A Conservative in Maverick Clothing
John McCain is no friend of liberals. On many of the most important issues facing the United States in 2008, he has taken traditional conservative positions.
Though his voting record has moderated slightly in recent years, and though many in the Republican party and in the mass media like to label him a "maverick Republican", John McCain's views on many Progressive issues prove he's not the right man for the Presidency. In fact, according to Voteview.com, McCain's voting record in the 109th Congress was the second most conservative among senators.
1. The War in Iraq. McCain supported the original invasion, supports "The Surge" and continued occupation through 2018. He has stated publicly that it's likely the United States will need a military presence in Iraq through the entire 21st century.
2. The Health Care Crisis. McCain has baited the ideological conservative right by using the term "socialist" over and over to stress his opposition to any kind of government-assisted Universal Health Care plan. He strongly opposes the reform plans put forth by the Democratic candidates.
3. Social Security Reform. As with health care, McCain considers Social Security a "socialist entitlement" and supports privatizing the program. With the largest generation in American history nearing retirement age, his plan to create private accounts creates the possibility of homeless elderly.
4. Privacy. On February 18, 2007, Senator McCain stated "I do not support Roe versus Wade. It should be overturned." McCain has a 0% NARAL rating, indicating one of the strongest pro-life records in the Senate. McCain is also against government funding of birth control and sex education which includes a vote of no on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education and contraceptives. He believes the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" military anti-gay policy should remain in place.
6. Death Penalty. McCain supports the use of the death penalty for federal crimes and mandatory prison terms for selling illegal drugs.
7. Education. Senator McCain supports vouchers, the teaching of Intelligent Design in science classes ("all points of view should be taught"), and would allow official prayers in public schools.
8. Tax Cuts for the Wealthy. Though originally against the Bush's tax cuts, McCain now supports extending them despite the growing federal debt.
For more of John McCain's positions on important issues, go to OnTheIssues.org
It's true that many of McCain's statements and votes on Immigration, Gun Control, and Campaign Finance Reform have made sense to Progressives. His strong stance against torture and the prison at Guantanamo Bay are admirable and important. But don't let his leadership on those few issues fool you, he's no Progressive. John McCain is a center-right Republican who will run toward conservatives in a General Election. He's not the man for the White House.
With Rudy Giuliani and Arnold Schwarzenegger endorsing McCain, many Independents and moderate Democrats will consider him an interesting candidate. My hope is that they'll take the time to scrutinize his voting record and his public statements on important issues.
Though his voting record has moderated slightly in recent years, and though many in the Republican party and in the mass media like to label him a "maverick Republican", John McCain's views on many Progressive issues prove he's not the right man for the Presidency. In fact, according to Voteview.com, McCain's voting record in the 109th Congress was the second most conservative among senators.
1. The War in Iraq. McCain supported the original invasion, supports "The Surge" and continued occupation through 2018. He has stated publicly that it's likely the United States will need a military presence in Iraq through the entire 21st century.
2. The Health Care Crisis. McCain has baited the ideological conservative right by using the term "socialist" over and over to stress his opposition to any kind of government-assisted Universal Health Care plan. He strongly opposes the reform plans put forth by the Democratic candidates.
3. Social Security Reform. As with health care, McCain considers Social Security a "socialist entitlement" and supports privatizing the program. With the largest generation in American history nearing retirement age, his plan to create private accounts creates the possibility of homeless elderly.
4. Privacy. On February 18, 2007, Senator McCain stated "I do not support Roe versus Wade. It should be overturned." McCain has a 0% NARAL rating, indicating one of the strongest pro-life records in the Senate. McCain is also against government funding of birth control and sex education which includes a vote of no on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education and contraceptives. He believes the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" military anti-gay policy should remain in place.
John McCain's congressional voting scores, 1983–2006, from the American Conservative Union (top line, 100 is most conservative) and from Americans for Democratic Action (bottom line, 100 is most liberal).5. Free Trade. Senator McCain supports NAFTA - "It's created millions of jobs and helped the economies of all three nations."
6. Death Penalty. McCain supports the use of the death penalty for federal crimes and mandatory prison terms for selling illegal drugs.
7. Education. Senator McCain supports vouchers, the teaching of Intelligent Design in science classes ("all points of view should be taught"), and would allow official prayers in public schools.
8. Tax Cuts for the Wealthy. Though originally against the Bush's tax cuts, McCain now supports extending them despite the growing federal debt.
For more of John McCain's positions on important issues, go to OnTheIssues.org
It's true that many of McCain's statements and votes on Immigration, Gun Control, and Campaign Finance Reform have made sense to Progressives. His strong stance against torture and the prison at Guantanamo Bay are admirable and important. But don't let his leadership on those few issues fool you, he's no Progressive. John McCain is a center-right Republican who will run toward conservatives in a General Election. He's not the man for the White House.
With Rudy Giuliani and Arnold Schwarzenegger endorsing McCain, many Independents and moderate Democrats will consider him an interesting candidate. My hope is that they'll take the time to scrutinize his voting record and his public statements on important issues.
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