January 20, 2008
Posted: 01:30 PM ET
 Only 3 in 10 South Carolina Republicans voted for McCain.
Only 3 in 10 South Carolina Republicans voted for McCain.

(CNN) – John McCain Sunday brushed aside suggestions exit polls from the South Carolina Republican primary suggest he still is failing to garner widespread support from his party's base.

"I got more votes than anybody else, and it says that I got it from across the spectrum from all over the state," McCain told CNN's Dana Bash. "We expected this to be a very highly contested race, and for the 28 years the candidate who has won South Carolina has been the nominee of the party."

The Arizona senator edged out Mike Huckabee Saturday night in the first Southern primary of the race, 33 percent to 30 percent. But according to exit polling, McCain narrowly trailed Huckabee in support from the 80 percent of primary voters who identified themselves as Republicans. Huckabee won 32 percent of their support compared to McCain's 31 percent. (McCain overwhelmingly won among the remaining 20 percent of primary voters who identified themselves as independents.)

McCain has long had difficulty currying favor from his party's conservative wing. Despite his solid voting record in the senate, many ardent Republicans have been unhappy with his past willingness to team up with liberal Sens. Russ Feingold on campaign finance reform and Ted Kennedy on immigration. McCain drew only 26 percent of the conservative vote in South Carolina Saturday.

Support from the base will be crucial in upcoming contests: McCain now faces a bevy of state primaries where independents are not allowed to participate, beginning with Florida’s vote on January 29. But the Arizona senator is predicting that his support among veterans, his economic proposals, and his record on environmental issues important to many Floridians will carry him to victory there.

Related video: Watch Dana Bash's interview with Sen. McCain

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: John McCain • South Carolina


Kevin, Seattle   January 20th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Of course there's no republican support. You're NOT a republican! That's why a majority of your votes are from "independents." We all remember that Rudy and you stood by the democrats in 2004. Gave speeches at the DNC. If you win the nomination, you hand the white house over to your pals, the democrats. I don't think it's too crazy to suggest that many of them are voting for YOU, just for that to happen.

Juliana   January 20th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

I am a lifelong Republican and I will not vote in this election if he gets the nomination. He is a phony.

BD   January 20th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

John McCain did his duty 40 years ago in Vietnam. He was unlucky enough to get shot down and captured by the enemy. I respect him for surviving the hell that he and many other brave soldiers went through. All of them should have our sincere gratitude.

That being said, we are now choosing our next President.

Mr. John “ITS NOT AMNESTY, THEY HAVE TO PAY A SMALL FINE” McCain could never win the Presidency. McCain would even lose his home state of Arizona where they just repudiated him by enacting the harshest anti-illegal alien law in the nation.

In 1987 Ronald Reagan granted amnesty to what they estimated to be 1 million illegal aliens. It was in reality 3 times that number. Now John McCain and the Democrats estimate that 12 million illegals are here now. Logically they are again greatly underestimating the real number. Under the plan, all of the illegals would be able to bring their entire families to the U.S. All of them would immediately be eligible for government assistance such as food stamps and healthcare. Last year in the Senate, John McCain lead a few misguided Republicans and almost all the Democrats in a failed attempt to pass the amnesty bill. It just barely failed. The Democratic Presidential candidates all support the amnesty bill. That bill will pass in 2009 unless we stop them.

The media is doing its best to help the Democrats via John McCain. The Democrats would love to see a John McCain nomination

A vote for McCain or Huckabee is a vote for the Democrats and economic failure.

Mitt is the answer.

Allan Jones   January 20th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

McCain's inability to capture the GOP base will lead to his demise. Without that support he cannot possibly capture the nomination. My money's on Romney.

Phillip Kay   January 20th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Thanks O thee Mormon faithful for your own brand of misinformation. McCain is genuine

JD   January 20th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

In regards to immigration, you have to realize that all of the past governments have lied to the American people. They have always pretended to be tough on immigration by making it harder to come to America, and at the same time, they have turned a blind eye to immigrants coming in, in order to help American manufacturing companies compete in global markets.

Do you really think if the President really wanted to shut down illegal immigration, he couldn't do it? Instead, they've practically encouraged illegal immigration - Bush, Clinton, Bush, Reagan, Carter - it's the same story over again.

I can't really blame people from a 3rd world nation for wanting to come here, especially when we're opening the gates for them and making it easy. They recognize that we are the greatest nation on Earth. They choose to be American. What's wrong with that?

So, I say give those that have been living here for two years a more a way to stay here permanently - but no family. Then, put the real laws into place that actually stop illegal immigration instead of the two-faced BS we have seen in regards to immigration for the last 30 years.

Bil TGH, Streamwood, IL   January 20th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

I may have been in error about my previous views towards Senator McCain.

John McCain's willingness to work with Democrats shows to me that atleast there is one Republican candidate who is willing to place country before party.

That is a great big plus in my book. Conservative Republicans' attitude of "Do it our way or else" has damaged this country 's honor , credibility, economy and leadership at home and in the world.

Maybe Senator McCain has, after all, practical answers to our problems.

I am certainly giving him a second look.

And BTW, any Republican candidate that wins primaries in a Northern State and a conservative Southern state must be considered a front-runner this early in the game.

Mike   January 20th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

McCain is a RINO. His stances on Gun Control and Immigration are way to liberal for me. There is only one Republican running that can beat either Hillary or Obama ( most likely Hillary) and it is not McCain. To me, it doesn't really matter which of the front runners of either party get elected - they are all, with one exception, just more of the same. This country is headed down the path of self destruction and unless it changes its foreign policy, will not survive as a "super power" too much longer. The currency is devaluing at an alarming pace and trying to be the worlds policeman will eventually destroy it.

Tom Dedham, Mass   January 20th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

I respect this man greatly and he would make a great addition to the Romney cabinet.

You can disagree with him on issues, but to suggest that he is other than an honorable man is flat out dishonest.

Clinton's have NO honor between them, this man is the epitomy of the word.

PROUD TEXAN   January 20th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

As a Republican speaking my mind….IF this dishonest, manipulative, backstabbing freak of nature somehow gets elected??? I'm either not voting at all - OR maybe… depending on who they field… the Democrats (heaven forbid). McCain (and Huckabee as well )is that repugnant to me. HILLARY would be better than this piece of filth. And that's pretty darned bad.

Jose Card - Independent   January 20th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

McCain is right.
The weak Republican turnout is an unclear indication of anything.
Those that will vote in the S.C. Democratic primary may be Independents.
I, for one, will vote in the Dem primary for Obama.

For our sake, I want to have the best qualified candidate from each party in the general election.

Ed Zachary   January 20th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

The really revealing thing from the South Carolina primary is that, even in the Bible belt, Huckabee polls only 30%. That's his core strength and it's not going to get any better. The rest of the Republican Party wants a president, not a preacher in the White House.

Michael   January 20th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

These comments are foolish, and downright wrong. McCain is the only canidate that has shown in poll after poll, after poll to beat EITHER Clinton or Obama in the general election-and that's all that matters. The Republican Party is more than a group of religious zealots, and it's a breath of breth of fresh air. Go Johnny, Go!

Paul Simpson, Beaumont, Texas   January 20th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

This Republican won't be voting McCain. Hmmmmm…who are the Libertarians putting out this year?

Class Warfare   January 20th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Eight years of the pigs at the trough is enough.

Jared, New Orleans, LA   January 20th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Yes, the Democrats really hope McCain is the nominee considering he is the only Republican who is ahead of Clinton and Obama in just about every poll out there. You are an idiot. Look at what Romney did in MA. He is not a real conservative. The difference between Romney and McCain is that Romney lies about his moderate positions.

Kay   January 20th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

McCain has campaigned on "cutting spending", but I noticed that when Dana Bash questioned him this morning, he never answered her question. She asked him that if Congress voted for a tax rebate, would he support it even if the bill had no spending cuts included. He would not say that would not support it. Further his attitude was rather arrogant, reminded me of Bush.

Tax rebates would be great, "IF" there are spending cuts. Otherwise, our huge debt will get even worse.

john   January 20th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

How right you are about the Democrats wanting McCain. The cover of
today's LA Times had pictures of McCain and Hillary as victors on Saturday
…but none of Romney! Also, their names in bold print while Romney's in
smaller print, further down. The Times is a bastion of liberalism. If they
can't manage Huckabee, Sheriff McCain will do just as well.

K. Wilkinson   January 20th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

No Way McCain!

Romney 2008!

arfisher, Midlothian, VA   January 20th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

I once read that President John F. Kennedy was conducting a press conference and discussing his position on an issue. When he was finished, a reporter pointed out that the president's stance appeared to be the exact opposite of his previously stated position on the matter, to which Kennedy replied, "Yes, I've changed my mind."
In today's political climate, many would have slammed Kennedy for being a "flip-flopper."

It seems reasonable to believe that political leaders of any stripe better serve their constituents when they allow changing circumstances, more information, and better insights to move them toward positions contrary to ones they may have previously espoused. Do we really want elected officials who never change their minds, rigidly ignoring new circumstances and more realistic options? Or are we wiser to prefer individuals who are willing to learn, adapt, and adjust?

Personally, I admire any person mature enough to reconsider a matter with serious reflection and then adopt a different course of action. The presidential candidates need to quit clubbing each other with "flip-flopper" accusations. Some of us find flexibility to be quite a valuable character trait.

Lee D. Ellison. Moseley.

Independent   January 20th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

I think Mitt Romney has the potential to do a lot of good for this country, especially economically. As much as it pains me to say this… he can't beat Hillary. If the economy tanks, everyone is going to be really happy about Hillary's free healthcare promise. And if the economy recovers, Romney's strongest platforms will be overshadowed by talk about the war. The only way for Romney to have a chance in th general is if the threat of a crash is looming but does not pass - that's a long time for the country to be afraid.

I really like McCain, and I would love to see a McCain/Lieberman ticket transform Washington, but I think Mitt is the best man to protect my financial well-being.

dan shore   January 20th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

I THINK ROMNEY IS THE MAN, I AM SO SORRY THAT McCAIN WAS IN PRISON FOR ALL THOSE YEARS ,HE HAS HAD GOOD YEARS IN THE SENATE ,BUT IF HE GETS IN YOU WILL SEE HALF OF MEXICO IN THE USA AFTER HIS 4 YEARS WE NEED CONTROLLED IMMIGRATION NOT ALL THIS ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION THEY ARE LAW BREAKERS WHAT WOULD MEXICO DO TO US IF WE SLIPPED ACROSS THE BORDER,NO BODY WANTS TO TALK ABOUT THATA VOTE FOR CAIN WOULD BE A VOTE FOR BUSH MY OPION ONLY

Juan Carlos(Vegas)   January 20th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

What are the evangelicals going to do if McCain wins the nomination? Will they vote for Hillary? Are they going to move to Canada or Mexico? LOL With McCain we know what we are getting, but Mitt, HOW MANY times he has changed his mind?

ronnie knoxville tn   January 20th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

Sorry John, but anyone who teams up with Ted Kennedy is not a conservative !

james   January 20th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

this is a joke "vote for mccain because he is beating obama and clinton……" o brother !!!!!! NEWSFLASH !!!! if obama wins the democratic nomination and people vote strictly on substance, then he will get absolutely destroyed in any debate against any republican he faces !!!not to mention, once people actually start to get interested in the issues, there is no way that a majority of the people in this country will want to raise taxes, have socialized health care(the government cant run anything), amnesty for illegals…..please!!! the only person that obama could beat in a debate is mccain, because they have no differences..neither has any substance, they are both democrats and obama is more likeable…and as for billary, well 50% of the country wont vote for her already>>>many dems will jump ship if she wins the nom and no GOPers will jump ship, so she loses right off the bat !!! plus, if those clinton archives papers ever are released, where everyone can see the actual experience that she talks about (and really doesnt have) and the multple scandals within the archives and the substance or lack there of of her plan to move the country forward, well, she frankly hasnt got a prayer !!!! mccain isnt the republican answer !!!! the answer is debate after debate after debate..once the dems are in a debate, their numbers will plummit….in actuality, mccain, other than running on his pow status and continually repeating islamic-jihad and "pork barrell spending" he totally lack substance" especially as a republican…

BMTT   January 20th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

Hey dan shore,

In case you didn't know, writing in all upper case letters is considered yelling. It seems rude. I don't think that was your intention.

But I do agree with your point.

RB, from the bay state   January 20th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Well, it looks like the Swiftboaters have begun their scuttling of John McCain.

Chief blowhard Rush Limpbawl launched the first torpedoes a month ago, and now it's full speed ahead to send the SS McCain to the bottom.

Hardcore Republicans hate McCain because he actually has the ability to work with the opposing party. And that's not acceptable to the rabid right.

If the GOP goes with Romney and the voters fall for his promise-them-everything philosophy, it's over for America.

RAMBO McCain   January 20th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Dinosaur Rambo McCain maybe an old Rambo but he can still push the launch nuclear weapons button.

Rudy and Huckabee would rip up the IRS.

Rudy one page document is stupid and cancell income tax by Huckabeee is dumb.

Romeny Economy is the only guy thats going to win, because he says JOBS JOBS JOBS and he has the right balance. He brought the world together in the Olympics he can do it for America.

ym763   January 20th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

McCain is the only Republican I'd consider voting for. A lifelong fiscal conservative, I look at my party and wonder how it was hijacked by the ultra right wing. I suppose the answer is moderates like me stood by and let it happen.

Rep. Voter   January 20th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

I googled Romney's win and got a picture of McCain. Doesn't anybody think it is a little strange that all these newspapers are endorsing McCain?

MCCAIN IS THE WRONG PARTY AND WILL DESTROY THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. He really should be running as an independent but I think the media and McCain new he wouldn't have had a chance. I like McCain, I am just don't believe he should be representing the Republican party.

He lost SC in 2000 because of some negative comments he made about evangelicals, not dirty politics. However the media never talks about…. It also took a him a long time to say no to Kerry as running mate. If he was really true to his party… why we would have to think about.

Sure, he says done a few good things but also done things that hurts the party like this whole campaign finance reform. Now I have to listen to all these 527 groups sling mud and they can't technically be linked to the any candidate as a smear campaign ads. That hurts the Republican party.

They will back the candidate that they think Hillary can beat. Trust me… If McCain wins the nomination ( I hope not) than they will many of his so-called media supporters will turn on him real fast.

Just look at McCain's political endorsements. He is the establishment and has been moving away from the Republican party for some time.

If MCCAIN WINS THE NOMINATION, I WILL VOTE FOR HILLARY. I would rather have a Democrat in the white house than kill the Republican party. The Reagan coalition is not dead until yet. THIS IS WHAT THE LIBERAL MEDIA REAL AGENDA. Liberals own television 4-1. Republican views (moderate and conservative have a voice in radio not television .

Besides, if McCain does win the presidency (which I doubt, against Hillary) it will not be a big loss to democrats because liberals have a friend in John McCain.

True story…

My mom is a die-hard liberal democrat. We don't talk politics much because I am a Conservative Republican. I asked her who she liked? She told me that she is voting for Hillary but also likes John McCain.

Brad, Idaho   January 20th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

I dont care what he says, the guy is just too old.

xtina - chicago IL   January 20th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

All the candidates make promises- that's part of campaigning. But look at who has actually done what they believe in. Obama says "change" but what has he "changed" in the five or six years he's been in politics? Edwards and Hillary are actually honest in that they believe in taxes + bigger government and have records showing it. But if you want less of your money to go to Congress, Guiliani + Romney are probably best because they've actually managed budgets successfully, lowered taxes and cut welfare. Rudy Guiliani took a city called "ungovernable" and cut crime. Romney far outshines any candid. of either party in economics. Isn't that the "number one issue" at which voters are looking? Oh, No, let's vote for Hillary or Obama who wouldn't know what they teach in Business 101. So my bottom line is, which candidates have actually already done what they're promising?

Tony Milliken   January 20th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Well, Lets see, I think You all should look at How Liberal Mr. Romney was as Govenor and when his dad was Govenor of Michigan he raided the retirement fund to Balance the Budget… Our family calls him Barbie boy, cause he is so Fake and looks like plastic….. Look, on Immigration, no one no one is going to send them back, if you believe that you would believe anything… I like John McCain because He is Honest,, thats what we need no more people Like Bushy, Clinton etc… And, lets face it he can reach across party lines and get things done and everything might not suit all of us but it might be whats best for America.. I say GIVE HELL JOHN…………………….

Val Davydov, MA   January 20th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

CNN,

Did I say something that offended you? What happened to my post?

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH   January 20th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

… the GOP does not have much choice: They don't like any of their candidates and know that Democrats don't like the GOP line-up either.

Mitt and the "race card?" The conservatives who hyperventilated about the Democrats’ explosion of identity politics seemed to forget that Mr. Romney also dragged Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. into this campaign — claiming that he “saw” his father, a civil-rights minded governor of Michigan, march with King in the 1960s. The point of Mitt Romney’s invocation of the race card was to inoculate himself against legitimate charges of racial insensitivity; he had never spoken out about his own church’s discrimination against blacks, which didn’t end until 1978. Instead, the tactic ended up backfiring. Late last month The Boston Phoenix exposed this touching anecdote as a fraud. George Romney and King never marched together.

…. the press and some frantic republicans are willing to gloss over much of the truth about Mitt… including the fact that he hired the company that hired illegal aliens not once but twice ….and that company got off scott free…

Go ahead, GOPer's, stay home and let patriotic Americans choose their president. If you don't vote, you can't complain …

ne,pa   January 20th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

McCain's your man if you want war and more war. And when he brings the draft back it won't be the illegals he allows in that will be drafted!

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH   January 20th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

to ronnie knoxville tn

"Sorry John, but anyone who teams up with Ted Kennedy is not a conservative !"

*******************************************

……. after bi-partisan No Child Left Behind (Bush idea) and the Bush Guest Worker Plan that McCain supported …

it follows that Bush must not be a conservative!!! You don't mean to tell me that a Republican President lied!!!!

Rep. Voter   January 20th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

Is Thompson playing "wing man" for McCain?

I am not a Thompson hater but recent events kinda do look suspicious and THOMPSON HAS campaigned for MCCAIIN in the past.

Thompson has been a sleeper candidate this whole time and finally wakes up when he gets to South Carolina.

ALSO, a little suspicious that Thompson only campaigned in SC where it would hurt Huckabee.

You would think he would campaign in more places than that.

It feels like Thompson has been saying… Hey, man I am only the wing man. I just here to help my buddy score South Carolina and maybe Florida… then I am out.

Thompson coming alive in South Carolina ONLY BENEFITED MCCAIN… it really didn't do anything for Thompson and hurt HUCKABEE.

Did anybody really feel Thompson had a chance after SC? He was dead and buried in the polls. Romney is a Mormon and he was even doing better in the polls than Thompson, who is from a neighboring state.

He also made a speech that gave the impression that he may be bowing out?

I wonder if Thompson is waiting to see if McCain will drop in the polls in Florida before he announces that he will be endorsing McCain….

Are we going to see a McCain / Thompson ticket? Just a theory anyway.

Rep. Voter   January 20th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

January 20, 2008 4:10 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.

I googled Romney's win and got a picture of McCain. Doesn't anybody think it is a little strange that all these newspapers are endorsing McCain?

MCCAIN IS THE WRONG PARTY AND WILL DESTROY THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. He really should be running as an independent but I think the media and McCain new he wouldn't have had a chance. I like McCain, I am just don't believe he should be representing the Republican party.

He lost SC in 2000 because of some negative comments he made about evangelicals, not dirty politics. However the media never talks about…. It also took a him a long time to say no to Kerry as running mate. If he was really true to his party… why we would have to think about.

Sure, he says done a few good things but also done things that hurts the party like this whole campaign finance reform. Now I have to listen to all these 527 groups sling mud and they can't technically be linked to the any candidate as a smear campaign ads. That hurts the Republican party.

They will back the candidate that they think Hillary can beat. Trust me… If McCain wins the nomination ( I hope not) than they will many of his so-called media supporters will turn on him real fast.

Just look at McCain's political endorsements. He is the establishment and has been moving away from the Republican party for some time.

RB, from the bay state   January 20th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

McCain is the only one out there willing to say that overspending is what is killing this country. Try doing what Washington does with your own household budget.

All the other Repubes want to continue spending like drunks with a carload of charge cards. McCain has plenty of faults, but it's nice to see someone put their finger on the problem - reckless spending by the BushBots.

annette   January 20th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Phillip Kay wrote: Thanks O thee Mormon faithful for your own brand of misinformation. McCain is genuine

Yes McCain is a genuine democrat.

Vote Mitt 08…

Steve Blaine Washington   January 20th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

The question of McCain's elgibility to run for President certainly rests with the definition of the term natural born citizen as a qualification in the Constitution.
However, there may be only one definition in the Constitution but there is probably
at least a 100 in debates and other books relative to the Constitutional.
I know of at least 10 myself which put meaning to the term and I am in process of documenting so that I may publish them.

frank5057   January 20th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

alice newman - Bush is no conservative, he is a globalist. mccain is a moderate republican with some liberalism in him, don't trust him. i voted Republican for 4 decades, no more. washington is built on compromise, when you start compromising little things, compromising big things is right around the corner. the politicians have compromised this country down the toilet. the only hope we had was in the likes of Duncan Hunter, Tom Tancredo, Fed Thompson and Ron Paul. problem is these men are "to conservativer" for the RNC to back them, they, like the DNC want to keep the status quo with centrists/moderates. if any of you have children and grand children theri fates where sealed many years ago

Hillphil   January 20th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

I Agree with Juliana

I am a lifelong Republican and I will not vote in this election if he gets the nomination. He is a phony.
Amen

Dave Sheehan   January 20th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

Has anybody anywhere near the Palmetto State said the obvious? That Mcain "won" because Thompson siphoned off votes that would have fallen into Huckabees lap? If you think the Repubs will forgive and forget, Macs heresies ask Pat Buchannan what office he will run for next!

Ron Paul for President!

tobi   January 20th, 2008 6:16 pm ET

McCain has to be gumming his dentures over the possibility of facing Hillary Clinton. (I tease. I would vote for McCain in that matchup.) Clinton pulls only from the democratic faithful and is widely disliked by Republicans and Independents (I am in the latter category). If it does boil down to McCain vs. Hillary, McCain will get the moderate republican and independent vote and will get the evangelical vote as they curse their way to the polls to vote against Hillary. It really would be a best case scenario for McCain.

It is looking like there is potential for a landslide Republican victory.

Anonymous, Somewhere, MI   January 20th, 2008 6:27 pm ET

Oh I love this. . . . "McCain's not a real Republican because he did x, y, z. . ." Hey, not everybody who has an opinion of his own on something is a RINO. What a stupid word too, RINO. It got thrown around a lot with Lincoln Chafee too. I bet you all wish we had Lincoln Chafee back right about now don't you, rather than a Democratic majority. Get this through your thick "true conservative" skulls, conservative idealogues account for less than a third of the electorate. Once this nomination contest is over you will need us moderates and independants to win the presidency. If you nominate a candidate who is further from us politically than the Democratic nominee guess who we will end up voting for in the end. Some of you say if McCain is the nominee you will stay home or vote for someone else, guess what a large chunk of us moderate will do once you put Romney at the helm of the party. Think we're above jumping on board with Clinton, or with even less reluctance for Bloomberg when he gets into the race? I'm sick and tired of the far right strong-arming the center. You want your "true conservative?" You can have him and you can have the party. But you don't get us with it. Good luck winning elections without us.

teri moats   January 20th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

McCain was the ONLY non-conservative, with the exception of Ron Paul (who is an admitted Libertarian), in the race. 33% of the vote went that way. And McCain was advertising a more conservative message than he is actually ascribed to (in fact it's fair to call him a Democrat since he has been the big ring leader in the agenda against Bush on conservative matters). And the facts are still the facts, he won only because of the INDEPENDENT votes. More than 60% of the state cast votes for a conservative candidate. The main thing is that McCain knows the stats. If Guliani would have campaigned in S.C. McCain's votes would have been sliced to about 60% of what he recieved. If Fred Thompson would have dropped out before the primary, Huckabee would have slaughtered McCain. Thompson isn't worth menitioning again. He sucker punched the primary in this state. His newly found faith empowing him to stay in more round against Huckabee. Shame on you Fred. But McCain's glory will not last. If he does, and I do not think he will, make it on the general ticket. He will loose. Christians and conservative will stay home. He doesn't have a chance. But if Huckabee is on the ballot. The voters will be out. Republicans, dump this phoney, McCain and let's get on with the race.

Folks, Bush may not be the best President that America has ever known, but he didn't waffle on the appointment of Supreme Justices. Do you trust McCain. He'll probably appoint Barbara Boxer.

Jared C.- in Korea   January 20th, 2008 6:32 pm ET

McCain does not have the support of the GOP. He is too far off on so many issues on so many levels.

Romney is the man. He has the leadership, experience, and morals we did. He is a businessman who will get the job done. McCain and Huckabee just don't have what it takes to lead this country in all areas.

Romney/Thompson 2008

Joe   January 20th, 2008 6:45 pm ET

Go McCain!!! We must keep the "spice" flowing. All you whiney cry
babies, just SHUT UP!!! You all want to get in your vehicles and drive!
Well, guess what? IT TAKES GASOLINE!!! And that, you small minded
dim-wits comes from OIL!! So if you are crying because it cost's $3.00
per gallon I wonder what you will do when there isn't any????THINK
ABOUT IT!! We must keep our (expletive deleted)'s in the middle east
if we want to keep driving our cars. The Liberal's didn't want us drilling
in ANWR and off the Atlantic shelf,or the Gulf of Mexico…guess what??
Now the cubans and south americans are drilling in the Gulf….you idiots
better wake up and smell the OIL!!!! Keep the war going and keep the
spice flowing…..Go McCain….

Dennis, El Segundo CA   January 20th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

Once again, the media gets it wrong. Why all the media attention on IA, NH, and SC? Who gives a (favorite expletive here) about those states? Why does MI and NV get so little comparative attention? The media would love nothing more than to have the grandpa of the race, John McCain, win the Republican nomination. The guy looks like he needs a rest home, not the presidency. Anybody running against him with a pulse will win by a landslide.

John Edwarss   January 20th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

Insane McCain you are to old and will lose in FL!

Go Mitt!

David....Nevada   January 20th, 2008 7:18 pm ET

McCain is a phony!!! a bonified phony who got his butt kicked here in Nevada.. Can't stand the lying a posturing from this man..
ohh yeah… he wants to secure the southern boder and then continue his insistence on ram-rodding illegals and amnesty plans down our throats, along with his old buddy ted kenndy, naturally … when ted says jump…. john says "how high"?
Romney for responsible immigration..

Mark, Tampa, FL   January 20th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

McCain disgusts me. He is thoroughly a pro-war liberal. He lacks the temperament to be a leader. He campaigns as a "straight-talker", but has flip-flopped more than anyone- on tax cuts, on illegal immigration, on the war, the list goes on. Check out http://therealmccain.com/

Romney is the only real conservative.

Sal   January 20th, 2008 7:37 pm ET

i think it's sad how, apparently, the repub's "party's base" is just a bunch of religious nuts. i like john mccain becasue he doesn't pander to ANYONE - he does what is right and what he thinks is best for EVERYONE not just his party's "base" and not just to get votes.

do think that it was just a coincidence that huck declared that we re-write our constitutional according to the "word of god" two days before the sc primary? wow…if that's all it takes to get you people's votes, then i should run for president! i can say anything you want to hear anytime of the day. you people can't handle a straight talker - you'd rather someone lie to you and tell you what you want to hear becasue you're so narrow-minded and resistant to anything outside of your little box.

it's people like you that cause politicians to have to lie and pander to us - you won't vote for them otherwise. you're so thick and all you care about is yourselves - not what's best for everyone or the country.

mcccain's a conservative in many aspects; just because he isn't standing on a soap box pandering to the religious rights does not make him any less of a republican, just a decent, sensible one. i'm an independent and i consider myself a social liberal (live and let live) but a fiscal conservative and mccain to me is the best of both worlds. he still has morals but is also sensible and realistic.

for all of you who say that he's not a real republican, where are you getting this from? he IS the defintion of a conservative - which means a hands-off government. your other candidates are the ones who are obseesed with controlling people's personal lives and want to pass constitutional amendments on everything under the sun. since when was immigration policy determined to be a party issue?

you people are so narrow-minded you take one or two issue and label the man a liberal - illegals were not going to get amnesty you idiots! and where are these illegals now? they're in our country, with no one even knowing who they are, where they are, not paying taxes, and sucking up our social services. if you let them report that they are here, we could tax them, keep track of them, they wouldn't fear coming forward as victims or witnesses to crime, we could find and deport the ones who have committed crimes, and they'd be responsible for their own mecial bills because we'd know who they are, where they live, where they work, etc. but oh no, let's NOT do the SENSIBLE thing, let's be a bunch of moronic, irrational, idiots. we'd also being fining them ($5000-$8000 for all you "small fine" people) so they'd have to pay their own way into the country, unlike current INS rules where it's all paid for by the taxpayer. what is your solution? something had to be done and you people missed the boat.

and god forbid he work with other members of congress!!! even though his record is clearly, consistently conservative. the only way to get anything accomplished is through cooperation with both parties - hello people!!!!! what planets are you living on?

"oh no - he didn't originally support bush's tax cuts - he's not one of us!" first of all, you can't cut taxes without cutting spending, otherwise you just build up debt that has to be paid back with interest. hence, he is the real conservative becasue not creating debt saves money. your mr. bush has only given you tax cuts at the expense of our national debt and has done absolutely nothing to correct wasteful spending, including the $150 million bonus the fed gave to his buddy Halliburton for "a job well-done."

as for you "war-monger" people - the president is our COMMANDER IN CHIEF just in case you forgot - and a lot of dems, such as clinton, voted for the war so what are you crying about? also, mccain was the ONLY one who had it right at the very get-go; if he had been president, the war would have been mission accomplished YEARS ago instead of the mess it is now. at least with mccain, if we had to go to war, it'd be done right. you only have yourselves to blame for electing the dumbest, most worthless president of all time, and his mess of an administration.

STOP VOTING FOR YOUR "FAMILY VALUES" AND MAYBE WE CAN ACTUALLY GET SOMETHING ACCOMPLISHED IN THIS COUNTRY. the president is not a legislator - go write your senator and other representatives if you care soooooo much about what other people do with their lives and bodies. the last values guy you voted for massacred thousands of innocent iraqis. good going, "values" voters.

traditionally, i've voted democratic, but if mccain gets the nomination i am serioulsy considering voting for him, as i'm sure a lot of other independents are.

Bo   January 20th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

we're voting for a president for goodness sake, not a moral authority. if you need a moral authority, go to church and shut up already.

they should rename the republican party the "holier than thou" party.

Carrie   January 20th, 2008 7:48 pm ET

Years ago, John McCain should have switched parties or started another real party. The Republican Machine has treated this American Hero with so much disrespect. I like Sen. McCain because he works with both Republicans and Democrates. If more were like him, DC would be a better place and things would be done.

But, NO, Republicans will nominate someone else. The Democrats will nominate Hillary Clinton. The same old, same old: angry and fighting in DC will continue. Then, fours years from now, all of us will be debating the same thing because nothing has CHANGE. You get the country that you deserve!

Obama 08

Darrell Groves   January 20th, 2008 8:05 pm ET

At 70 years of age, I know first hand that health issues will get in the way of his presidency if he is elected. What are the meds he is taking? Did I detect him limping or stumbling to the podium at his victory speech in South Carolina? Although I am a year younger, he looks older than I do. Listen to one who is there, afternoon naps are more important than presidential issues at this age.

Mike McKibben   January 20th, 2008 8:06 pm ET

Where I am leaning towards McCain in the general election, if he makes it that far, I was a little taken back today by what he plans to do with the economy. What he is saying is very much like all the other Republican candidates are saying. Cutting spending sounds great, but one of the biggest expenditures now facing us is the cost of the two wars. I don't see cuts being made there. Then we have the ol' middle class tax breaks…………….which middle class, the $500K and above crowd, or the $250K down crowd? I'm still waiting for my Bush tax breaks, so making Bush's tax breaks permanent is great for a select few, but we see where they got us at this point in time. That will be the 9 trillion deficit and a hurting economy for which I am referring to.

The corp tax rates should be lowered but that won't solve problems on the bottom end if there is a continued trade deficit and American jobs are continued to be off shored. If anything, this common Republican practice has resulted in the current problems faced in our economy. A few get the gold, and everyone else gets the shaft. 2/3's of the US economy is the American consumer, and we are about tapped out.

Business deregulation is a strong talking point with some of the Republican candidates. Smaller government is the cry……………the only cry I heard was ENRON, Dialpha, Wall Street scandals, and the current mortgage meltdown. Who will be watching the hen house?

John N., Denver, CO   January 20th, 2008 8:06 pm ET

I'm a Republican, but will NOT vote for McCain after his amnesty nonsense in 2007. I'll stay the hell home on election day.

WIZARD OF OZ   January 20th, 2008 8:11 pm ET

$PROUD TEXAN$ Thanks for electing and sending us the last bunch of horse thieves.Is that you Governor Goodhair?Or is it proud Carl?Just keep tossin your cow-patties and chewin your backie.

Anna in Iowa   January 20th, 2008 8:19 pm ET

People are going to poll with names they know or guys that appear to be in lead. Everyone wants a winner. I don't even know how the media could be calling a front runner so early and now they are backing down. Romney had the most delegates and votes yet so how McCain was the front runner in a race that is too early to call.

Independences and democrats want McCain in the White House so why run under the Republican party? It is obvious. Look how many newspapers are endorsing McCain. I GOOGLED ROMNEY'S WIN AND GOT A PICTURE OF MCCAIN. There was no article for Romney, no picture. The article link was for McCain…. so who looks like the BIGGER WINNER… MCCAIN. FORGET IF YOU LIKE ROMNEY OR MCCAIN, THERE IS A BIG PUSH TOWARDS MCCAIN IN THE NEWS. That kind of stuff will have influence in polls but I am not so sure it will carrying into voting.

I looked up Romney because it was a huge win. I know there are a lot of Mormons in Nevada but according to the polls, he still would have won without them.

With most newspapers ready to praise McCain at every opportunity… of course MCCAIN would look like a winner. There has been a lot more people taking interest than before. A lot more people will be at the polls this coming election, a lot more than 2004.

It has been wide-open from the beginning. It is still very in the game to say that we any front runner. This is not one perfect candidate in this race… each one has their faults but McCain still doesn't come close to my top two.

I would like to see more fair and balanced coverage from at least one news channel.

Roger from MA   January 20th, 2008 8:25 pm ET

He should behave like a bigot, pander to religious whackos, or become a sexual deviant.

Judging by the politicians who Republicans tend to support, I think this is his best option to gain their support.

pam Eugene OR   January 20th, 2008 8:28 pm ET

What is really scary is that he barely beat that nut case Huckabee. Hopefully when we leave the land of the rednecks the republican will vote with more sanity. Huckabee, please take that flagpole and ride it right out of my country. I thought Hillary was a divider but you almost make her look reasonable. Please note I said almost!

ronnie knoxville tn   January 20th, 2008 8:31 pm ET

To "Alice Newman" - no one said GWB is conservative. You're going off point. John McCain is the person discussed here. BTW, how many times do you libs have to be reminded that GEORGE WALKER BUSH is not running for President of The United States.

David....Nevada   January 20th, 2008 8:37 pm ET

Independents cant save ya McCain. All the gloating n independents cant rescue you cause all true conservative gop'rs wont vote for you and your smoozing of kennedy's amnesty plan.

Mechelle   January 20th, 2008 8:42 pm ET

Romney all the way!

Who cares if the media is not giving him the credit he deserves. It is going to back fire! It creates sympathy for the underdog. It shows discrepancy between what is real and what the media is reporting and we fight even harder for that person.

The business savvy and educated individuals in the GOP know Romney is the real deal. Right will prevail. CNN and FOX will be exposed for their bias.

McCain supporters are stuck in a lost decade (90's). He is not the front runner, nor has he been since this race started. It's called "propaganda" and it's hurting his chances, not helping.

Hickabee has actually created more problems for the evangelicals. We all now know who are enemies are. We all know their bias and bigotry towards almost any walk of life still exists. We don't tolerate "intolerance" anymore.

Andy   January 20th, 2008 8:47 pm ET

Does anybody remember McCain last year in the following:

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.

I THOUGHT MITT ROMNEY WAS GOING TO DO IT BUT HE IS NOT TAKING THE FIGHT TO McCAIN. AND FRED THOMPSON IS ONLY INTERESTED IN THUMPING HUCKABEE BECAUSE McCAIN IS HIS FRIEND.

Big Al   January 20th, 2008 8:49 pm ET

McCain didn't get a big win, he only got 33% of the vote in an open primary. McCain is a loser for Republicans-that is why he is being pushes by the liberal MSM>

AK   January 20th, 2008 8:51 pm ET

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.
_____

Giuliani has good company here, folks. Womanizing Adulterers who left their wives for younger women. In McCain's case, at least she was pretty.
Romney, Huckabee, or Ron Paul for President, please.

Michael   January 20th, 2008 8:52 pm ET

He lost the republican vote by 1% according to the exit polls. That is well within the margin of error.

How in the hell is that "weak republican support"?

CNN should be ashamed of this article.

mr.fair tax   January 20th, 2008 9:15 pm ET

3 TIMES I CHANGED MY MIND-ROMNEY IS THE BEST MAN FOR THE JOB!!!!!!

Mark Supple   January 20th, 2008 9:24 pm ET

Here we go again, with all the anti-McCain whiners. They try to put down the man that actually has and continues to DO something for his country because of patriotism and not because self-interest as many others do. The whiners usually hide anonymously behind their computer screens. I'll bet that most have never volunteered to do anything for their country.

That Senator McCain thinks that his country is a higher priority than the Republican Party is not a negative but a positive. He is first an American and second a Republican, which is why he will win the Primary and the National election, because most Americans are not driven by ideology. Now think about it… do you want someone who places America first in his priorities or someone who places his/her political party or political agenda ahead of his/her country. I will pick someone who has consistently shown that he places his country ahead of any agenda, including himself, be it as a POW (Senator McCain could have left), as a senator (some of his positions don't thrill the establishment) or his popularity (he will not win the Ms Congeniality award in DC). Other candidates just tell us what they think we want to hear and switch their position accordingly because it is best for them, not because it is best for the US

I may not agree with McCain in all his choices, but I do know that all his choices will be based (and have been based) on what he believes to be best for the US and not for himself. Our first decision on choice for President must be for someone who places the US ahead of any other agenda (including his/hers), and Senator McCain has shown and proven he does that over any other candidate.

steve a wilmington   January 20th, 2008 9:51 pm ET

John McCain is a war hero. He is respected. But has no business running the country. He is not to old. His immigration and economics are not Republican, let alone conservative. He won military support in South Carolina and that is all. The military men and their wives are not paying attention to the issues.

Phillip Kay   January 20th, 2008 10:32 pm ET

I don't care what misinformation O thee Mormon faithful post , he ain't too old. Romney is a fraud. Nuff said

Tom J.   January 20th, 2008 10:36 pm ET

yeah, you're right, McCain can work with the Democrativ Party, it's too bad the old goat can't work with HIS OWN PARTY.
With him as the nominee, say hello to President Clinton.

Joe1981   January 20th, 2008 10:41 pm ET

Amazing, McCain is touted as the front runner and he can't even get a majority of his own party to vote for him.
I can see all these voters storming off to the polls in November to vote for him….yeah right.

Romney   January 20th, 2008 10:53 pm ET

I like Romney… Economy is at the forefront for me. I also looked at his foreign policy position. I like him best… social issues are not at the forefront for me in the election. I like his record, experience and successful.

Marti, San Diego CA   January 20th, 2008 11:01 pm ET

Of course he brushed aside those suggestions, BECAUSE THEY'RE TRUE! The Straight Talk Express ran over him with those statements and he'd like to act as if nothing happened.

Conservatives haven't voted for McAmnesty in a single state yet.

This garbage that McAmnesty is the only won who can win in Nov is utter rubbish. He can't excite, much less unify and rally, his own party. They don't trust him…and for good reason. On too many occasions McAmnesty has snubbed his nose at Republican values and Republicans themselves. Why? Because he doesn't truly believe in Republican values. He likes being the "maverick". No thanks. I'd like somebody I can count on.

Scott   January 20th, 2008 11:05 pm ET

I've been a supporter of McCain for years. Romney and Huckabee make Bush look like a moderate and the last thing this country needs is a president who will keep things divided. The White House needs someone who will work with both parties. I LOVE the fact that Independants and Liberals would vote for McCain. Would you rather they voted for Obama or Clinton?? Look at how popular Schwarzenegger is in California, he works with both parties and he gets results.

I am a Republican, and I hope the GOP is smart enough to nominate McCain. He's really the only chance we have to keep our party in the White House. Huckabee and Romney would get obliterated by either Obama or Clinton!

Jerad   January 20th, 2008 11:18 pm ET

There is not much left to say. McCain is too old and way too liberal. He's not a real conservative. Huckabee is a joke and can't last outside the bible-belt. I guess it's up to the guy with the most wins, most total votes, most money raised, and the most delegates.

MITT ROMNEY 2008!!!

Ron   January 20th, 2008 11:27 pm ET

Chuck "I'm for a loser" Norris said McCain was to old for the presidency.
That McCain would die of old age before his term was up.
It was a mean thing to say, and Chuckie should apologize to McCain.
I'm NOT voting for McCain for a lot of other reasons.
Romney is the true Republican frontrunner! Look at the delegate count!

Porter   January 20th, 2008 11:33 pm ET

A pseudo-republican like McCain's probably the best the Republicans can do. Have you seen the polls for Clinton/Obama v. ANYONE BUT MCCAIN!? Disastrous.

Random note: I like McCain's corporate-style logo.

Jonathan   January 20th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

McCain is not only the only republican candidate who has a good shot at beating a democrat in the general election, but also one of the only candidates who could actually get many of his plans carried out because of his ability to work across party lines. I don't care if you don't agree with the democratic party's platform (I often don't), but it's a political reality that to get things done it's a good idea to reach out across party lines.

McCain also seems sincere to me, not simply saying things to get votes. The only other candidate who has this trait (and more so) is Ron Paul who is (unfortunately) a long shot. I predict a McCain/Huckabee ticket that will probably do well in the general election.

Jonathan   January 20th, 2008 11:58 pm ET

Oh, and though McCain is in support of the war (I am NOT), I think he would be slower than most other republican candidates to start a new war (say, with Iran) because he more than anyone else realizes the pains of war, by being a POW himself.

Stan Bednarz   January 21st, 2008 12:00 am ET

Im tired of people in the Republican party thinking that we have to have the person of great fortune to show us how to run the country. it is time we had a person who is humble, honest in character who knows how to govern as a true compassionate conservative, instead of a darling of the CEO's.

Why not Huckabee? Why not not be the party of Lincoln? We just might find our soul.

TB   January 21st, 2008 12:53 am ET

John McCain is not a Republican. He has bucked Republican principles for decades. He favors amnesty for illegals (co-sponsoring a bill with is buddy Ted Kennedy) and opposes the Bush tax cuts. He has Joe Lieberman on the stump for him (Al Gore's running mate). Forget McCain. He is not a republican and not a conservative. Maybe he could be Obama's running mate.

DCB   January 21st, 2008 4:06 am ET

Hey ym763,

I agree with your opinions and admire your honesty. I am a liberal but you and I could work together. Of course, you (and probably I too) would be declared a traitor.

The damage done to your party and the country as a whole will take a long time to fix. No other way around it — it is going to take COMPROMISE, RESPECT, and TRUST to get it fixed. I'm game if you are. Let's roll up our sleeves and get to work.

And to those who naively believe that compromise is a recent evil creation — get real. Compromise is a natural and healthy result of the checks and balances built into our system. It's been practiced beneficially since at least Ben Franklin's day. It is meant to keep any one party from becoming too powerful and…oh, I dunno…invading the wrong country, threatening a "nuclear option" to change Congressional rules, spending money like a drunk coed….

The GOP just lost the whole Congress. You really think they have a shot at the White House? You really want the Dems coming at you with the tactics and anger you've been dishing out for more than a decade? I thought not. I don't want that either.

Turn off your hate radio, GOP, and join ym763 and me as we sort this thing out.

Dan   January 21st, 2008 4:59 am ET

If Republicans don't get behind McCain, then they will lose this election.

Check the polls. He is the only one who beats his Democratic opposition.

Mike VE   January 21st, 2008 7:56 am ET

I am voting for MITT ROMNEY!!!!!

Mitt has not been in Washington for years like John McLaim, Clinton and Obama.

Mitt has held executive positions as a Govenor and in private business, Obama, Clinton and John McLaim have only worked in Washington they do not have a clue about private business or the American economy.

Mitt is a conservative that’s why the media hates him; John McLaim is a liberal just look who he associates with Kennedy, Feingold, the gang of 14, ect. and that’s why the media loves John McLaim.

Mitt is against amnesty for illegal aliens; Obama, Clinton and John McLaim are for amnesty for illegal aliens.

Mitt is for tax cuts, Obama, Clinton and John McLaim are against tax cuts and want to raise our taxes.

Mitt is for conservative judges, Obama, Clinton and John McLaim are for liberal judges.

Mitt wants to free Americans and American business from the federal government Obama, Clinton and John McLaim want big government and are responsible for big government we have.

Mitt will fight to protect this country and build a strong military; Obama, Clinton and John McLaim stood by when al-Qaeda attacked our interests in the 1990 and the 1980s.

Mitt Romney is the right change for America

Vote for Mitt!!!

Vote Democrat   January 21st, 2008 8:03 am ET

As a democrat I have to say that McCain is the one republican that we fear - if Romney is your candidadte you can say goodbye to the presidency.

Heather, Chicago IL   January 21st, 2008 9:14 am ET

wow, John can afford a website again? For a while there he couldn't even afford a campaign staff or gas for his tour bus! Good thing he got all of that free media exposure. I voted for McCain in 2000 but that was a huge mistake…Mr. McCain's time has come and gone and voting for him only means you are voting for the next draft and willing to completely bankrupt the country to boot. Don't waste your vote on him again, if you are thinking about it!

Aaron, Sterling VA   January 21st, 2008 11:05 am ET

In case you missed it, Ron Paul came in 2nd in Nevada.

HH, Pittsburgh, PA   January 21st, 2008 12:07 pm ET

So McCain was a prisoner during the Vietnam War. He deserves a salute on Veteran's Day, but that doesn't mean that he deserves to have the Presidency handed to him on a golden platter.

He says he is willing for the US to stay in Iraq for 100 years. He irresponsibly said "Bomb bomb bomb Iran," so I suppose his election to the Presidency will bring on the draft. Unless, of course, he intends to use the exhausted, overburdened troops that have already done their duty, and then some.

He wants amnesty for illegal immigrants. Too bad he doesn't want amnesty for the 2 million American citizens in prison, many of whom are in there for nonviolent "crimes." But I guess, in his mind, sneaking into the country without a security or medical check automatically means you're a better person than a citizen smoking the wrong weed. So much for the war on terrorism.

He is said to be a man of integrity, although he tossed aside his long-suffering first wife for a trophy bride, and although he was a member of the Keating Five.

There are too many "althoughs and unlesses." I won't be voting for him.

David....Nevada   January 21st, 2008 12:12 pm ET

Old "straight talk" sounds alot like BS.. I'm one viet vet who can't stand his placating of kennedy and mexico's calderon. Where did the vc put that mans huevos after they whacked em? Frankly, he needs to get em back and quit pandering to the liberals and mexican congress..
He certainly deserved the thrashing our state gave the man..

Surrealist, FT Myers, FL   January 21st, 2008 12:19 pm ET

McCain could be the best weapon in 2008 for the GOP.

People who support John Edwards are mostly conservative-thinking democrats and independents.

With the possibility shrinking that Edwards will be at the top of the Democratic ticket in favor of the more liberal factions overwhelmingly supporting Obama and Clinton–this will leave a lot of people who really don't have a candidate to support who will be looking for the next best option.

Bingo…John McCain. Honest, reliable, center-focused with conservative values that consistently pulls in conservative Democrats and millions of Independents–let's not forget what happend to Kerry in 2004. Those very Democrats and Independents voted for Bush rather than have a "Kerry" as President.

McCain–will emerge as the only alternative to Obama and Hillary for thousands of John Edwards supporters.

JT   January 21st, 2008 1:16 pm ET

McCain is just another Sr Senator war veteran who has no winning ideas like Bob Dole was a sr senator war vet in 1996. Obama/Oprah or the Clintons would have a very big victory against McCain just like Slick did against Dole back in 96.

Now that the news is out that Rudy is low on money, Mitt is the only candidate that can go the distance and win in November. If the people of Florida do not wake up and give Mitt a win that would make the dems and the media very happy indeed. A vote for McCain or the Huckster is a vote for the Democrats and economic & international failure.

Rasmussen's poll just released will not be in the news today!
Romney - 25
McCain - 20
Rudy - 19

Val Davydov, MA   January 21st, 2008 1:29 pm ET

I must be on to something since CNN has refuses to post my comments.

I am a Republican and will NEVER VOTE for McCain - he has a full wagon of baggage that Republicans are concerned about (his opposition to marriage amendement, Gange of 14, McCain-Feingold campaign reform bill, McCain-Kennedy amnesty immigration bill, and his opposition to Bush tax cuts).

I do admire him for his service to our country - he is a true hero, but this doesn't mean he is that true leader America needs at the time of economic instability.

Keep in mind McCain appeals mostly to independents, which means that his win in general is very questionable since independents will more than likely vote for a democrat in general.

Romney 08! Romney all the way!

Johnny P.   January 21st, 2008 1:29 pm ET

If anybody here really thinks John McCain is a "democrat", well, you must be a fascist. I'm serious, you've got to be so far to the right that you're not anywhere near the political mainstream of this country. In other words, as far gone as as communists on the other side.

Do a little research before you shoot your mouths off. Irrespective of who you vote for, make it a well considered and factual vote. And if you're a fascist, recognize that you are and don't hide behind the "true conservative" label. Fascists are people too! lol

Anna in Iowa.   January 21st, 2008 1:46 pm ET

My family grew up poor but with large aspirations and the attitude that you can be anything you want to be in this country. I come from a family of democrats. They are extremely compassionate people.

Look, I am republican because I don't like big government. I believe in accountability. I grew up seeing Welfare trap you into poverty. I also saw many people either make the same in a job or less. I knew I would right away that was never going to be as an adult.

People complain about Health care and about people that don't have it. Health care is hurting the middle income families the most. When we lived in Ohio (area we lived in was largely populated with people without insurance), I found out that we pay slightly more out of pocket than people WITHOUT insurance. It would have better if we didn't have insurance at ALL.

I am really considered about the economy and the housing market. We move a lot for jobs and will have to sell our house this year.

Sure, do I think McCain will play nice with democrats BUT this is not what it is about. Its about both parties working out issues in congress that represent both sides, Republicans and Democrats.

I don't want McCain because I want my issues represented. It is not a compromise on both sides if you have McCain pushing for issues that not even in his party.

The polls don't mean squat. Just look at the polls for Nevada? They got the winner right but had McCain trailing pretty close to Romney.

I have checked everybody on the issues…. sorry I like Romney best. I guess we will have to see what happens in Florida.

Romney 08′

JC   January 21st, 2008 2:03 pm ET

As a lifelong conservative, I could never vote for McCain. Amnesty, gun control, abridging our free speech, only a couple of the wrong sides MCan has been on. He is a conservative pretender.

Schnarfe   January 21st, 2008 3:00 pm ET

@ Mike VE:

1. Mitt might not have been in Washington for years like McLame, Clinton, and Obama… actually Obama has been in Washington for less than four years… so don't flip-flop (like your preferred candidate) and make the argument that Obama has insufficient experience.

2. Mitt is playing an ultra-conservative. As Governor of Mass, he had a socially moderate (centrist), fiscally conservative (right-center) record. Some would say that he was socially liberal (or at least left-center), and fiscally moderate.

3. Mitt flip-flopped on this too. Rudy really called Mitt on it when he pointed out how Romney hired illegals. Only three or four GOP contenders had a hard stance on illegal immigration. Two of them are out. That one of them (Tancredo) endorsed Mitt should be taken as nothing more than Machiavellian oportunism or Rovian manipulation. Ron Paul has the strongest stance on this issue, followed by Thompson.

4. Mitt did little to lower taxes in MA. Mitt is a neocon like almost all the other candidates and would do nothing to lower spending (having to fund the American Empire and subsidize the military-industrial complex), and while Obama or a Democrat would not cut taxes or the budget, at least they would change spending priorities, providing more money for AMERICANS. Which is worse domestic welfare socialism (left-wing Keynesianism), or foreign welfare socialism (nation building) and corporatism (right-wing Keynesianism). Both parties are for a mixed market and big spending. The key difference is higher taxes (Democrats) or higher deficit (new GOP). It is clear that the liberal Democrats are the lesser of two evils. They might not be very prudent, but at least their hearts are in the right place. Neocons don't have hearts. If you want a REAL fiscal conservative, one who would cut taxes AND spending, who would decrease the budget, allow the deficit to be paid off, abolish the federal income tax, and end the American Empire, then you only have one option: RON PAUL, the only alternative to left-liberal Democrats and neoconservative Republicans.

5. What do you mean by conservative and liberal judges? Sounds like another meaningless dichotomy. More divisive labels! I have no problem with someone like Ruth Bader Ginsberg, even though she is probably too "liberal" for you. Personally my recent favorite SC justice is Sandra Day O'Connor. Too bad she retired. She was fairly moderate. How about more moderate judges? You guys can keep Sam Alito, but I am glad William Renquist left! Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia need to leave as soon as possible. We do not need any more reactionary far-right nuts on the Supreme Court! But Mitt says he will appoint conservative, not liberal judges. So he says today…

6. Mitt promised Michigan jobs. How is a fiscal conservative supposed to make good on the promise? McCain is a big government corporatist hack, but at least he did not promise that the federal government would provide more jobs.

7. This statement is just idiotic: "Mitt will fight to protect this country and build a strong military; Obama, Clinton and John McLaim stood by when al-Qaeda attacked our interests in the 1990 and the 1980s." First of all, Mitt dodged service in Vietnam to convert French Catholics to Mormonism. Talk about someone who would fight to protect this country and build a strong military! Second of all, how could you really blame Obama, Clinton, or McLaim when Obama wasn't even in the federal government at the time, or when Ronald Reagan oversaw the CIA basically aid Al Quaeda against them godless Soviet pinko commies in Afghanistan and Governor Bush spent his entire first year in the Oval Office on vacation?

8. Mitt is the right change for America? If this is not Orwellian doublespeak, I don't know what is. Mitt = More of the Same!

Albo   January 21st, 2008 3:42 pm ET

If John McCain wins the RNC nomination, then I'll have to support him, only because the DNC candidates are very weak and born socialists. Hopefully, Rudy or Mitt will pull off the upset though…

Anonymous, Somewhere, MI   January 21st, 2008 6:20 pm ET

I will NEVER vote for Mitt Romney. Huckabee is affable and civil, I can cast a vote there. Thompson is done, but at least I could have held my nose one that one. Not with Mitt. If he's the nominee, I'll wait to see what Bloomberg does. If Bloomberg doesn't get in, the Dems have my vote.

Jared C.   January 21st, 2008 10:54 pm ET

Mitt is leading in delegates, popular vote, overall wins, and is the man with the experience, leadership, and morals we need. He will get the job done. He has campaigned everywhere and will united the party.

Romney will win Florida- watch for it- and he will be the nominee.

Vince   January 22nd, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Go Mitt!

It's funny how the left-wing media paints the major contenders into a corner. They say that Romney is the one for the financial conservatives. Huckabee for the social conservatives. And McCain and Rudy fighting it out for the national defense conservatives. Like we're sheep or something. Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong.

Mitt seems to be the best to rally all three elements of the so-called "Reagan Coalition." Call it what you want, but WE'RE going to come together next November despite the efforts by the media to show dissension in our ranks, even if it means supporting McCain or Rudy. Simply put, Hillary and Co. is not an option.

Go Mitt!

cao   January 24th, 2008 10:18 am ET

There is no difference between John McCain and John Kerry.

No wait, there is. McCain is worse than John Kerry.

See the website "Vietnam Veterans Against John McCain" - and see what they have to say about his turning information over to the communists that got pilots killed.

He is no hero in my book - a hero like that deserves prison time- not the presidency.

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