Asked by Katie Couric Tuesday night why having Republicans dominate the Michigan GOP primary, as opposed to independents and Democrats, is bad for John McCain, CBS's Bob Schieffer didn't cite any of McCain's views -- such as on immigration, tax cuts and freedom of speech -- where he's out of sync with most Republicans. Instead of realizing how McCain is too liberal for many conservatives who are the majority in the GOP, Schieffer contended Republicans just don't like him because he's “willing to challenge the authority,” insisting:
John McCain has always been sort of a maverick. He's always been willing to challenge the authority and a lot of Republicans just have not forgiven him for that.
During the 6:30 PM EST feed of the CBS Evening News, Schieffer, CBS's chief Washington correspondent, and Jeff Greenfield, the network's chief political correspondent, discussed the Michigan exit polls with anchor Katie Couric. After Greenfield noted how in 2000 the majority of voters in the Michigan Republican primary were independents or Democrats, but this year most are Republicans (68 percent Republicans, 25 percent independent and 7 percent Democrats), this exchange occurred:
KATIE COURIC: John McCain can't be all that jazzed about the breakdowns so far.BOB SCHIEFFER: No, I think not, because you contrast it with what happened the last time. These are Republicans, but they're not necessarily John McCain's voters.
COURIC: Why is that?
SCHIEFFER: Well, you know, John McCain has always been sort of a maverick. He's always been willing to challenge the authority and a lot of Republicans just have not forgiven him for that. This is not shaping up as the kind of vote that would be good for John McCain.
—Brent Baker is Vice President for Research and Publications at the Media Research Center
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
I disagree!
January 15, 2008 - 22:04 ET by c5thenI think that McCain will do well. Primarily because most of the the 25% independants and all of the 7% Democrats will Probably vote for McCain. Why? Because if it's a battle between McCain and a Democrat in the general election, either way they'll get a Democrat in the Whitehouse.
The day that "politician" became a career choice is the day we started losing the Republic. Let's get it back! Alan Keyes '08.
c5then, how right you are about Sen. McShamus
January 16, 2008 - 01:01 ET by R D HelmI just pulled this qoute from the wayward senator off The Detroit New's website:
McCain, an Arizona senator who upset George W. Bush in a similar contest here
eight years ago with the support of Democrats and independents, said at a final
Michigan stop that he'd take any votes he could get.
"We're depending on Republicans, Democrats, independents, Libertarians,
vegetarians, Trotskyites," he joked.
-The Detroit News
Here is a link to the entire article:
http://detnews.com/a...
Sorry, but I do not see this as even remotely funny.
None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -J.W. von Goethe
Ain't that the truth, c5?
January 16, 2008 - 01:26 ET by Sonny LykosAin't that the truth, c5?
....Republicans just don't
January 15, 2008 - 22:09 ET by MidAmerica....Republicans just don't like him because he's “willing to challenge the authority,”
uuhhh.... we elect persons to represent us, not to defy us. And, as Republicans we don't elect persons to tell us what to do. That would make us democrats.
Republicans just don't like him because ...
January 16, 2008 - 00:06 ET by PamHe is an ass!
Excellent, and right on,
January 16, 2008 - 01:25 ET by Sonny LykosExcellent, and right on, Mid.
Schieffer has always had...
January 15, 2008 - 22:14 ET by ThalpySchieffer has always had a pleasant speaking voice. As an analyst Schieffer has always had a pleasant speaking voice.
Poor Bob! He's led a
January 15, 2008 - 22:37 ET by MikeBPoor Bob! He's led a pretty good and long life, but now he's showing the signs of dementia.
I oppose McCain, not because he opposes authority, but because he is responsible for gutting the first amendment (McCain-Feingold), he is irresponsible about national security (opposes intelligent immigration solutions and the fence), and he is all in favor of the government confiscating money from the people (voted against the Bush tax cuts and in favor of keeping the death tax). McCain is a Democrat who is registered as a Republican. THAT is the reason the LibStreamMedia likes McCain.
"A communist is someone who reads Marx. An anti-communist is someone who understands Marx." Ronald Reagan
There are many reasons to be Anti-McCain
January 15, 2008 - 22:40 ET by PopularTechIndependents either are clueless fools or brainwashed into "fighting" global warming.
Betrayal, deceit, corruption and John McCain (The U.S. Veteran Dispatch)
"While still married to Carol, McCain began an adulterous relationship with Cindy. He married Cindy in May 1980 - just a month after dumping his crippled wife and securing a divorce."
Abortion:
John McCain Supports Embryonic Stem Cell Research (Audio)
McCain Softens Abortion Stand (The Washington Post)
"But certainly in the short term, or even the long term, I would not support repeal of Roe v. Wade, which would then force X number of women in America to [undergo] illegal and dangerous operations." - John McCain
Fiscal Record:
McCain Boasts That He Voted Against The Bush Tax Cuts (Video)
McCain Would Vote Against Tax Cuts Again (The Club for Growth)
- McCain sponsored and voted for an enormous 282% tax increase on cigarettes in 1998
- McCain was one of only two Republican senators to oppose the 2001 tax cuts
- McCain was one of only three Republican senators to oppose the 2003 reductions
- McCain supported an amendment sponsored by Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) against full repeal of the Death Tax
- McCain voted against repealing the Death Tax in 2002
McCain Rejects Anti-Tax Pledge (CNSNews)
Foreign Policy:
McCain to Close Gitmo: "The first day I am President" (Video)
Global Warming:
McCain and Lieberman Push for New Anti-Global Warming Legislation (The National Center for Public Policy Research)
Senators McCain and Lieberman Propose Energy Tax (The National Center for Public Policy Research)
Illegal Immigration:
John McCain gets a 'D' on his Immigration Voting Report Card (Americans for Better Immigration)
John McCain Praises Pro-illegal Protests (NewsMax)
McCain Voted For Illegal Immigrants To Collect Social Security (UC Daily News)
Michigan Crowd Boos McCain On Illegal Immigration (Video) (1min)
Veterans:
McCain Can't Buy His Way Out of Votes Against Funding for Veterans
- McCain Voted Against $19 Billion for Military Hospitals
- McCain Voted Against Amendment to Provide $2.8 Billion For Veterans' Medical Care
- McCain Voted Against 2005 Amendment to Provide Guaranteed Funding Stream for Veterans' Health Care
- McCain Voted Against Establishing $1 Billion Trust Fund to Provide Improvements to Military and Veterans' Health Facilities
- McCain Voted Against Adding $1.5 billion to Veterans' Medical Services in FY 2007 by Closing Corporate Tax Loopholes
- McCain Voted Against Mandatory Funding of $6.9 Billion in FY 2007 and $104 Billion Over Five Years for Veterans' Health Care
The Anti "Man-Made" Global Warming Resource
Pop....
January 15, 2008 - 22:43 ET by BlondeI (and many others) generally love your stuff....but it's not necessary to repost the same stuff day after day.
We got it the first time.
Thanks.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Not for you
January 15, 2008 - 23:42 ET by PopularTechThis is not for the regular readers. Believe it or not there are many who have not read it and many new readers every day.
Normally I would not care except that the two worst GOP candidates, the Huckster and McAmnesty became front runners due to voter ignorance, which I am trying to correct.
The Anti "Man-Made" Global Warming Resource
Same page PT,
January 15, 2008 - 23:57 ET by JABthe MSM's are pushing these two bozo's along with two others in an effort to thwart efforts for a real conservative candidate that I would vote for. Here is a fine example that will get my vote in the upcoming caucas. Screw the lame liberal MSM idiot's.
"Too bad Ignorance isn't painful..."
Glad you had the Link
January 16, 2008 - 00:29 ET by well99I dont think Hunter has a chance.He is a good man but doesnt have the money to get it done.I wonder how many have signed the petition?At least he puts Americans before all the special interest groups.
well99...
January 16, 2008 - 00:47 ET by JAB...as someone famous once said, "an honest man can not afford to be in politic's", with that that said, Duncan appears to be the most honest candidate running for the conservative side. Therefore I am voting for Duncan Hunter, when I get the chance. He seams like the viable candidate to me when I hear him speak about issues.
"Too bad Ignorance isn't painful..."
Jab
January 16, 2008 - 04:08 ET by well99I have alot of respect for him.I would vote for him but I dont see where he is getting any support enough to be the candidate.To be truthful I not sure how it works in my state.I am a indepedent.Shoot I not even a conservative.The thing is Hunter is a stand up guy.I know he would get my vote in a general election.It just seems the ones that really deserve to be on top dont get there.Maybe because they havent sold us out.I hopeing Fred will start to get going.I like Fred also.McCain and Huck they can keep those two.
Why that's my
January 16, 2008 - 07:42 ET by taterWhy that's my signature...by none other than C. Montgomery Burns.
Do you realize how much it costs to run for office? More than any honest man could afford. -Montgomery Burns
I am sorry, Mr. Schieffer, but you could not be more wrong.....
January 15, 2008 - 23:13 ET by R D Helm....even if you tried, a'hem, harder.
Actually, I haven't a clue as to why the republicans would vote for, or against, Sen. McCain in any given situation. Nor do I care.
I will, however, tell you why we conservatives (particularly this one) will be voting against him in droves:
1) Sen. McCain seems to have a real problem with American citizens freely expressing their views in our national elections (McCain-Feingold).
2) Senator McCain came out in opposition to "water-boarding" of those deemed a threat to the lives of innocent Americans, even going so far as to say he would close Gitmo if elected. By doing so, I believe he severely hampered this nation's efforts in this war against the Islamo-Supremecists. A war, I will remind you, that we did not ask for.
3) Senator McCain adamantly supported legislation that would have granted amnesty to up to potentially 100 million illegal aliens over a ten-year period. You, of course, may continue to believe there are only 12 million illegal aliens in this country if you wish, but I believe the actual number is far higher. Do not forget, Mr. Scheiffer, that each illegal alien, under Senator McCain's plan, would have been allowed to bring in ten more illegal aliens over the next ten years.
4) Senator McCain has apparently fallen in with the eco-marxists. Big mistake there.
The reasons mentioned above notwithstanding, as there are many more (See Mr. Tech's list above), there is a further reason this conservative (and I assume many others like me) will be voting against Senator McCain as well:
5) Because so many of you in the liberal MSM have been, and continue to be, so very supportive of the man.
Well, Mr. Schieffer, I sure hope that clears things up for you.
Now, if you will excuse us, Bob, we conservatives will get about the business of selecting our own presidential candidate, as we do not require the assistance of you in the liberal MSM.
None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -J.W. von Goethe
R D Helm
January 15, 2008 - 23:16 ET by BlondeWelcome here....I see you are new.
Excellent and extremely cogent points.
Awesome post....so again, welcome!
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Thanks. I must confess,
January 15, 2008 - 23:29 ET by R D HelmThanks.
I must confess, however, that Popular Tech's post was not present when I began composing mine. Had I seen it, I most likely would not have bothered.
None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -J.W. von Goethe
RDH...
January 15, 2008 - 23:24 ET by JAB...reinforces my distain toward McCan't, only in a more cogent manner than I. Thank you sir, Mr. Helm.
"Too bad Ignorance isn't painful..."
Thanks JAB. None are so
January 15, 2008 - 23:41 ET by R D HelmThanks JAB.
None are so hopelessly enslaved as those who falsely believe they are free. -J.W. von Goethe
What is this, the
January 15, 2008 - 23:01 ET by dahliatraversWhat is this, the Make-It-Up-As-You-Go Analysis Minute??
Bob's a nice guy. But if he's not going to do basic research, he needs to pass on the question.
Bob Schieffer doesn't have
January 16, 2008 - 00:04 ET by motherbeltBob Schieffer doesn't have a clue why Republicans are not enthralled with McCain. Well, actually, he has to; you can't be around newsrooms for as long as Bob has and not s pick up on the hints; especially when they are hitting the floor like bricks.
But he has his template, as do a lot of liberal journalists and pundits, and that is: McCain is disliked because he's so independent, he's a "maverick," he's willing to "reach across the aisl e, and Republicans find that threatening.
That's his story and he's sticking to it.
-
January 16, 2008 - 00:13 ET by dahliatraversApparently it's a better sounding story than the truth, Motherbelt.
Seriously
January 15, 2008 - 23:03 ET by SD CycloneI don't post but read a lot. I understand your disdain for McCain but we have already seen the links, followed them and understand your opposition. Please refrain from you litany. Thank you.
SDC, Please refute the
January 15, 2008 - 23:10 ET by JABSDC, Please refute the facts posted that McCan't could do the conservative movement any good (with links of course).
Too bad Ignorance isn't painful..."
Reply
January 15, 2008 - 23:19 ET by SD CycloneI am not arguing. In fact, I am in agreement. I just get tired of reading the same thing over and over. Just as we heard the admonishment about the list of the Huckabee, et al. list of links, I was looking for comment on the issue at hand. No more, no less. I have limited time on this forum and was hoping for a new comment rather than a list of things where McCain has forsaken genuine conservative principles.
Schieffer knows damn well
January 15, 2008 - 23:10 ET by jdhawkSchieffer knows damn well why conservatives won't vote for McCain. McCain isn't a conservative. Schieffer, as well as the rest of the drive by media, are set on getting him the nomination if at all possible. They know that if he is the Republican nominee, the dimocrats will win the presidency as conservatives will stay home.
Thank goodness that McCain did not win Michigan this evening. Although, I would rather see Fred Thompson succeed, I would vote for Mitt Romney for president.
I oppose McCain because he
January 15, 2008 - 23:25 ET by wiwfI oppose McCain because he sucks
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
Just a thought
January 15, 2008 - 23:35 ET by SD CycloneI am not going to argue with you either, but when I asked one of our fellow posters to stop the list of links without my argument, I got challenged. How does that work? I realize there isn't much time to respond online but isn't there somebody with a fire that is yearning to burn? I am new and perhaps I haven't earned my chops yet on this forum but the comment that somebody sucks doesn't seem to add too much. BTW, I have had some time in CO and they are not too with it as far as judgement (no offense intended to you) but my Wyoming friends would agree.
SDC
January 15, 2008 - 23:48 ET by botglots of sarcasm here on the threads best for you to recognise it and some of the posters. The gent you posted to was fired from his virtually unpaid jouralism job for the paper he disparrages in his tag line. He was only trying to please you with a succinct and direct post. Also, SD, it is best to encourage our college age conservatives as they are in a battlefield on campus
GoHunter08
Understood
January 15, 2008 - 23:55 ET by SD CycloneI will try to add more significant comments from now on. My bad. I just know my belief system and the way I express it. Never any insult intended, but I have spent too much time on the court, on the field and in sports bars in many states to place too much value in the comment that someone or somebody sucks.
SDC
January 16, 2008 - 00:08 ET by botgcool &
welcome (registered over a year?)
there's lots of people here and just as many motives, i see where Pop Tech gets that thousands may read this so if he repeats there will be different people reading all the time.
GoHunter08
No Worries
January 16, 2008 - 00:19 ET by SD CycloneI may have had a bit of the tunnel vision, but I figured that regular readers would do their research. I guess I am a bit naive coming from the state of Daschle and McGovern and hoping that people have some better judgement since we are overall a red state.
SD, Yeah, I'm just a big
January 16, 2008 - 00:55 ET by wiwfSD,
Yeah, I'm just a big sarcastic guy here. Plus, with the massive post of links and proof a few posts above mine, I figured "why repeat what's already been said?" But if you prefer, I oppose McCain because he's pro-amnesty and a global warming loon. ;)
Welcome to the boards, glad to have you aboard. Nice to see another fellow Coloradoan (or at least part-time Coloradoan) join the fray!
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
Gee, last year he was
January 16, 2008 - 00:15 ET by fitzfongGee, last year he was tanking because of his support of "Bush's War". Now he's tanking because he's a "maverick" who fights the authority of his own party. How do they manage to go to opposite ends of the spectrum for their analyses and still get it wrong? Simple, they're not interested in getting it right.
McCain will tank because he's wrong on taxes, wrong on illegal immigration, wrong on "torture", wrong on the "environmentalist" hoax, wrong on free speech rights...wrong about pretty much everything that matters. But don't expect that career pinch hitter Bob "Second Banana" Schieffer to report the facts.
SCHIEFFER: Well, you know,
January 16, 2008 - 00:24 ET by USA4freedomSCHIEFFER: Well, you know, John McCain has always been sort of a maverick. He's always been willing to challenge the authority...We..are..the..authority..So..take a hike there Mr. Maverick. For all the reasons that every one has stated above. Its funny you are spot on fitxfong, they don't want to see what is wrong, it does not fit the template.
These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. Ronald Reagan- 40th Anniversary of D-Day
McCain the Maverick...The M Word
January 16, 2008 - 00:42 ET by Lame CherryIf there is one word on the cattle ranges which could be akin to the N word, it would be the M word in maverick.
I do not understand how a "westerner" like McCain would ever let himself be called this as Texas Bob is saying something absolutely disgraceful about McCain.
A maverick is a critter which runs wild until someone ropes it and puts a brand on it owning it. It has nothing to do with independent, but with an animal too stupid to stay on good pasture and runs off and gets into trouble.
McCain fits all of that and from what I have heard, the Indian casino mafia out of Nevada pretty much put their brand on him long ago.
So Texas Bob, the only thing you got right is Republicans don't like John McCain.........not though because he is "independent", but because he is worthless to our GOP spread which he has been feeding off of while carrying a liberal mafia brand on his ass end.
Pardon my plainsman speech.
Mavericks only have on purpose and that is to grow them up and turn them into hamburger as their meat is too rangey for steak.
None of that is a compliment.........and it is wonderful Michigan busted his hoof and voted for Romney. He at least answers to the whip when he sticks his head through the fence.
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
Maverick
January 16, 2008 - 16:59 ET by MichiganManI knew that when Schieffer started to talk about McCain on CBS that the word "maverick" would be used to describe him. I did not vote for McCain yesterday because of reasons listed by PopTech above.
Now and forever an Independant
January 16, 2008 - 00:48 ET by richardPoor Jomentum, he's hitched his wagon to the wrong Republican horse, and now he'll be banished to Independant land forever.
McCain WILL NOT win in S. Carolina and you'll be able to hear the voice of the late-great baseball announcer, Bob Prince of the Pittsburgh Pirates. "And you can kiss it goodby!"
Bobby, Bobby, Bobby
January 16, 2008 - 01:32 ET by rammingspeedYou cannot be this dense. Republicans don't like McCain because he's made bad (anti-conservative) decisions. As in: he's wrong. He was horribly wrong on the McCain/Feingold campaign finance reform bill. He's wrong on illegal immigration. Those are two of the biggest ways he's wrong.
Keep blabbering, Bobby. You make a total fool of yourself and those whom you represent. You're destroying what little credibility you have left, one dumb remark at a time.
Republicans have McCain and
January 16, 2008 - 02:35 ET by mostlymoderateRepublicans have McCain and Democrat's have Lieberman. Both of these men defy their political party and should be considered "independent". I despise both.
He's half-baked ...
January 16, 2008 - 03:09 ET by Kevin HalpernMost Republicans don't like McCain because they know they can't trust him on crucial issues.
Exactly! McCain is flaky.
January 16, 2008 - 03:34 ET by mostlymoderateExactly! McCain is flaky.
McCain
January 16, 2008 - 09:11 ET by shannon20He doesn't challenge authority, he challenges our sovereingty.
Republicans don't like him
January 16, 2008 - 09:24 ET by NewsbusterbrownRepublicans don't like him because he challenges conservatism.
Not for Me!
January 16, 2008 - 09:35 ET by mytwocentsThe "gang of 14" fiasco is one reason I would never vote for John McCain. There are times to work with the other side and there are times to support your party. Quite often, he does not seem to know the difference. Not only do I not want him as the POTUS, but I'd be just as happy if he left his senate seat to a real conservative.
DJM159
January 16, 2008 - 09:38 ET by djm159Mr. Schieffer's analogy is wrong. Republicans don't like John McCain because he is a psychotic wimpy liberal, not to mention a rino. He is a nut case pure and simple. If we want to elect a marxist liberal, or a card carrying member of the ACLU, we republicans will vote for Hillary or B. Hussein Obama. Open borders McCain should change parties and at least admit to what he is. When released from the Viet Nam prison, he should have had extensive psychological treatment on a daily basis. The man has an anger management problem and has no business with his finger on any nuclear button. He is a codger whose time has past and cannot run away from his record no matter how hard he tries, we still remember his left wing votes.
Yeah, that Schieffer has
January 16, 2008 - 17:13 ET by bassndudeYeah, that Schieffer has his fingers on the pulse of the Republicans, alright. McCain just challenges authority. Has nothing to do with amnisty for illegals, his attack on the first amendment, (in cahoots with the likes of that) or that he voted aginst the tax cuts. Couldent have anything to do with that, could it.
Save a SeAL, club a liberal!!