Experience; that’s the short answer. Experience is not a minor issue, ask any employer what they look for in a job applicant and see if there are any who don’t rank experience as a top requirement. For Independents a vote for McCain is hardly a stretch. Senator McCain has exhibited an independent streak over the years that has endeared him to many Independent voters. If you look at the primary results it was Independents that either put him over the top, or gave him his margin of victory in numerous states. Senator McCain is also well liked among many of his Democrat colleagues. President Clinton, Senators Clinton, Biden, and Fiengold have all made glowing statements about Senator McCain. These comments have been far more complimentary than some made by conservatives that don’t appreciate Senator McCain’s penchant for breaking with the party line. Senator McCain has a history of not only getting along with Democrats, but working with them on successful pieces of legislation. For moderate or conservative Democrats they may have issues where they disagree with Senator McCain, but the prevalent belief is that Congress will remain under Democratic control, and Senator McCain clearly can work with those Democrats to create a balanced government.
Finally the party faithful, and liberal Democrats. It’s understandable why some on the left would find it difficult to vote for any Republican if they never have before, or if they have strong objections to the Republican party. Senator McCain is an unrepentant Republican, but he has also repeatedly put his country’s interest before that of his party or himself. He has long championed the idea that people ‘dedicate themselves to something beyond their own self interest’. He has not just talked about it, but has lived it, and his family has lived it, as his sons currently serve in the military. Senator McCain has a superb human rights record. He was a critical player in getting anti-torture legislation passed. He consistently is a champion of the oppressed whether it is in Myanmar, Georgia, or Darfur.
Other Democrats and Independents are also coming to the conclusion that Senator McCain is the most qualified candidate ready to become President of the United States…
Lisa Sisinni: Why I, a Clinton supporter, will vote for John McCain
I’ve never voted for a Republican presidential candidate, but this year is different. I’m voting for John McCain.
Throughout the primary season, I supported Hillary Clinton. Between the final two Democratic contenders, Hillary was the only candidate who demonstrated leadership and a true understanding of key issues. She inspired millions of women around the country, Democrats and Republicans alike.
When Barack Obama became the presumptive Democrat nominee, I was faced with a difficult question: Could I support a candidate who gives good speeches but has no substance and little experience? No.
Angry Clinton supporters toast McCain, roast Obama
The last place Kathy Archuleta could have ever imagined she’d spend the first night of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado, was at a happy hour sponsored by the Republican Party.
But the 54-year-old Democrat joined several other Hillary Clinton supporters, along with volunteers and officials from John McCain’s campaign, at a Happy Hour for Hillary.
The event, sponsored by the Republican National Committee and approved by the McCain campaign, was a chance for McCain and Clinton supporters to come together for one cause: their opposition to Barack Obama’s candidacy.
Another reason to vote McCain is also for his voting record.
McCain has NEVER voted for a tax increase.
Obama has voted 94 times for tax increases.
Obama has also made a habit of giving our money away to other countries through The Global Poverty Act, PEPFAR2 and many other pieces of legislation.
With the crisis we have here fiscally in our country I think we should take care of our own before we take care of others.
http://willnevergiveup.wordpress.com
By: willnevergiveup on August 27, 2008
at 1:12 pm
I’m a Washingston State resident and a former Hillary supporter, now avidly supporting John McCain. I’ve finally had to acknowledge that I’m far more conservative than I would have ever previously admitted. Obama’s Ayers-Rezko-Wright, et al connections leave me cold, as do his commitment to disarming America, his lack of support for Israel, his recent whirlwind tour and, for pity’s sake, Greek column showcase tomorrow at his official nomination. McCain’s ad people got it right – we’re not voting for a star or celebrity. We’re voting for someone who will keep our country safe from harm. I have absolutely NO confidence that Obama would do that. With McCain it’s “Country First.” With Obama, it’s simply “ME first.”
By: Denise-Mary on August 27, 2008
at 2:12 pm
Did they do coronations in ancient Greece? Only kidding, even they believed in a republic. The McCain campaign has done it’s job on reaching out to the former Clinton Democrats. Some will stay to fight for the idea of democracy in the democratic party, for me that is a thankless task. I have moved on to put country before party. I will proudly place my vote for the humble american servant John McCain.
By: cookiegramma on August 27, 2008
at 4:49 pm
I am not especially impressed by McCain’s experience on foreign policy: yes, he, unlike Bush, knows the names of all the world leaders, but his basic world view starts with the assumption that America is morally superior and to use military force against those who don’t bow to our moral superiority. That’s admirable, but only Nixon could go to China.
McCain’s understanding of domestic experience is a joke. He’s never voted FOR a tax increase because he basically believes that what is good for the rich, is good for America. Witness: the worst CEO in the history of the computer business as “the” economic credential of the campaign.
I respect McCain’s human right’s record on abortion, but his pandering to health insurance companies is distressing. I respect McCain’s courageous stance on immigration, but the fact that he couldn’t rally his party to go his way shows a basic weakness as a leader.
Even McCain’s greatest issue, ethics, is not totally without problems. He was part of the Keating 5, his voting records on telecommunications is suspect, and for a man committed to running an honorable campaign, breaking the decades old tradtion of laying low while the other party is having its convention is both dishonorable and shows a basic lack of class.
So it’s really not ok for Americans to vote for McCain if they are worried about:
*seeking peace
*the disproportionate tax burden placed on the poor and middle class to subsidize corporations and the ultra rich
*reforming the worst health care system in the industrialized world
*concensus, centrist leadership
*having a president who acts with class and dignity
By: William on August 27, 2008
at 4:56 pm
So it’s really not ok for Americans to vote for McCain if they are worried about:
*seeking peace
*the disproportionate tax burden placed on the poor and middle class to subsidize corporations and the ultra rich
*reforming the worst health care system in the industrialized world
*concensus, centrist leadership
*having a president who acts with class and dignity
If BHO elected
Peace/ Don’t think so All talk , don’t want our weapon disarmed as he says he will do
I am not wealthy under 50k a year- but the top 3% already pay 97% of all taxes
Sorry I don’t want to pay for eveyones health care, I live in Illinois and I’m tired of paying for Illeagal Immigr. care it is making us go broke.
Don’t want a Socialist/Communist leader
I’m sorry nothing about BHO exhibits class or diginity, like I said I am for Illinois BHO has no class.
By: bowlersmom on August 27, 2008
at 6:57 pm
2 things: 1). Bad experience is never valued in life, and 90% voting record with Bush with what they have brought upon our great country just shows his experience has taught him nothing. 2). In the real world, most businesses would never hire a CEO who finished bottom 5 in his class compared to an IVY educated scholar who excelled. That’s why you don’t see hardly any CEO’s in their 60′s, so you’re just wrong.
By: Joe Bob on August 27, 2008
at 9:08 pm
It’s okay, really….Hahaha!!!! You so-called Democrats are willing to vote for a guy that goes against your party core values? You “conservative democrats” are Republicans in denial.
- Voted against MLK holiday in 1983
- In 1994, he supported stripping federal funds from the MLK Day Commission. So there is a pattern here.
- McCain Opposed Equal Pay Bill for Women, Said They ‘Need Education and Training’ Instead
- McCain Voted to Gut the Family and Medical Leave Act.
By: Unknown Soldier on August 27, 2008
at 9:36 pm
Don’t forget he opposses insurance companies providing insurance for contraceptives and is against helping insure children in this country…Brilliant…Heck, Romney was an awful governor but even he realized having people running around uninsured was bad for the state of MA
By: Joe Bob on August 27, 2008
at 10:37 pm
Unknown soilder: Actually, I think many hawkish Democrats really would be happier with the Republican party were it not for the open rascism. Note that all the so-called Neoconservatives are themselves a group of democrats who broke away when Scoop Jackson lost in ’76
Bowler mom: yes, lets make everyone pay cash, the best of times was 19th century england. Only rich people deserve to see doctors
By: William on August 28, 2008
at 2:35 pm