No Runny Eggs

While I tend to feel strongly about positions I take, I try to ensure that emotion doesn’t come into play until I’ve made a sound decision.   This is why I’ve been puzzled by why I have such a strong aversion to John McCain as the potential Republican nominee when I hear that the American Conservative Union (ACU) has given him a lifetime rating of 82.3.   Is it possible that I’ve gotten myself wrapped up in the McCain derangement rather than doing a thoughtful analysis?   After looking at the ACU it turns out that like most things McCain has said lately, while the fact snippet is true, there is much more to the story.

McCain does indeed have a lifetime rating of 82.3 from the ACU.   However, his recent ratings tell a different story.   In 2005 McCain’s rating was 80, still not bad.   In 2006 McCain’s rating dropped to 65.   Why has McCain dropped?

One might say that McCain’s drop is somehow related to issues that are peculiar to his representation of the people of Arizona.   One might say that, but if they do they would have to ask McCain’s Arizona counterpart, Senator Kyle why he has a lifetime rating of 96.9, a 2005 rating of perfect 100 and a 2006 rating of 80.   Obviously the issue isn’t representation of Arizona residents.   No, Senator McCain’s issue is that in 2006 he decided to vote against positions that are solidly conservative.

Everyone is aware that McCain went AWOL regarding the amnesty issue but does anyone remember that in July of last year McCain voted against the building of the border fence?   Oh yeah, I forgot, he’s learned his lesson now!

How about taxes?   I can’t figure out whether McCain is for or against Bush’s tax cuts.   He seems to dance around the issue each time it is asked.   Does anyone remember when McCain voted for a Senate bill that would have increased the number of votes required to LOWER TAXES from a simple majority to 60 votes?   Does this really sound like someone who thinks tax cuts are important?

How about prolife?   McCain’s record is consistently conservative when it comes to abortion.   However, in my book, prolife issues also extend to embryonic research.   I find it hard to reconcile being prolife but accepting the use of embryonic stem cells.   At the very least, embryonic stem cell research should not be funded by the federal government.   Yup, that would be the consistent prolife position but it’s not McCain’s.   McCain voted FOR the bill that allowed the use of federal funds for embryonic research.   I could go on with other examples of McCain’s recent lack of conservatism but I won’t.   The nauseating details can be found here:   http://www.acuratings.org/2006senate.htm

So why do I think I’m schizophrenic when thinking of McCain’s lifetime ACU ratings and his non-conservative rap?   The answer is I’m not, he is!   While having a lifetime rating that is not perfect but is acceptable, during the most recent 18 months his liberal leanings have become more apparent.   When the likes of Chuck Hagel and Norm Coleman have better ACU ratings than you do I think it’s safe to say that you’ve left the conservative wing of the party!  

Revisions/extensions (5:11 pm 2/4/2008; steveegg) – Fixed some formatting issues.