McCain ... McCain ... Isn't He The Guy That Endorsed Ken Blackwell?

Submitted by Jeff on Wed, 01/30/2008 - 12:43pm.

Given up for a lost cause last summer, Sen. John McCain now seems poised to grab the Republican presidential nomination, especially after Rudy Giuliani withdraws as expected later today. It seems like a good time for Ohioans to remember exactly who McCain is, as in:

Plain Dealer (Oct. 7, 2005)

Ken Blackwell's campaign for Ohio governor picked up a major national endorsement Thursday from U.S. Sen. John McCain, an Arizona Republican and likely presidential contender in 2008. McCain cited Secretary of State Blackwell's independence and candor among the key reasons for his support.

"Ohioans need Ken Blackwell's clear thinking, straight talk and strong leadership at the top of the ticket," McCain said in a written statement.

McCain's support has the potential to benefit both him and Blackwell.

Blackwell stands to gain from McCain's pledge to appear at public events and fund-raisers. McCain, who appeals to moderate Republicans, could bolster his standing among the GOP's right flank by endorsing Blackwell, a high-profile social conservative. ...

About six months later McCain was featured at fundraisers for Blackwell in Ohio that raised about $250,000. The Plain Dealer's Mark Naymik wrote then that McCain dismissed the notion that he was pandering to the party's conservative base, and laughed at a suggestion that Blackwell could become his possible running mate on the 2008 ticket.

Yeah, that guy. And we saw what happened to his pick for governor.

(h/t to a reader)

The Real McCain

Submitted by Blue in Athens on Wed, 01/30/2008 - 10:27pm.

Thanks for the reminder, Jeff. This is the man who Republicans believe has the best shot at the White House, and they are going to do whatever they have to do to win. Moderates and independents need to be reminded of instances like this, like how McCain has voted with his party 87% of the time (http://ontheissues.org/John_McCain.htm).

All he can promise is a war without end, a continued assault on a woman's right to choose, and the equivalent of a third Bush term. And he's only getting started.