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COLUMNISTS
TODAY'S STORIES
15.12.2007
Des Moines Register: Who's the Real American Hero?

Is it just me, or does the Des Moines Register's endorsement of John McCain have an anti-Huckabee edge to it? The editorial panel writes: 

In an era of instant celebrity, we sometimes forget the real heroes in our midst. 

Who's the candidate of instant celebrity in the Iowa race of late? Also, compared to the bones the Register throws the other candidates -- Rudy "inspired the city and nation with his confident leadership after the Sept. 11 attacks"; Mitt Romney "exudes executive discipline" -- Huckabee's description, "charms with homespun humor," is a little sad. They make him sound like he should be auditioning not to be president but to replace Mr. Rogers. 

--Eve Fairbanks

Posted: Saturday, December 15, 2007 10:51 PM with 4 comment(s)

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teplukhin2you said:

It's just you, Eve. This DMR piece is entirely about McCain, the most powerful, tightly argued case for him that I've seen. After reading it, it's hard not to view McCain's rivals as other than pygmies and jokers.

Here's the DMR:

Time after time, McCain has stuck to his beliefs in the face of opposition from other elected leaders and the public. He has criticized crop and ethanol subsidies during two presidential campaigns in Iowa. He bucked his party and president by opposing the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. A year ago, in the face of growing criticism, he staunchly supported President Bush's decision to increase troop strength in Iraq.

In this campaign, he continues to support comprehensive immigration reform -- while watching his poll standings plunge. Some other Republican candidates refuse to acknowledge that climate change is a serious threat caused by human activity. McCain has worked on the issue for seven years and sponsored bills to limit greenhouse-gas emissions.

McCain would enter the White House with deep knowledge of national-security and foreign-policy issues. He knows war, something we believe would make him reluctant to start one. He's also a fierce defender of civil liberties. As a survivor of torture, he has stood resolutely against it. He pledges to start rebuilding America's image abroad by closing the Guantanamo prison and beginning judicial proceedings for detainees....The force of John McCain?s moral authority could go a long way toward restoring Americans'  trust in government and inspiring new generations to believe in the goodness and greatness of America.

December 16, 2007 2:11 AM

armadorsky said:

Well, Teppy I agree with you in part.

The rest of the GOP field are indeed pygmys and jokers, not only in comparison to McCain but in general.

McCain's the only Republican who wouldn't leave me wholly despairing for the future if elected POTUS.  

December 16, 2007 10:13 PM

mroman said:

That actually is a strong case for him. But it's exactly the reason why the GOP won't nominate him...the corporate elites have no intention of allowing someone who might buck their traces to be President. They'll shift their support to the Democratic candidate before that happens.

December 17, 2007 8:29 AM

Robert Powell said:

Yep, eve, it's just you, notwithstanding the general hysteria in the Establishment Republican ranks, where they see the possibility that an actual Southerner might get the nomination rather someone who just plays one on TV. In this eventuality, mroman has described the scenario.

True Democrat partisans should be doing everything they can, including voting in Republican primaries where allowed and writing Nice Things, to boost the candidacy of Huckebee. If he wins the nomination it dooms Repubs to being the "South only" party.

Of course, if he's McCains VP running mate, they win, so a little thought may be in order.

December 17, 2007 10:10 AM