun eh?

Oh yeah, for those that care, Obama has peaked and Hillary will start to recover. Perhaps Obama in Iowa but then a string of wins for Hillary.

I might support McCain

Unlike Big D, the Laughing Cow is not a McCain fan. McCain has bucked the party just too many times for my taste. However, if McCain is the nominee I will enthusiastically support him. Why? His daughter would be the hottest first daughter in my memory.



Anybody who looks like Paris Hilton, has an Ivy League degree, and has a nice daddy is OK with me. She has a nice blog too.

McCain to be endorsed by Lieberman

Basically Lieberman says that McCain is his choice for President

clipped from www.washingtontimes.com Mr. Lieberman, the Democrats' 2000 vice-presidential nominee, was scheduled to announce his support for Mr. McCain at a town hall meeting this morning in Hillsborough. A Lieberman adviser said the senator decided to back the Arizona Republican because he thinks Mr. McCain "has the best chance of uniting the country in its fight against Islamic terrorism." Mr. McCain is the only Republican candidate who would defeat Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, a CNN poll released last week shows. Mr. McCain would defeat the New York senator by two points, the poll found.

McCain picks up two big endorsements

Now, I think we'll see the polls start to surge to McCain's benefit

clipped from www.americanthinker.com Des Moines Register endorses McCain, Hillary The Des Moines Register has released its party endorsements for the Iowa Caucuses and the winners of that coveted nod are Hillary Clinton and John McCain. Also on the endorsement front, the Boston Globe, a newspaper widely read in next door New Hampshire, has aslo endorsed McCain as well as Barack Obama on the Democratic side:

McCain endorsed by Des Moines Register

Two surprise announcements on same night, Mccain endorsed

clipped from latimesblogs.latimes.com Breaking News: Des Moines Register picks McCain, Clinton A big, big night for John McCain, scoring two major unexpected newspaper endorsements in two varied regions. The Des Moines Register, the most important newspaper in the first state to choose presidential nominating delegates, will endorse the senator from Arizona for the Republican nomination and Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nod in Sunday's editions. “Time after time, McCain has stuck to his beliefs in the face of opposition from other elected leaders and the public. He has criticized crop and ethanol subsidies during two presidential campaigns in Iowa. He bucked his party and president by opposing the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. A year ago, in the face of growing criticism, he staunchly supported President Bush’s decision to increase troop strength in Iraq. Also, tonight the Boston Globe announced that it was endorsing McCain and Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois for their parties' nominations.

McCain Endorsed by Boston Globe

It looks like the surge is starting to reach a fevered pitch for John McCain

clipped from www.boston.com For the Republicans: John McCain The antidote to such a toxic political approach is John McCain. The iconoclastic senator from Arizona has earned his reputation for straight talk by actually leveling with voters, even at significant political expense. The Globe endorses his bid in the New Hampshire Republican primary. As a lawmaker and as a candidate, McCain has done more than his share to transcend partisanship and promote an honest discussion of the problems facing the United States. He deserves the opportunity to represent his party in November's election.

Huckabee up to no good - Time for Integrity

This report and others from Iowa just make my skin crawl. Is this how Huckabee will try to win the nomination? If so, he'll get killed by Hillary in the election.

clipped from www.boston.com McCain accuses Huckabee of push-polling in NH "Granite State voters are rightly proud of our state's first-in-the-nation primary and see no place for negative attacks in New Hampshire politics. John McCain is running a positive campaign based on his experience, judgment and positive vision for America's future. All Republican campaigns should join with him and pledge to the voters of New Hampshire that they will conduct their campaigns with the dignity voters deserve."

McCain endorsed by Generals

John McCain's holds onto a solid base (via a Team McCain press release):

ARLINGTON, VA — Today over 100 retired admirals and generals endorsed John McCain for President of the United States at a press conference in Columbia, South Carolina. These distinguished leaders supporting John McCain come from all branches of the armed services and include former POWs, Medal of Honor recipients and former members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

John McCain was joined today in Columbia by five distinguished military veterans: Admiral Leighton "Snuffy" Smith, USN (Ret.); Vice Admiral Mike Bowman, USN (Ret.); Rear Admiral Tom Lynch, USN (Ret.); Rear Admiral Bob Shumaker, USN (Ret.); and Major General Stan Spears, USA, Adjutant General of South Carolina.

"This nation is at war and we'd better damn well understand that fact," said Admiral Leighton "Snuffy" Smith, USN (Ret.). "John McCain understands it, and he is the only candidate that has not wavered one bit in his position regarding the importance of victory in the war against Islamic extremism or in his commitment to the troops who are doing the fighting. He has consistently demonstrated the kind and style of leadership that we believe is essential in our next Commander in Chief. Our nation faces a growing array of serious foreign policy challenges. John McCain is the ONE candidate who, in our view, truly understands the strategic landscape and is fully prepared to deal decisively and effectively with those who wish to be our friends and, importantly, those who wish us harm."

John McCain thanked the admirals and generals, stating, "I am deeply honored to have the support of so many distinguished military leaders. I thank them for the trust they have in me, but more importantly, our nation is indebted to their service in defense of our freedom. Our next president will face two wars and an array of national security challenges around the world. My experience, knowledge and background have prepared me to confront these great challenges and lead as commander in chief from day one."

John McCain continues to build in polls

Of the four early state primaries that most people have their eyes on, None of the top candidates have a clear lock on the top spot. According to poll results posted at usaelectionpolls.com, McCain has a second place nod of 20 percent in Nevada, but the surprise is in New Hampshire where he has ascended into a 16 percent rating from probable Republican Voters

Source: Trans World News

Sen McCain: "How will you win?"

Q: Final question: How do you win? What do you see happening in, say, the next six weeks that propels you to the nomination? From Insider Interview

McCain: In the next month, we have to do well in New Hampshire, period. We have to do well in New Hampshire. And whether that means win or not is up to the expectations of the media. But we have to do well in New Hampshire. We're struggling in Iowa, although we're working hard there. We're doing better in South Carolina.

I still believe that history since 1980 will still hold true, and that is that two of the first three states, when won by one of the candidates, will be the determining factor. I sense the pickup in momentum. I can sense it this morning. But I also know we have a long way to go to break out of the pack and I don't think, frankly, you and I will know what is going to happen until the last 24 hours, when you consider how many independent voters are going to break and the number of candidates that have some viability.

So I think we may be up late on January the 8th, and it's going to be fun every step of the way.

Outside Beltway Picks McCain to win

2008 Election Prediction: McCain vs. Obama

"I’ve actually been saying for quite a few months now that I think that McCain, campaign troubles to the contrary, is still the most likely Republican nominee. Granted, this is all dependent on one thing: Mitt Romney loses both Iowa and New Hampshire"

Writer and pundit goes on to break out the series of events whereby Romney loses first three states and pulls out, Fred Thompson pulls out (and endorses McCain I think) and McCain goes head to head with Guiliani.

John McCain moved to tears

While stumping for votes, this reporter from Seacoastline.com reports a moving story of the real John McCain, the guy we all want to be.

Headlines on the Presidential Race

Who does a Hero look up to?

Who does John McCain, an American hero, look up to?

Head to Head

... analysis of Presidential Contenders. Read this great quote " McCain polls strongest against both Ds by a significant margin, followed by Rudy. Romney and Huck are both behind the top 2 and even with one another. McCain does much, much better in OH, KY, MN, WI, MA, OR, and VA than the other Republicans. He does better than Romney in all states against Hillary or Obama. He does better than Huck in every state against both Hillary and Obama, except Huck does 7 points better against Clinton in MO. McCain does better than Rudy in 12 of 15 states against Hillary and 13 of 15 states against Obama."

According to an analysis of polls of head to head competition, only McCain enjoys the ability to beat Hillary or Obama. Only McCain.

Former Mass Governor - With McCain

Interestingly enough, former Mass. Governor Jane Swift will be campaigning with John McCain in New Hampshire. So, the former governor in Mitt Romney's home state will not support Romney? Why not?

Update: Op-ed by Jane Swift McCain is no ordinary hero

Update More Links:

Swift rips old foe, endorses McCainBoston Globe, United States - 18 hours agoDrawing an obvious contrast, Swift says she is supporting John McCain for the GOP nomination, in part because "he sticks to his beliefs, even when they are ...Former Mass. Governor says Romney is a flip-flopper Portsmouth Herald NewsSwift brands Mitt as ‘flip-flopper’ in column Boston HeraldSwift says Democrats will brand Romney ’flip-flopper’ Boston HeraldEyewitness News - The Union Leaderall 43 news articles

Fred Thompson bows out of New Hampshire

Fred Thompson Gives Up In New Hampshire

If so, then I for one think he should endore John McCain. I see the headline now, "Conservatives begin to coalesce around John McCain, Fred Thompson endorses for President"

Fanciful thinking? Perhaps not. He may wait until after Iowo that's all.

McCain Quotes

McCain cracked up when told Romney had been caught - again - having illegals work on his mansion. "Obviously, I am more than pleased with the fact that I live in a condominium," he quipped.

University of New Hampshire analyst Dante Scala pointed out, "The last time [in 2000] McCain was the maverick, and now he wants voters to look at him as the old reliable maverick, the guy with experience. I think he still has a chance."

Back on the bus, it was still like 2000. McCain talked into the night with a handful of reporters on anything and everything.

He said he was deeply troubled by what a woman in Marshalltown, Iowa, told him about illegal immigrants. "They all look alike," the woman said.

"That just makes you feel sad," he told the Daily News.

"There's a humane side to this issue," he added. "I'm just saying recognize that they're human beings who came to our country to create a better life."

From Northwest Indiana Real Estate: "We believe that John McCain will do more, much more than Rudy for real estate and housing"

Highlights of John McCain on Fox News

Fox News Full Transcript

When asked about Iran and weapons of mass destruction: MCCAIN: "The military option is always the ultimate last option, but I don't believe that it's, quote, "off the table."
I would remind you that enrichment is a longer process. Weaponization, which is the other half of the equation, can be done rather rapidly.

Iran remains a nation dedicated to the extinction of the state of Israel. Iran continues to export the most lethal explosive devices into Iraq, killing Americans.

They continue to be a state sponsor of terror in the case of Hamas and Hezbollah. And they intend to — they continue to seek to exert influence throughout the entire region and the age-old ambition of Persian hegemony, including their increasing influence in the Basra area in southern Iraq.

So I think they remain a significant threat and challenge, and so, no, I wouldn't take the option, quote, "off the table," and I'm glad to see some of the European friends are staying in there with us in the need for sanctions."

I for one am happy to hear a leader still speaking and acting like a leader. I won't vote for someone who starts easing back their positions of security for our country just to sound nicer or to distance themselves from the current administration. Leadership requires stepping away and ahead of the followers and naysayers.

Bill Clinton thinks McCain is toughest to beat

Found this at Blogs for McCain

Reason Bell Pundit Endorses John McCain

Now many of you know already that I've been thinking about John McCain for President for months. But, today I am formally announcing my support for him as the candidate most likely to beat Hillary.

I will also add my two cents worth on the Veep selection, Kay Baily Hutchinson.

McCain Couragous Service Video

McCain Glimmer in New Hampshire

The Wall Street Journal reports on what they call the McCain glimmer.

I know it seems like McCain mania has gripped this blog over the last week, for that I apologize, but I with Indiana hosting a ridiculous May primary, I feel it's my only way to have any say in the primary election of our candidates.

what would you do as President?

In the first 10 days, what would you do if elected President?

Presidential Polls - Who really cares right?

But frankly, we all care. We care because we know who we want to win, but we can't figure out why so many others are "undecided" or flipping back and forth.

Today: New Hampshire Poll

Washington Post-ABC News PollWashington Post, United States - 7 hours ago12/3/07 Mitt Romney 37 John mccain 20 Rudy Giuliani 16 Mike Huckabee 9 Ron Paul 8 Fred Thompson 4 Duncan Hunter 1 Tom Tancredo

So, it may be under-reported but McCain has moved ahead of Giuliani and taken a solid 2nd place position in this state, the second primary. Romney makes his big "I am a Mormon" speech tomorrow, what then? Does he pick up more Republican support? Probably not, he may well have peaked in September.

Also, national poll shows Giuliani at 26% but McCain in second at 17%. So, nationally McCain is holding steady with front runner sliding, Huckabee gaining some ground, and Romney really not getting the traction he needs.

"McCain is still alive and kicking thanks to a fractured and flawed Republican field in which no candidate has yet sealed the deal. He's sneaked back into 2nd place nationally and is only 3 points out of second place in New Hampshire." From Real Clear Politics, though I think these polls they refer to are actually already pretty dated.

Hillary is screaming for government intervention in real estate foreclosures, do any of these candidates have the guts to say "Keep government out, encourage and empower churches and not for profits to work with homeowners, but keep government out!"

Baseball Schilling chooses McCain over Romney

Nashua Telegraph reports that former baseball star Kurt Schilling first looked at Mitt Romney and then eventually chose John McCain to support for President.

Why?

"Schilling said he considered supporting another Republican candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, "but at the end of the day, my belief has been in John McCain. We're in a bad place right now as a country, and I need someone I can trust to do what needs to be done."