The Moderate Republican

No.

Well, anybody hoping and praying for John McCain to be placed on a ticket with fellow Senator and Democratic nominee, John Kerry can hold your breath. Speaking today on NBC's "Meet the Press," McCain said he join the Dems ticket under any circumstances. He explains:

"I will not be vice president of the United States under any circumstances. I feel that I can be far more effective in helping shape policy in the future of this country as a United States senator."

And he is right. He has a considerable amount of influence as a Senator. Plus McCain is not the kind of guy that would want to play second fiddle. I think he would want the whole enchilada or nothing at all. McCain has incredible power where he is. He is tough-minded reformer in the mold of Teddy Roosevelt and the GOP has so few of those kind of politicians these days.

McCain also made it be known that he's not leaving the GOP:

"No, no and no. I will not leave the Republican Party. I cherish the ideals and principles of Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan."

Again, bully for him. There have been more than a few wags that think McCain doesn't fit in the GOP anymore and should become an independent or a Democrat. I've never thought either was a good idea. The GOP is becoming a party where anyone stagnant in its thinking. Anyone who does not agree with their anti-tax, anti-government, "pro-family" agenda is deemed a heretic. McCain needs to stay where he is as a Republican to ensure that the reform-minded spirit of Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt is still alive. Too often moderates like Jim Jeffords, leave the party when things get rough. In my view that only makes the far right stronger. I'd rather stand and fight.

So, the dream ticket appears dead. But at least we will still have one helluva Senator.

Posted by Dennis at April 11, 2004 10:05 PM