Blitzer claimed McCain "likes straight talk"
On the January 15 edition of CNN's The Situation Room, host Wolf Blitzer teased a report on Focus on the Family chairman James Dobson's statement that he "would not vote for [Sen.] John McCain [R-AZ] under any circumstances" by claiming that "Senator John McCain likes straight talk" -- a reference to McCain's self-styled reputation as a "straight-talker," the theme of McCain's failed 2000 presidential bid.
As Media Matters for America has noted, however, McCain has offered anything but "straight talk" on all manner of issues. He has displayed stark inconsistency on issues ranging from the Iraq war and the Bush administration to his opinion of certain conservative Christians -- a noteworthy fact during a report on Dobson's comments about McCain. The Associated Press reported on August 28, 2006, that McCain "would consider" speaking at Bob Jones University, "a school he criticized during the 2000 presidential campaign for its ban on interracial dating and anti-Catholic views." On May 13, 2006, McCain delivered the commencement speech at Rev. Jerry Falwell's Liberty University, even though McCain denounced Falwell in 2000 as an "agent[] of intolerance."
From the January 15 edition of CNN's The Situation Room at 4 p.m. ET:
BLITZER: And coming up, Senator John McCain likes straight talk. But you can bet he won't like what a leading Christian conservative is saying about him.
Look at his flip flop positions on gays now that he looks to be a contender for the republic party.
Not in recent memory has anyone been given such an undeserved reputation as a straight shooter than John McCain... a garden variety politician who parlayed getting captured by the North Vietnamese into a lucrative career.
...his divorce from poor wife to marry rich wife. Ka-ching!
before he was against it.
What a difference 3 minutes makes. [link to mediamatters.org]
John McCain has gone off the deep-end in his attempt to court the Bible-thumping, Wal-Mart Republican crowd. It's really sad to see a man so publicly undermine his own credibility. Sad thing is that the base of the Republican party doesn't trust him and he'll never get the nomination despite his effort to change stripes. It really leaves one to wonder, who the hell will the GOP put up in '08? Just look at the current contenders.
Rudy, despite his 9/11 magic, isn't electable in the south. Someone need only whisper "mafia" and the Bible-Belt will fold.
Romney, despite his good-lucks & charm, isn't electable in the south either. Talk to any good Southern Baptist and ask them what they think of the Mormons. You'll get a one hour lecture on how the Church of Latter Day Saints is really a front for worshipping the devil.
This leaves the GOP with Gingrich (possibly) and Hunter. My money is on Hunter and he'll choose disgraced former senator from VA George (Macacawitz) Allen to be his running mate!
Rudy has an affair to deal with, as does Newt.
These guys have no chance to get elected.
Hunter has even less of a chance he is such a nut.
You are right about Rudy. I don't think he'll get by the primary. Nonetheless, Hunter is a nut-job and will likely appeal to the evangelicals. He sorta looks like TV preacher.
The nightmare scenario (not that this is an endorsement) for the Bible-thumpers is a Romney v. Clinton ticket. Do they vote for the Morman? or Do they vote for the wife of their mortal enemy? I believe that if the "nightmare scenario" does happen, evangelicals will stay home. Of the two, who are pastors going to endorse from the pulpit?
You will never be president.
Wolf, like soooo many of his fellow teleprompter-readers, too often hasn't a friggin' clue about what is really going on in the world.
Kinda sad, really - he was once a decent DC/White House reporter.
John McCaine has completed the metamorphisis of turning from anti-bush to the complete walking, talking, lying bush.
...would get on his knees on national tv and peform a certain act on christian right leaders if it would guarantee he would become President.
This man will do anything.
The "maverick" is a joke and he is about as "independent" as a newborn is to it's mother.
The neocon media propaganda machine is spending 2 to 3 years before Bush leaves pushing McCain's "maverick" theme.
I thought I should comment here, for some reason.
Yes poor John, he is trying to reshape his image in an attempt to gain the support of the neo-cons. At one time I thought he was a good man, but now I just shake my head in disbelievement each time I hear him talk.
New Republican Olympic sport: Speed Butt Kissing (individuals are timed to see who can sell out and shift their public image to appeal to neo-con voters fastest.)
He really liked all that straight talk during the 2000 campaign from the Bush team. They used straight talk all right, smearing him about his military service and time as a POW. McCain has hitched his wagon to a stubborn ass that has kicked him the balls twice. He is pathetic and is changing his position on anything that fits the current mood.