January 12, 2008
Posted: 05:06 PM ET

ALT TEXT

McCain won the backing of South Carolina's largest newspaper Saturday. (Photo Credit: AP)

WASHINGTON (CNN) — John McCain won the endorsement of South Carolina's largest newspaper Saturday, a major boost to the Arizona senator one week before this southern state’s Republican presidential primary.

In an editorial posted on The State's Web site, McCain is praised for "integrity and independence," and his ability to reach across partisan divides.

"He is a slave to no ideology or faction. Not only will he work with anyone who wants to do the right thing anytime, he is usually the driving force at the head of coalitions to get the job done — from the Gang of 14 that broke Senate gridlock and paved the way for the confirmation of conservative judges to his principled leadership on campaign finance reform," the editorial board wrote.

The paper's editorial board also lauded McCain for his political courage, writing he "is almost unique in his determination to do what is right, whatever the cost."

Mike Huckabee was also considered, according to the editorial, and hailed as an "exciting newcomer who shows a wonderful ability to connect with voters’ concerns." But the editorial board ultimately concluded the former Arkansas governor's "utter lack of knowledge of foreign affairs is unsettling."

As for the other GOP candidates, the editorial board discounted Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani for pulling much of their resources from the state, dismissed Ron Paul as a serious contender for the Republican nomination, and said Fred Thompson — who is betting his entire presidential bid on a win there — "seems to be running in this first-in-the-South primary just to say he did."

The paper backed then-Texas Gov. George Bush over McCain in 2000.

"At long last, eight years later than we should have, we are endorsing John McCain of Arizona," Brad Warthen, the State's editorial page director and a longtime supporter of McCain wrote on his blog Saturday. "This makes me a lot happier than I was this time in 2000. This time, we've done the right thing."

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: John McCain • South Carolina


Paul   January 19th, 2008 10:43 pm ET

'I want open boarders,please vote for me,John Mccain!!!!!!

Patrick.C   January 19th, 2008 10:41 pm ET

'Speak SPANISH first',vote John Mccain!!!!!!!!!!

Mrs.GOP   January 17th, 2008 10:05 pm ET

Vote for a true LIBERAL, vote for John Mccain!!!!!!!!!!

Dave   January 14th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

MSM = in bed with John McCain (war mongerer)

ElaineAgain   January 13th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

Tell the truth about Senator Obama…. He's missed 85% of his time in Congress!! I want someone who will be president 100% of the time, not just 15%! Obama is slick talker, but a liar. I don't trust him.

Michael from South Carolina   January 13th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

As a South Carolinian, I can tell everyone that 'The State' is a Leftist newspaper that consistently has been out-of-touch with the people of South Carolina. It proves again just how out of touch it is with this silly endorsement. Consider that McCain's pro-NAFTA politics as well as his support for open-borders and amnesty clearly put him far from the South Carolina mainstream. As well, there is his recent strong condemnation of the St Andrews Cross, sure to draw the fire of many across the State. In short, McCain's worst enemy in South Carolina are his own policy positions.

Mario   January 13th, 2008 10:56 am ET

The paper endorses insane McCain, so when did the media play a part of telling us to vote for someone…the media always tries to get involved becasue they want to be a special interest in that state that is having the primaries, the paper can go stick it!

They are a lib paper anyway…media, stay out out of politics and go get a real job.

Go Mitt!

Terry, El Paso, TX   January 13th, 2008 10:44 am ET

Reading these blogs has been a wonderful education for me. I no longer believe that people vote the way they do for rational reasons.

"IF OBAMA DOESNT WIN THEN IM JEST GUNNA VOTE FOR MCCAIN"

Most of you - not me and a very few others - vote with your gut. You have a feeling that this guy has a stronger character or more compassion or greater intelligence so you vote for him.

"HE WOULD OPEN THE BORDERS FOR MORE ILLEGAL ALIENS TO STAFF HIS WIFE'S RANCH."

Most of you vote for the "proper" candidate, the one who sounds most like you and your friends. You are not swayed by reason at all.

"…but they forget that the greatest republican president, Reagan, he gave amnesty to illegal immigrants. He secured the borders, which everyone agrees has to be done. But he had the moral decency to let those already here stay. If anything, we should follow that."

Most of you vote with your wallet, not with your mind. Will this tax bill save me a nickle in taxes while it bankrupts the country? Then I'm for it and the country can go to hell. Will it cost ME an extra nickle in taxes yet save kids' lives? Then I'm against it. Why should I pay my hard earned taxes to support someone else?

"If I can't afford healthcare her mandate does nothing for me."

John S. Maine   January 13th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Another Proud American supporting the new Chuck Huck campaign. Reverend Huckabee needs to stay in church where he belongs. He has allot of repenting to do for all of his sinning on the campaign trail. He is psreading lies like rice on a wedding day.

John S. Maine   January 13th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Mitt Romney for a great economy and safe and secure America!

John McCain = A Grumpy Old Man = Who will keep us in Iraq for 100 years=And give Amnesty to all Illegals

Marti, FL   January 13th, 2008 9:10 am ET

Typo: McCain would be 80 years old at the end of two terms, which is still a point of concern.

Also FAIR TAX,LA.

I don't know if it really helps your cause to refer to others as "jerk…" or "pieces of…" Do you not realize that it would require working with those same people to get your favorite legislation passed? Using that type of divisive rhetoric certainly does not motivate them to join your cause. Just a thought.

G   January 13th, 2008 8:52 am ET

THE ONLY THING THAT NEW HAMPSHIRE PROVED IS
THAT THEY NEED A RECOUNT. WATCH FOR THE
RESULTS OF IT. IT'S WHO COUNTS THE VOTES
WHO COUNTS. GET AN ABSENTEE BALLOT. DON'T
TRUST THIS RIGGED ELECTRONIC VOTING.

G   January 13th, 2008 8:44 am ET

McCAIN IS A SLAVE TO THE MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX
OIL AND ISRAEL. WHERE IN OUR CONSTITUTION DOES IT
SAY THAT OUR MILITARY SHOULD BE USED AS MERCENARIES
FOR FOREIGN COUNTRIES. WHERE DOES IT SAY THAT WE
SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN NATION BUILDING AND FOREIGN
AID AND TELLING OTHER NATIONS HOW TO LIVE.
McCAIN IS A BUSH CLONE. THOSE WHO LOVE WAR
WILL VOTE FOR HIM.
McCAIN HAS ZERO EXPERIENCE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
HE IS COMPLETELY OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE GENERAL
POPULATION. THIS IS NO POPULARITY CONTEST. THE
FUTURE OF OUR COUNTRY IS AT STAKE. WE NEED TO
RETURN TO CONSTITUTIONAL GOV'T AND DEFEND OUR
BILL OF RIGHTS. VOTE FOR RON PAUL.

Von   January 13th, 2008 5:31 am ET

CHECK THIS OUT TO SEE IF IT IS TRUE. GOOGLE THE LADIES NAMES TO GET INFORMATION.

rachel lanore January 11, 2008 10:15 pm ET

What does all this say about McCain's character? These blurbs are from goggling his wives…. Carol, Cindy… wow…

According to the newspaper, McCain returned to Jacksonville in 1973 after more than five years as a prisoner of war to find that his wife was a different person. Carol McCain, once a model, had been badly injured in a car wreck in 1969. The article recounts that her injuries "left her 4 inches shorter and on crutches, and she gained a good deal of weight."
By 1979, McCain was concerned that his Naval career was not advancing and pondering his future. He met Cindy Hensley, an attractive 25-year-old woman from a wealthy Arizona family. McCain courted her and married her in May 1980 — a month after getting a divorce.
Carol McCain waited for the return of her husband from his Vietnamese captivity for five and a half long years; as McCain idolator David Grann put it in the New Republic, she was "a kind of modern-day Penelope to McCain's Odysseus." She carried her burden with nobility, and resolve, staying faithful to the man she refused to believe she had lost – even in the face of her own tragedy. It was Christmas Eve, 1969, while driving along a snowbound street, that she went crashing into a telephone pole: the impact hurled her through the windshield. She lost her left leg, ruptured her spleen, and went through a long series of agonizingly painful operations. Before the accident, she had been a statuesque beauty who worked as a model; she came out of it with four inches subtracted from her height, broken in body – but not in spirit. Her love for her war hero husband forbade her from letting him know anything of her condition: he knew nothing of the accident, and she refused to write him about it since it would only make his burden heavier.

From Justin's website;
THE RETURN OF THE INGRATE
Any man would be lucky to have such a fierce, unbending love: she stuck by him, agitating for his release, and living for the day of his return. Her devotion was repaid with rejection. He learned of her accident on the plane home, and wasted no time in getting rid of her. He was soon back to his old tricks of playing the field – "just as he had at the Naval Academy," says Grann – and soon sought a divorce. He openly acknowledges that his behavior was solely responsible for the break-up of his marriage, and seems to glory in the macho role while simultaneously professing at least some sense of remorse: "I think she has reason to be bitter," McCain told one interviewer.

I think this is going to be a problem again for Him, plus the Keating Five
_______
IS IT ALL TRUE? NO BETTER THAN THAT RAT GIULIANI.
HOW ABOUT ROMNEY OR HUCKABEE?

Tom Davie   January 13th, 2008 5:06 am ET

I have finally figured out how Obama is getting so many votes.

I have read about 12 people who are for obama in the primary over clinton.

BUT IF OBAMA DOESNT WIN THEN IM JEST GUNNA VOTE FOR MCCAIN.

Can you believe this persons vote counts the same as mine?

Obamba and McCain have RIDICULOUSLY DIFFERENT views, and WILL DO DIFFERENT THINGS.

We want our troops out of Iraq , but since Obama didnt win we cant have Hilly win and get the glory of taking troops out of iraq.

So vote for Mc Cain and he can keep them there for 100 years.

This would be viewed as large MISTAKE .

H McDuff   January 13th, 2008 4:59 am ET

Brad, I don't believe a word you write. Only you and your conscience know if you are trying to influence Independents. If you are, you don't understand Independents.

I am an Independent.

I ALSO REMEMBER: McCain said Illegal Aliens do the jobs Americans won't do. McCain had the nerve to challenge the American people that he would pay $50 an hour to anyone who would come to his ranch and work the fields the way the Illegal Aliens do.

Remember the phrase "JOBS AMERICANS WON'T DO?"

HE'S NOT TALKING ABOUT ILLEGALS BUT HE STILL WANTS TO DO IT. IF HE IS ELECTED, HE WILL WORK WITH KENNEDY AND THE REST OF THE CROWD TO MAKE IT HAPPEN. REMEMBER LINDSEY GRAHAM ALSO SUPPORTED THE AMNESTY BILL, FOLKS.

ANYBODY BUT THE WAR MONGERER. McCAIN WOULD HAVE US FIGHTING WARS AND HE WOULD OPEN THE BORDERS FOR MORE ILLEGAL ALIENS TO STAFF HIS WIFE'S RANCH.

Anonymous   January 13th, 2008 2:25 am ET

Why is it that newspapers should even feel they have the right to endorse candidates? isn't a bit of a conflict of interest for news sources to be endorsing people whom they report on?

Dale Davis, Glendora, California   January 13th, 2008 12:45 am ET

He just expects the endorsements because John is part of the old Republican Merit System, just like Bob Dole. And just like Bob Dole, he will be trounced against a Clinton.
Remember America, the bomb bomb Iran song, the Mc Cain-Feingold bill of free speech supression, the amnesty bill that he tried to sneak in?
JUST SAY NO TO JOHN MC LIBERAL.

asher   January 13th, 2008 12:31 am ET

For those of you who rip McCain on Iraq, understand, he has the most to lose. He is the ONLY candidate who has a sibling in Iraq (one of his two sons). Its not that he WANTS to be in Iraq for the next 100 yrs, but he feels the United States has a moral obligation to stay there until Iraq has stabilized. A stable Iraq will stabalize the region.

Understand, I have been against the war from the beginning. But as soon as we crossed that threshold and toppled Saddam, the U.S. has created an obligation to the Iraqi people to stablize the area before we leave. I hate to say it, but McCain is right on this one.

Brad   January 13th, 2008 12:02 am ET

Latoia,

The argument is not inconsistent, but very much consistent, to my belief that I vote for substance, rather than words.

What has Obama, delivered? Even being present in the senate and congress, Obama, has always answered "present", taking no positions. on any issues.

I am surprised, you being female, would like Obama, as even for female abortion bill, Obama, would take no postion, and just address the bill by being present.

Again, let me be clear, why I like McCain more than Obama is this:

I hated the war from the beginning, and that is where I differ with McCain's position, however, McCain was right with his judgement on troop surge. This clearly demonstrates, that he will take position, has substance and right about it.

David Snider   January 13th, 2008 12:02 am ET

Mccain will not become the pesident. Hillary will not become president.

Obama will become president. If you think McCain can beat Obama in the general election. You probably are blind to some fact or another. McCain has 10 delegation votes. He's in 3rd. Hillary is in 2nd among the democrats.

Obama is 1st compared to any other canidate. The vote was basically split between Obama and McCain when it came to NH. But some of you are too dumb to realize that McCain was a strong favorite in NH when he ran against bush in 2004. Some people still remember that.

Edwards is splitting Obamas vote and when he concededs, Obama will the get majority of votes. Simple enough? Hillary is not a leader. Shes a follower looking to have the torch handed off to her from Bill. Wrong. Americans pass the tourch, not Bill.

P.S. Bill is a liar huh? I used to say he was the greatest president we had. I think he's a slimball now! A slimball Liar!

RC   January 12th, 2008 11:18 pm ET

The paper got it wrong! Watch for Romney to edge out Mccain in MI and watch for Thompson's come back starting in South Carolina. The come back has just begun!!!

Steve   January 12th, 2008 10:50 pm ET

Dear John McCain,
You are a patriot and a hero, but your "government time" has elapsed and your collapse into the Bush administration abyss makes you highly unlikely to receive support. Please just retire and do the country a favor. You are a Bush lap dog. The amnesty bill…sir, are you senile? 100 years in Iraq…umm, ok, who wants to fund this…

Natasha B   January 12th, 2008 10:17 pm ET

I'm an Obama supporter but if Hillary wins the nomination, I'll be voting for a Republican in the General election. McCain is someone I can enthusiastically support.

There is still something to be said for honesty, integrity and class, or as MLK would put it: "the content of your character!"

Mike, Fredericksburg, VA   January 12th, 2008 10:04 pm ET

"I think that it's sad that Romney had to pull his resources out of South Carolina like the article mentioned. I feel that many evangelical's anti-Mormon views pushed him to do it. "

Don't forget the fact that Romney proclaimed himself to be pro-choice, pro-gay rights, and pro-gun control up until he ran for president, and has turned people off by spending millions of dollars criticizing other candidates.

Doug Crawford   January 12th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

I supported McCain last time arround but was dissappointed when we dropped his bid before The PA primary even took place. I still voted for him.
I certainly do not beleive in everything he says. But when I listen to his wisdom I almost get the feeling that he could have been one of our founding fathers. Some might say he is old enough to be one : ) .
I do feel this is the time for us to send a message to the evangelicals that they do not run the rebulican party as much as they might think they do. I think a good running mate would be Joe Leiberman wouldn't that shakem in their boots in both parties. Get this country back to the middle go John McCain.

rachel lanore   January 12th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

Glad someone else mentioned the Keating Five Scandal….

Cindy McCain's addiction to drugs and her admitting that she stole drugs from her own charity is going to come back to haunt the Republican party …

so let's get this all out in the open now and hash it out.

The Democrates are going to use this against McCain… so everyone that is voting for him now, better really decide if he is the man ….

I'm not voting for him, he has too many skeletons in his closet…

Marti, FL   January 12th, 2008 9:52 pm ET

I like McCain but feel his presidential viability was manipulated away from him by Bush, Rove & Co. in 2000. Needless to say, he would have made a better president than Bush. At the turn of the century, there were many positions that I agreed with McCain. That was until he began altering his stances to align with Jerry Falwell at Liberty University, whereby abandoning his central core. McCain then started sounding like every other neoconservative, resembling Bush more and more.

It is a shame, because this could have been the end of a potential 8-year term for McCain if he had won his rightful place as president in 2000. He would have maintained his maverick center and been in position retire comfortably for a man of his age. I’m sorry, but there are concerns now about McCain’s ability to serve out two potential terms as president. He will be 72 in August, making him 81 years old at the end of two terms. This along with his shifts in positions needs to be considered in the McCain candidacy.

Mike   January 12th, 2008 9:26 pm ET

Tom Davie, you also forgot to mention that BILL CLINTON is not running for President. Yes, he did prove he could do all those things, but that is not a reason for people to vote for his wife. Hillary has never governed a state and Barack has been in an elected position longer than Hillary has.

People don't want old. A McCain — Obama match-up will lean towards Obama. McCain has too often supported the Bush policies and people are looking for a new direction. I respect John McCain and I do think SOME of his ideas are good. When it comes to the economy, Bill gets the credit, not Hillary. Pillow talk does not count as experience. A lot of independents may have supported McCain because they believed that Barack was already the winner in that state. They could have also wanted the debate to continue between the top two Democratic candidates. I don't think an incident in one state will represent the entire independent electorate throughout the country during a general election.

FAIR TAX,LA.   January 12th, 2008 9:06 pm ET

HILLARY WOULD RUIN THIS COUNTRY!!!
look at the crazy crap she wants to do!!
now she wants the mexican votes!!
1-taco please!!!
you jerk libs!!
social pieces of crap!! —–FAIR TAX BABY!!!!!!!

Tim, Minnesota   January 12th, 2008 8:49 pm ET

It only enforces my disgust at how ignorant Americans are. McCain in charge of Nukes? Horrible thought!

Mcain - WAR MONGER   January 12th, 2008 8:48 pm ET

McCain is a Rambo

The Paper endoresed Rambo because they want the Repulicans to lose.

Mitt Romeny is warming up America.

Big Ben Rock Hill SC   January 12th, 2008 8:35 pm ET

So many people have stopped reading this paper that it has given up on trying to distribute itself outside of the metropolitan area of Columbia.

LATOIA   January 12th, 2008 8:31 pm ET

Matt: Actually, I'm white. Brad's ordering preferencing of Hillary, McCain and THEN Obama is logically inconsistent. If Brad supports Hillary on the issues, his second choice should be Obama, because Obama's stances are closer to Hilary's than McCain's is to Hilary's. Matt, you should be less sensitive.

Dave   January 12th, 2008 8:21 pm ET

It would be amazing to see as much national coverage on Ron Paul's political views and campaign that his 15 year old newsletter did. It is becoming increasingly scary how far gone our nation really is . . .

Ike   January 12th, 2008 8:21 pm ET

Why would a republican vote for McCain?
Sanctity of Marriage act-McCain voted AGAINST
Tax Cuts-McCain voted AGAINST
McCain/Feingold - infringement on 1st Amendment
McCain/Kennedy - Amnesty

What is it that any republican would like about this man? He was in Vietnam, so was Kerry and Republicans didn't like him.

Ben   January 12th, 2008 8:16 pm ET

congatulation Adam!! I agree with you. It is nice to read someone's opinion who dosn't bash a candidate just because he or she wouldn't vote for them.

Matt   January 12th, 2008 8:10 pm ET

Latoia- You must be black. I can see your trying to turn Brad's comment into a race issue. We all have our opinions. That's the purpose of the board. Stop trying to cause an uproar over an issue that is not Black or White. Go McCain!

brandon   January 12th, 2008 8:01 pm ET

Ron Paul will save this country, he just needs help in the primaries.

End the wars, end the patriot acts and restore the Constitution.

lee   January 12th, 2008 7:53 pm ET

McCain=angry and trigger happy.

God help us!

grip   January 12th, 2008 7:45 pm ET

why would any one pick John McCain for President. He's ready to retire and to be honest I can't see him doing a good job when he will be asleep at the helm all the time he would be in office. and that goes for the rest of the GOP canidates. I hate to say this being in my 50's but come on he should let some one in there younger years step in and do the job the American people need being done.

rw   January 12th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

Latoia, I assume you are voting for Obama, why, because he is black?

I agree with the newspaper, they should have endorsed McCain 8 years ago. Great picture.

Neel ny, ny   January 12th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

I like McCain but he is just too late to be part of the game. He is too old.

Buddy Butler   January 12th, 2008 7:09 pm ET

What other countries will attack us and kill thousands of our people? Oh well, it will surely not hurt our economy, only Bush's administration is responsible for that. Are we headed for an inflation? Or, is it only those who hope that we are who want to blame Bush?

Brad   January 12th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

Latoia,

Honestly, for me color, sex, does not matter.

I want to vote for substance, rather than rhetoric.

Initially, I was captivated by Obama's speech, but if you would have listened to him for quite some time, you would realize that he is nothing more than words. For me, if I want someone who can speak good, I would rather vote for the Hollywood specch writers, than Obama, definitely they would be much more better than Obama.

Obama, also displays cockiness, rudeness and know it all attitude.

Hillary, addresses with details, she has the knack of handling situations. She has gone through ups and downs in her life, and still she has come unscathed. What has Obama to offer, other than I was poor?

Also, Hillary comes with more than 35 years of experience. She is the one I definitely think can bring the country back on right track, after 8 years of disaster.

Tom Davie   January 12th, 2008 6:55 pm ET

Latoia writes

…….Brad, the lifelong Democrat. Why would you vote for McCain over Obama, because he's black?……..

————————————————————————————————————–

The guy said he wouldnt vote for Obama . He never said anything about race.

Latoia . Playing the RACE card at the drop of a hat is EMBARRRASING for your candidate.

Dirty politics like this HURT your candidate. Everyone looks at it and it TURNS THEM OFF.

Blake   January 12th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

Mccain will just bring division to the Republican party. We need someone like Mitt Romney to bring change in Washington. Mccain was one of Washington's worst with his amnesty immigration bill with Ted Kennedy, his bill with Finegold that limited free speech to a lot of groups. He has done only one in Washington in the last 30 years, and that was to call for the troop surge, Which Rudy and Romney have supported all along anyway. So please vote for Mitt!

Jake, California   January 12th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

McCain looks good when you consider his integrity and senator record. He would be a stiff competitor against Obama if they each win their respective party nominations
.
The only place he is going to lose is his desire to keep the soldiers in Iraq. Obama will sure crush him on this one…. It is one of Obama's biggest arguments and where he seems to be strongest. A lot of Americans also share this view,ie getting out of Iraq asap.

LATOIA   January 12th, 2008 6:38 pm ET

Brad, the lifelong Democrat. Why would you vote for McCain over Obama, because he's black?

David - Oregon City   January 12th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

The State is just looking for a seat at the table!

Go Huckabee!

truthseeker   January 12th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Bush whipped McCain and McCain ended up being a Bush lap dog. Now he is running on Bush's record - more of the same deficit spending and war mongering to the detriment of all citizens.

What an unpatriotic newspaper to not be asking the hard questions .

How will McCain balance our budget?
He won't.

When will our troops leave Iraq? They won't.

What other countries will we attack and invade on false pretenses? Oh well - it will sure sell more newspapers .

robert, pasadena, ca   January 12th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

McCain is a creature of Washington who will change nothing. He's an old grumpy windbag who belongs in a retirement home, not the White House. If we want somebody who will bring fresh ideas to a stagnating government and who understands the economy then we would do well to elect Romney. It amazes me to no end to see how much people complain about the status quo and then do nothing to change it when they have the chance. Huckabee is a religious crackpot and would take this country down a very dangerous path. North Korea and Iran will be licking their chops if he gets elected. The fact that McCain and Huckabee are even considered serious candidates shows how desperate the situation has become for the GOP.

Proud Free Independant Texan   January 12th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Huckabee/McCain is the foreign owned leftist media's preferred candidates for their Obama/Clinto ticket to run against. These Euro-Global Mass Media Conglomerates fear a Thompson/Romney ticket would hamper their interference and manipulation of America's wealth/military to their own ends. Romney/Thompson have backbone, and principles, and would STAND UP FOR AMERICA….unlike those who have foreign money literally hanging out of their pockets, and can hardly remember that they are supposed to represent AMERICA'S best interests, and not those of their benefactors.

On the Left :
we have backing Obama/Clinton and giving aid to McCain/Huckabee, French/Canadian/German owned Vivendi Universal/Bertelsmann AG Global Media Conglomerates who coincidentally also have the same ownership as TOTAL OIL/BNP PARIBAS Bank of Oil For Blood Money fame. These two foreign corporations also control GE, Disney, Miramax, Lion's Gate FIlms, New York TImes, Random House, backing and providing propgraming for Al Gore's old NewsWorld International and now Current to target impressionable youth along with DoodleBops targeting even younger Americans..among MANY others too numerous to mention…almost monopolising our media space…most ALL of America's film/music entertainment industry. Quite the left-wing indoctrination effort financed, and forced upon us by foreigners with the assistance of our own Democrat Party who acts as the enablers/middlemen for their own profit. Selling out America quite literally.

On the Right:
We have Australian owned Newscorp (fox). They do 24 hour "News" and entertainment propgraming. Doing the same as the left, but for their OWN agenda/interests. This foreign owned group backs McCain/Huckabee and cheers for Hillary over Obama as they fear Obama as the one most difficult to beat.

ENTER the only true, AMERICAN candiates for AMERICA's best interests, who are NOT backed/financed/cheered on by foreign blood money groups. These folks are NOT FOR SALE…enter FRED THOMPSON and MITT ROMNEY. These two loyal Americans hardly stand a chance aginst the FOREIGN money/media influence from the left and the right extremes of the spectrum.

America it's high time we stood up for ourselves, and put these foreign owned puppeteers in their place! Let's kick these foreign extremists who pull Americans apart, and constantly play us against each other for their own gain, initiating devisiveness, and dividing our young people against one another, dividing ALL Americans along racial/relgious/thnic/age/gender lines…anywhere they can…it's HIGH TIME WE GAVE THESE FRENCH/CANADIAN/GERMAN/AUSTRALIAN PUPPETEERS THE BOOT!!! And take America back. For ourselves and all FUTURE generations of Americans.

ROMNEY/THOMPSON in 2008!!!! WOO HOO!!!!! Kick France out. Kick Canada out. Kick Germany out. Kick Australia out. AMERICANS FOR AMERICA!!!! WE WANT AMERICAN CANDIDATES RUNNING WITH AMERICAN MONEY FOR AMERICAN VOTES!!!

Greg   January 12th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

McCain demonstrated his disdain for the US Constitution and Free Speech with McCain-Feingold. He also has supported elements of the new American police state, and would gladly sacrifice our economy and our troops in an un-Constitutionally aggressive foreign policy. It's especially worrisome that he has such a bad temper.

Freedom averse, unstable, and not really as independent as the media portrays him.

Huckabee is a pro-life national socialist, who likes war, high taxes and intrusive government. He has a silver tongue and a cross on his sleeve. As a born-again Christian, I'm offended by the way he pimps his campaign with religion.

Mitt Romney is a flip-flopping phoney who's only value seems to be the bottom line of his own self-promotion. He raised taxes, banned guns, and did everything a non-conservative would be expected to do. He's the epitomy of RINO (Republican In Name Only).

Rudy Giuliani: see Mitt Romney.

The most Republican, Reaganesque candidate is Ron Paul. Ron Paul exudes integrity, and has a 30 year record of standing up for Constitutional government, personal liberty, and a sound economic system and currency.

Don't vote for someone because the media tells you they are "electable"; vote for someone because you know they are the right choice.

Vote Ron Paul.

Robert from the Netherlands   January 12th, 2008 6:18 pm ET

I think this will make the 'famous last words':

"This time, we've done the right thing."

2 years later USA goes bankrupt because President McCain sent military in Iran as well. What can you expect from a newspaper which endorsed George W. Bush.

Anonymous   January 12th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

LOL - a paper that endorsed Bush is considered a significant and beneficial endorsement for McCain? It seems self-evident the integrity of paper in question is absurd.

Tom Davie   January 12th, 2008 6:07 pm ET

I forgot to mention that as well.

More independents vote for McCain rather than Obama. NH proved it.

Tom Davie   January 12th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

Unfortunately for Obama and all the Republican cronies, the more the election becomes about the economy, the more obvious it will be that Hillary Clinton will win the whitehouse.

Bill Clinton already PROVED he could take a bush/ reagan financial nightmare and TURN IT COMEPLETELY around to a balanced budget and growing economy.

Good luck folks.

GO HILLARY. (I ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT AMERICAS FINANCIAL FUTURE)

Tom Wittmann   January 12th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

BRAD

And, if you rightly think, McCain will get the independent vote, you assume that Hillary has chances against him ?? She is the most divisive candidate of all,
and if Obama is less attractive as MacCain, much less will Hillary be so.

And of course, the "experience" of Hillary as wife of Bill will hardly be a match for
McCain !!

Could you elaborate ??

jamaku   January 12th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

if you want to save you butt, get to know Ron Paul, don't bother with politics otherwise: stupid game…

Brian   January 12th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

What is with the Media's hate for Ron Paul??

MarkD   January 12th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

John McCain was a member of the keating five. In exchange for campaign contributions he used his influence to help thwart a federal investigation into Lincoln Savings & Loan. The collapse of the S&L's in the late 80's cost investors over a billion and the taxpayers another billion.

He doesn't care if the war lasts another 100years.

Vote Ron Paul. It's the only reasonable option there is.

John S. Maine   January 12th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

They can endorse McCain all they want. I will never vote for that loose cannnon who wants to stay in Iraq for 100 years and is giving up on jobs in Michigan.

If you want real change you need to vote for Mitt Romney!

Richard, Ewing NJ   January 12th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

Daniel,
You are wrong. Romney has the worse chance of all GOP. 65% of people would not elect him under any circumstance. Please read the recent studies.

Brad   January 12th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

This is one more reason, for Democrats to get behind Hillary, if they want the White House.

McCain, won most of the independents vote in New Hampshire( to the dismay of Obama) and will win the independent votes nationwide.

If McCain wins the nomination, there is no way, Democrats can get the White House, unless the candidate is Hillary.

Though a lifelong democrat, I would rather vote for McCain over Obama.

Adam   January 12th, 2008 5:49 pm ET

As a Democrat, I actually like McCain. I disagree strongly with most of his positions, and I would not vote for him in a general election for that reason. However, that doesn't diminish my respect for the senator.

My only (non-political) concern with John McCain is his health. Doesn't he have fairly significant cancer in remission. I've watched him during the debates, and his mind seems to be a few steps ahead of his body. He is extremely intelligent, but, if he were to suffer health problems under the intense and unique stress and daily grind of the presidency, who would take his place? We wouldn't know until after he won the nomination, and I would not have much enthusiasm for a President Huckabee.

Paul   January 12th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

John McCain wants to keep the US in Iraq for the next 100 years. And one could assume he would also invade Iran and interfere with Pakistan. If John McCain gets elected this country will be bankrupt in a matter of years. Side note Mike Huckabee's only plank to stand on is the fact that he is a Christian and is making Christians feel bad if they don't vote for him. What has this country come to? The Huckster will get destroyed by any Democrat that wins the primary. Landslide. Don't waste a vote on the Huckster or the Warmongering McCain.

Alex Schultheis   January 12th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Look, I think that McCain is clearly the guy for America. I know that conservatives don't like him as much, but he still is pushing for bipartisan support. The republicans talk about deporting immigrants, but they forget that the greatest republican president, Reagan, he gave amnesty to illegal immigrants. He secured the borders, which everyone agrees has to be done. But he had the moral decency to let those already here stay. If anything, we should follow that. There are 12 million people here illegally, but that is a crap load of people to deport. Plus, they do have families here in America already, so it would be unfair to deport them. Go McCain!

Daniel   January 12th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

I think that it's sad that Romney had to pull his resources out of South Carolina like the article mentioned. I feel that many evangelical's anti-Mormon views pushed him to do it. I think that unless McCain or Romney win the nomination, Republicans have no chance in the general election this November. People view Huckabee as too much of a Baptist Crusader for him to win in a general election.

DenisL   January 12th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

Inflation is going to eat us alive, as it has already started to do so. Do you really believe that the REAL inflation rate last year, the rate that was used by the government for Social Security check increase this month, was 2.3%? No one seems to understand the problems with the economy, inflation, and out of control deficit spending. We have a $9 trillion debt that must be paid so we can afford Social Security and Medicare. The interest payments will eat us alive when we begin to fight inflation with higher Federal Reserve bank rates. And we must stop inflation or everyone's life savings will go down the tubes, along with our middle class, like what has happened to the middle class in most countries south of our border. Republicans need to begin to understand the seriousness of runaway inflation. And start educating the country. The Democrats will sure not fight inflation like Volcker and Reagan did!
Please vote Ron Paul and save the country from bankruptcy abroad and at home!

Patty D.   January 12th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

So this right-leaning paper endorsed Bush over McCain? And now it has a change of heart? Well, we can thank this rag and all the others for giving us the disaster that is Bush.

Paul Thompson   January 12th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

I've been watching your Ballot Bowl '08. You sure have your favorites and even though Gallup has polled a new leader….

Three hours and still….you won't mention Mike Huckabee as more
than some kind of Also-ran.

The media is going to get a surprise!

Go Huck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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