Posted by:
bthoreson on
February 18, 2008 at
10:23AM CST
HOUSTON (AP) - Former President George H.W. Bush endorsed John McCain on Monday, a nod of approval from the Republican political dynasty's patriarch that sends a strong signal to a GOP establishment wary of the Arizona senator.
"No one is better prepared to lead our nation at these trying times than Sen. John McCain," Bush said, standing alongside the Republican nominee-in-waiting in an airport hanger. "His character was forged in the crucible of war. His commitment to America is beyond any doubt. But most importantly, he has the right character and values to guide our nation."
McCain, in turn, said he was deeply honored by Bush's support. "I think that our effort to continue to unite the party will be enhanced dramatically by President Bush's words," he said.
Since effectively sealing the nomination when chief rival Mitt Romney dropped out, McCain has been working to convince the fickle and influential conservative base of the Republican Party to get behind his candidacy. He's seen some progress with, several high profile Republicans from the party's establishment endorsing McCain in an effort to unite the party while Democrats continue to fight for a nominee.
President Bush is backing McCain through his body language, with protocol demanding that he not swing explicitly behind the candidate with a race still technically — and only technically — in progress.
His father's endorsement, which follows one from former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who is George W. Bush's brother, is a further nudge by GOP chieftains for conservative activists to get over their distaste for McCain and for rival Mike Huckabee to get out.
Without mentioning McCain's chief standing rival by name, the elder Bush suggested that he wasn't sending a signal to Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor. "I did not come here to tell any other candidate what to do," Bush said.
Bush also called criticism by the right flank that McCain is not conservative enough "grossly unfair."
"He's got a sound conservative record," Bush said.
McCain has drawn the ire of some high-profile conservative pundits and others for what they call infractions against the party. McCain twice voted against Bush's tax cuts. He pushed a campaign finance overhaul that critics said restricted their free speech rights. And, he has worked across the aisle with Democrats on issues like an eventual path to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants — heresy in the eyes of many hard-core Republicans.
I'm not sure which primary and which candidate I will vote for. Here is an email I sent out but don't expect to recieve an answer to from each of the campaigns. If you think you can point me toward your candidate for one reason or another then go for it-I'll ready any reply I get before I vote tomorrow.
Hello candidates,
I am an undecided voter in Wisconsin and I plan to vote in the coming primary. I have a set of issues which will decide my vote and I'm asking/emailing each of you about them. I'm certain that each candidate will have an easier time answering some of my concerns but not others. I'm not trying to somehow trip up or trick your campaign. These are my concerns and how I currently view them. I have a measure of respect for each of you and your campaigns for president. If you would like to try to convince me to vote for you please address the following concerns.
Thank you for your time and may the best of you reach the White House,
PS I'm fully aware that I may not get a response and that if I do it'll probably from a very busy campaign worker/volunteer rather than the actual candidate-thank you in specific for taking the time to respond.
I'm concerned about the future of 5 issues:
ProLife/Abortion: I want Roe to be overturned, the 1st Bush term he appointed 0 Supreme Court Judges, the 2nd he appointed 2. What is the likelihood that a SCOTUS judge will be appointed during the next presidential term?
Environment: Global Warming is a growing problem that both the US and China should take note of. These nations are going to be the #1 and #2 sources of air pollution in the projected future (with China slowly overtaking the USA). Global Warming cannot be ignored by are next president while important international treaties are being made in the near future and the problem itself has been getting worse.
Campaign Finance Reform: I would like to see public funding for elections, this may actually save the public money as the "graft tax" declines. If you don't know what a "graft tax" is it is the amount of money that the public must pay in taxes to compensate for the tax exemptions and subsidies that certain groups gain from from paying off politicians to help their specific organization/company. It also would likely improve the system political overall and make it more upfront.
Immigration: Many companies say they want to be able to recruit the best personnel from around the world. If these people don't work for companies in the USA they may work for their rivals. This seems reasonable would you be willing to support this?
Competence: One of the many important things a president does is appoint people. Sometimes appointments have been made out of loyalty rather than competence-something that has harmed both the president and the nation. How can I tell you will appoint competent people. (If you would like to say something negative about another candidate here is the place to do it in addition to pointing out a strength you may have in this regard).
Posted by: huang_lar on February 26, 2008 9:05AM CST
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