Regardless of the insane optimism of some Ron Paul supporters, most of us have come to terms with the reality that John McCain is going to be the Republican nominee. His peculiar mix of fiscal libertarianism, traditionalism and moderation on social issues may trouble some, but it is closer to a truly libertarian position than any Republican presidential candidate since Barry Goldwater. It may also be just the mix to win over angry Clinton Democrats and moderates who can't stomach the leftward drift of the Democratic Party. He's not the dream candidate for anyone, but he may be the best we could have hoped for out of the mess left behind by the Bush administration.
From his dominant position, with 300 more pledged delegates than he needs for the nomination, McCain can afford to be magnanimous to those who ran against him and held out to the very end on the basis of principle. If the McCain campaign has a weak point, it is among the grassroots of the party. Younger, highly motivated voters were attracted to Ron Paul, and McCain could really use their idealism and enthusiasm on his side in November. To win over those voters, many of whom still cling to hope for some sort of last minute miracle, McCain needs to win over Ron Paul, or at least deal with him in a way which shows that McCain embraces Paul's ideals and will incorporate them into his campaign and administration to at least some reasonable extent.
What's more, angry Paul supporters are bent on sowing chaos at the state and national Republican conventions, and party insiders are just as intensely focused on shutting them down, which will generate even more anger and resentment within the party. Although Paul currently has only 30 pledged delegates, his grassroots support is much more substantial than that number represents, and might make a very big difference in the national election. Dealing with Paul and his supporters openly and soon is the only way to turn all their energy and anger into a positive force in November and heal what might turn into a serious rift in the party. The only person in a position to rise above the fray and make a grand gesture of inclusion is John McCain himself.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - John
McCain can sing all signs of friendship, but he ain't getting my vote. I remember how he laughed and smirked during debates at Ron Paul. He will lose this election even if i have to vote Obama.
2 - David Wooten
McCain and Paul having virtually nothing in common and Paul's supporters are not going to vote for a war monger like McCain. McCain believes in sacrifice. Paul has read Ayn Rand and believes in the "invisible hand" of self-interest. McCain is an internationalist who supports global warming and seems to support world government including the International Court of Justice which could try American soldiers for war crimes ordered by McCain. Paul's supporters will not vote for McCain.
The best thing for the Republicans to do is nominate a sacrificial lamb like McCain who will lose and suffer the blame. Republicans did very well when Clinton was president. As I recall, they took over the House for the first time in 40 years. What they need to do is get rid of McCain-types. Sure, give Paul supporters a role at the the convention and some influence in drawing up the platform. McCain will lose, either way. Maybe then the Republicans will stop being the stupid party.
3 - Baronius
Dave, you've been fighting the good fight on the boards lately, and more power to you. But I don't see the reasoning behind this article. McCain and Paul are close in those areas in which you agree with both - most people wouldn't see the two of them as similar. Paul's supporters are loyal to a fault, and not awfully interested in re-energizing the GOP. McCain may be a compromiser, but he never forgives people for running against him. I just don't see any motivation for either faction to reach out to the other.
4 - Dave Nalle
Strangely I don't remember McCain laughing and smirking - as I recall that was Giuliani. But then you're clearly not rational since you'd even consider voting for a statist/socialist over any Republican.
Dave
5 - CD
I laughed out loud when I read McCain should create a new position for Ron Paul as budget czar. Don't you realize that very act is expanding government? Are they too stupid to limit their spending? McCain could kiss Ron Paul's feet and I would still never vote for him.
6 - Russ
Well, Dave, first of all, John didn't say he'd vote for Obama over ANY Republican. And secondly, yes, it IS VERY STRANGE you don't recall McCain's smirks. I do. And he won't be getting my vote either.
7 - Elias
How anyone can consider McCain to be anything other than a big government statist is beyond me. Where does McCain stand on free political speech? Against it. Where does McCain stand on gun rights? Against them. Where does McCain stand on war? Bomb-bomb-Iran. Where does McCain stand on the Patriot Act? For it. Where does McCain stand on torture? A-OK. I don't care if the Democrats nominate Hitler - I'm still not voting for McCain. Plus the very idea that McCain could reach out to Ron Paul is ridiculous. What could he possibly say to him?
8 - Judy
McCain has no capablility or intention of winning. He is intentionally doing for Obama what Huckster did for him. The deals have been made. Obama will play ball with the FED, we won't invade Iran, oil will drop in half by March, and liberals will forget about our real problems and focus on solving the illusionary issues while conservatives curse them on the radio.
I really hate how predicable all this becomes once you understand the players. It was more fun years back when I had the privledge of being nieve.
This last year has proven to me that there is no stopping the inevitable economic trainwreck coming. To see the level of brainwashing the MSM engages in on a regular bases and the inability of Americans to realize it is very disturbing. It's like being in a country full of masocists with Stockholm Syndrome.
If anyone actually reads this, I suggest you start looking out for numero uno or else you are going to end up in some deep numero dos.
9 - Dave Nalle
How anyone can consider McCain to be anything other than a big government statist is beyond me.
It might be because he's done more to cut the budget and oppose earmarks and pork than any other sitting Senator.
Where does McCain stand on free political speech? Against it.
Hardly. That's a self-serving interpretation of his efforts at campaign finance reform which were designed to give the common man more of a voice, but of course failed utterly because they were poorly conceived and compromised.
Where does McCain stand on gun rights? Against them.
Where do you get this crazy stuff from? McCain is one of the strongest supporters of gun rights in the Senate. Take a look at his voting record sometime.
Where does McCain stand on war? Bomb-bomb-Iran.
OMG he has a sense of humor. Lynch him.
Where does McCain stand on the Patriot Act? For it.
Of the vast majority who voted for PATRIOT, McCain is one of the few to support repealing or limiting some of the worst provisions of it.
Where does McCain stand on torture? A-OK.
Except that he's about the only elected Republican to strongly support a policy limiting torture.
I don't care if the Democrats nominate Hitler - I'm still not voting for McCain. Plus the very idea that McCain could reach out to Ron Paul is ridiculous. What could he possibly say to him?
As I suggested in the article, it would be a bribe of sorts. Paul is an egomaniac, he might go for it.
Dave
10 - Jeffrey
I would gladly vote for John McCain if he can compromise enough to actually keep the oath of office of the US President.
I am amazed that any of the candidates besides Dr. Paul could mouth the words shamelessly without choking or batting an eye.
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Defend our Bill of Rights. Get out of undeclared wars. No to bullying, bribing or manipulating other nations. Re-establish Checks & Balances. No to over-taxing, over-regulating and meddling in peoples personal, professional or spiritual lives.
We need to remember we elect our leaders to protect the Constitution, and the Constitution is meant to limit the powers of government and keep these powers from those who would abuse them.
I do not realistically see McCain taking the meaning of the oath with any seriousness.
11 - Zach
Yes, the cards have already been dealt, the game is rigged. The deal was made long ago and the MSM is unfolding this pre packaged bottle of death pills live to DA MASSES. While NO ONE seems to notice and no one cares, they swallow it and refill the prescription. Face it, we live in a country where people vote according to the way people look, talk, and how many times the MSM says a candidate's name and people like Ron Paul don't get mentioned even though he is CLEARLY what this country needs, and I think you stated that pretty well in your article. You didn't say it, but you said it. Republicans through MSM propaganda have adopted traditional liberal policies as Truman was the one who dropped nukes on Japan, while now we have a "Republican" singing songs like "bomb bomb Iran". It's called neo conservatism and the Republicans have fallen for these old Democrat positions hook, line and sinker. I would NEVER vote for insane McCain if you paid me to do it. Either the Republican Party hands the Nomination to Ron Paul, or they hand the Presidency over to the Dems and the Rep's are finished for a LONG time. But of course, that's me speaking as if there were hope of fair play and the game wasn't fixed. McCain will be the fall guy because that's the way it's going to be. Sad but true. Everyone's so buffaloed with this "change" nonsense and voting for Obama anyway. He will give us change....in the pocket that is....when he hikes your taxes and makes sure that's exactly what you will end up with. "Yes he CAN!" and Yes he will. So go now prepare for the great depression deux and vote for change!
12 - Michael McDonnough
Paul is an ideologue alright. His ideas are the congruent with the US Constitution. I think McBush would have problems inviting a strict constitutionalist to speak at the neo-con convention. The republican party would need to reject the war mongers and crazies including McBush in order to be on the same page as Ron Paul. I just do not see it happening. I wish reason and American values were on the neo-con agenda but they simply are simply not. They will likely continue with their authorian agenda and abandon the constitution.
13 - ricknhouston
Well Dave, you've finally swallowed the Big red Pill, haven't you? How totally disappointing you have become! I'm ashamed to say we even live in the same city! I don't really even know why I'm suprised by this suggestion, it hasn't been all that long ago that you were chastising RP's supporters for chasing Sean Hannity thru the snow and ice covered streets of New Hampshire, saying that "We would be the cause of RP's failed campaign", that if "they didn't learn how not to get mad at the likes of" ... whatever that little cutie, rosie cheeked, nat'l polling expert's name was ... you know... the one who screwed up and planted the same "man off the street, unbiased voter" in two consective primary's ... Frank something or another. You know who I'm talking about.... as if we din't have good damned reason to be pissed off and out for blood. And now... from that same mouth you have the unmitigated gall to suggest that RP supporters would even consider getting into bed with these imposters??? You should be ashamed. i think you know, deep down, what each and every one of us plans to do come November if Ron Paul's name isn't printed on the Ballot. As to whether it matters to us what you or anyone else thinks about it .. as to whether or not it is a "vote wasted" ... well I guess that will just fall under the heading of "it's a free country ... think what yu will"! As to what all of us will think about all the votes cast for Mccain, including yours, as being "votes wasted" ... we'll, if you don't support the Ron Paul revolution then I don't see that you have much choice because to be for the status quo you have to accept the edict that you support the Republican Party as it is and for what it is. The only thing we can hope for in the future is that following this election cycle, with the guidance of Ron Paul and by the grace of God we will begin to see a rebirth of Our Party, the "Real, Conservative, American, Republican Party". I hope, for your sake, that you and the others can come to your senses and return to the place from whence you came, but be forwarned ... in order to do so ... you have to know that it's gonna be the it used to be ... not anything at all like it is today!
14 - ricknhouston
As I suggested in the article, it would be a bribe of sorts. Paul is an egomaniac, he might go for it.
Dave
**************************************************
Your just full of yourself, tonite, aren't you? Oh, and if ever there were an "ego maniac" ... I suggest you take a good long look in the nearest mirror!
15 - RJ Elliott
Nice article, Dave. But it's not going to happen.
Here's Ron Paul on John McCain, just a couple of months ago:
Republican Rep. Ron Paul told the Tribune this morning he will not back Sen. John McCain as his party's nominee unless the Arizona senator "has a lot of change of heart."
"I can not support anybody with the foreign policy he advocates, you know, perpetual war. That is just so disturbing to me," Paul said.
"I think it's un-American, un-Constitutional, immoral, and not Republican."
So, Ron Paul is unlikely to ever endorse John McCain, unless McCain completely changes his position on Iraq, which ain't going to happen.
Also, as I remember from the debates, John McCain would always roll his eyes and chuckle whenever Ron Paul would answer a question about foreign policy. So clearly McCain has very little respect for the Congressman from Texas.
By the way, on a semi-related note, the Libertarian Party just nominated Bob Barr as their presidential candidate, with Wayne Allyn Root as his running mate. Both are former Republicans.
It wouldn't surprise me one bit if Barr-Root managed to win a Ralph Nader-like (circa 2000) percentage of the popular vote.
16 - Matthew T. Sussman
"I don't care if the Democrats nominate Hitler - I'm still not voting for McCain."
Wow, that only took seven comments. I overshot that one by about 30.
17 - Dave Nalle
I'd say that what I'm suggesting might be just the kind of 'change of heart' Paul is looking for.
The whole McCain and 'perpetual war' thing is bullshit anyway, and Paul ought to know it. The 'war' in Iraq is long over, and McCain was talking about a small long-term military support force, not a perpetual occupation. Anyone who portrays his comments otherwise should be immediately marked up as twisting the facts for political purposes.
Dave
18 - Neil
haha Dave Nalle... this was one of your more funnier articles. Your missing the whole point. John McCane is in the CFR. The CFR wants globalism, amnesty, a North American Union, a central bank who wants to subsidize our economy for federal gains, big gov. beaurocracy, he's not talking about free market medicine, free market agriculture, free market energy sufficiency.
John McCanes biggest campaign contributers, were banks and insurance companys. Ron Pauls were from active duty military personel.
Why would Ron Paul even remotely want to get close to supporting a McCane/neocon platform?
It's a good thing we are taking our republican party back. One state at a time. No more central bank, no more preimptive war, no more IRS, back to constitutional values.
In spiritual terms it's almost as if society has to devolve in order to evolve and sadly, I think people will ultimatly wake up when there is a total collapse of the fiat currancy.
History will repeat it's self once again.
You probably could be an imaginitive fiction journalist though.
19 - pleasexcusetheinterruption
On many issues Libertarians are actually closer to Democrats than Republicans.
1) Both against Waging illegal wars.
2) Both against an overeaching foreign policy that gets us involved in places we shouldn't be without allies.
3) Both against fiscal irresponsbility. (On spending Republicans are no better than Democrats, McCain has not given any substantial account of how he will cut the budget - the 100 billion in earmarks figure is bogus - he has proposed cutting taxes but not where the money will come from which IMO should be the far more important part to both Republicans and Democrats).
4) Both against infringements of our personal liberties such as those found in the PATRIOT act.
Sure there are other huge differences, I'm not saying Libertarians should feel at home in the Democratic Party, but Libertarians that don't vote a Libertarian ticket should have a hard time deciding between Obama and McCain, especially on the war and personal liberties.
20 - amiga
"McCain should also stress the need for party unity, and the fact that whatever differences he and Paul may have, the real threat comes from the statist/socialist left and its takeover of the Democratic Party..."
Simply put, if McCain is the nominee, it would not be possible to vote Republican in the Presidential race; there'd be no Republican running. "My Party, right or wrong" (pace G K Chesterson) is like saying "My Mother, drunk or sober."
I have given this scenario a great deal of thought. I agree that's it's most likely Obama vs McCain. Some choice; I could not in good conscience vote for either. However, considering only the good of the country, I think Obama would probably do less damage overall than McCain, since (among other things) I think Obama would be less effective at putting together his agenda. Given that their positions are essentially identical: McCain hints at appointing strict constructionist justices, but how about the Gang of 14? McCain has an F- rating by Gun Owners of America, even worse than Obama's F rating. Taxes? McCain voted against the tax cuts; now claims he's for making them permanent; maybe, but that's mainly dependent on Congress in any case. Immigration? [NumbersUSA] McCain D, Obama D- ; it's hard to accept McCain "seeing the light" considering his history in Arizona and the McCain-Kennedy amnesty attempt. Iraq/Iran? I'm not terribly comfortable with another 100 years. Economics? "The issue of economics is not something I’ve understood as well as I should," says McCain (not that Obama is likely to be any better). Freedom? McCain finds no fault with the Patriot Act, other than that it doesn't go far enough. McCain's a CFR member; Obama is not (though Michelle is apparently peripherally involved in Chicago). It is most fortunate, in any case, that the Presidency is still not a monarchy, and the President is largely limited in the havoc he can wreak.
Two factors come into play here. First, as mentioned above, the Presidency is limited in its power; Congress still makes the laws, although the President certainly influences Congress in the direction of his agenda. Second, and here's the problem: given that McCain and Obama are likely to have similar agendas, the Democrats in Congress will go along and support McCain on most things, _as will the Republicans_, since they will support 'their President'. The only opposition to any of the bad stuff that I can see is that the Congressional Republicans (at least those that haven't already sold out to the left) might be inclined to resist those same programs coming from a Democrat President.
All things considered, this is the most depressing Presidential contest I've witnessed since following Eisenhower in 1952 and 1956 and casting my first Presidential vote in 1964 for Barry Goldwater.
-regards, Jim
21 - JP
You're smoking crack if you think McCain will ever swallow his pride enough to rebuild the bridges he burned with Dr. Paul during the debates. Dr. Paul has said repeatedly that he would not endorse McCain based on "political favors" but rather only if McCain changes his tune about spending, the war, taxes, etc. You really don't know a thing about Ron Paul do you?
22 - pleasexcusetheinterruption
This article sounds more like wishful thinking than reality. McCain can win without Ron Paul. It's a good thing too, because some of Ron Paul's ideas are insane and it will be a sad day if they ever become mainstream. I respect the principled nature of him and his supporters, and some of their policies would be great, but others are just delusional and would lead to economic collapse. They're just not realistic.
23 - JP
"Ron Paul is an egomaniac".
ROFL! What does that make "Im a POW war hero that married into a beer fortune and ran for president twice with my wife's money" McCain?
24 - pleasexcusetheinterruption
Also, does Ron Paul have some kind of watchdog team that scans the internet for articles mentioning him?
25 - JP
"Also, does Ron Paul have some kind of watchdog team that scans the internet for articles mentioning him?"
No, you are thinking of the Israeli's and their Megaphone software. We just know how to set up Yahoo news alerts.