John McCain - Mistreated by Matthews and Olbermann in Victory Speech Split Screen Slight - Milkey and Keef - Biased Bimbos

However, Romney will not go away soon - nor will his money. Romney's ATM Machine is still dumping dough into the Wonkosphere. That can't be helped. It's run on algorithms and those lads ran over my GPA back in the late 1960's.

Too many operatives in the extreme Right Culture of the GOP ( Hannity, Pain Killer Limbaugh, the Buchanan (filius et filia) detest McCain - Romney will be encouraged to pour more of his money on McCain's bid like hot coals on the noggin.

Not until McCain wins South Carolina. Michigan will be tough, but Wolverines are like Granite Staters - folks with their heads screwed on straight. The goofs go to California to make movies or run for office out of State.

McCain captures the hearts in the Great American Middle. The Left hate McCain almost as much as the Monty Burns Plutocrats on theFar Right - Shills like Chris 'Milkey' Matthews and Keith Olbermann e.g. - last night afforded full screen coverage to each concession speech, but when it came time for McCain's Victory Speech- the winner was squeezed into a tiny window of the split screen and competed with - static updates on Obama/Hillary which were also rolled at the bottom of the screen.

This mistreatment of John McCain by MSNBC was disgraceful. The McCain Campaign should direct some analysis and follow-up against Milkey Matthews and Olbermann. They are not the worst in TV Play News - but they'll do.

Just some thoughts.

John McCain - Is Off the Deck!

McCain is off the Deck and in the Air! Thanks to the great Voters of New Hampshire and the band of bloggers behind Brad Marston, Sheridan Folger, Huntsville Alabama's Miss Vicki, Mike Schuyler, Patrick Hynes,Tony GOPrano, and so many more great people, the Man Most Suited - Flight Suited - to lead America in Time of War on Islamist Terror is in Flight to Victory!


Click my post title for the Salon Feature on New Hampshire Victory!

Well Done, Senator McCain!!!!

John McCain - Good Guy! STNG's Jennifer Hunter - πρωτο-vox et proeterea nihil

The Chicago Newspaper cork-screwing into the loam, The Chicago Sun Times has branded itself as the Paper of the Pretentious.

No one better to scare off readers than Jennifer Hunter - like clowns and jacko-lanterns to two year olds!

While searching for coverage of the New Hampshire Primary and the Victory of John McCain, I was confronted with a Jennifer Hunter treatment of the singularly 'Good Guy' candidate. Mon Dieu! Treating a Regular Guy, like John McCain, with Progressive-Prose Pretentions is like inviting George Will to Keegan's Pub for Old Styles!

Thus:

Often described as the Senate's proto-hawk for his support of Iraq and other military interventions, McCain is

( Emphasis- my own)

Jennifer - save this pap for milquetoasts and Forrest Claypool who could read it to Mike Quigley. Those Shape-Shifters appreciate Classicism in their Classism. Lay Off John McCain!

John McCain is for fans of Bull Riding; Roller Darby; & etc.! n'cest pas?

John McCain - Warrior - Mitt Romney - The Guy from 'The Office'

Byron York -my that name smacks of Breed's Hill, The Green Mountain Boys, and Ducking Stools - writes a nice contrast of America's choices: A Warrior and a To-Do Lister.

John McCain spent the final hours of the Battle for New Hampshire inspiring the troops and promising 'No Surrender on the War on Terror' and Mitt Romney told every one that Washington is Broken. 'Call our Out-source People, ASAP and have memo on this task in my Blackberry by close of the Markets!'

We have a choice - John McCain a Warrior Statesman, a 21st Century Andrew Jackson, or the Guy from the TV Show The Office.


Click on my Post Title for Byron York's article

John McCain Leads In Dixville Notch - That's the Earliest Folks!

Brad Marston and His Granite State Volunteers have scored Early! Well Done Folks!

Hat Tip to Primary Monitor Blog - click Post Title for more and updates! Go McCain!

Dixville Notch got the voting under way. The results:

John McCain 4 votes
Mitt Romney 2 votes
Rudy Giuliani 1 vote
Barack Obama 7 votes
John Edwards 2 votes
Bill Richardson 1 vote
UPDATE: In Hart's Location...

McCain 6 votes
Mike Huckabee 5 votes
Ron Paul 4 votes
Romney 1 vote
Obama 9 votes
Hillary Clinton 3 votes
Edwards 1 vote

John McCain Understands Tom Boyle in New Hampshire and Yellow Ribbons in St. Cajetan's Parish

"If I didn't vote for a Democrat," Tom Boyle said, "[McCain] is the only Republican I feel I could support."

Brother Boyle, many of us traditional Democrats - the folks the Progressives pigeonhole and calumniate in their Snob-Speak as 'close-knit, Ethnic' code for middle class Catholics and Jews - are warm to John McCain's Straight Talk and Non-Profit Patriotism.


We are the people with yellow ribbons on the trees on our blocks - tributes to the little boys and girls who played sewer-to sewer Wiffle Ball and are now wearing Kevlar in Iraq and Afghanistan; the people whom the academics and media ridicule in
newspaper 'impact series' that pick scabs of racism or the War; and we are the people paying the taxes for the entitlements and pork-spending: Pipefitters, Electricians, Stationary Engineers & etc. who also pay for the disastrous Public schools while sending our children to private schools.

I hear you Mr. Boyle. So does John McCain.

Click on my post title for more on voters like Tom Boyle flocking to John McCain.


Courtney Greve wrote a wonderful report on the St. Cajetan Parish Tribute to Heroes held in our Parish on Saturday January 5th - the night of the First McCain Debate Victory.

Read this great Courtney Greve's wonderfully poignant article from the Southtown Star about the very people whom John McCain understands and respects.


http://www.southtownstar.com/news/728174,010608soldiermass.article

John McCain: Not-for-Profit Patriot

John McCain's Kodak moment came in the discussion of whether or not a Senator would be well suited to the Office of President of the United States ( Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy seemed to do pretty well, it seems to me).

This allowed McCain to straight-talk the seminal tag- line of this Election:
( From the Guardian - click my post title forthe complete article)

The contempt felt by McCain, war hero and senator, for Romney, a multi-millionaire businessman, was manifest throughout the 90-minute debate.

Romney opted to stress his own executive experience as a businessman and governor of Massachusetts, suggesting that his rival lacked this, having spent most of his life in the senate. "I've been in the economy. I've been in the real world," Romney said.

McCain came back immediately to say that he had plenty of experience of executive power. "I led the largest squadron in the US navy, not for profit but for patriotism." He indicated the biggest problem facing the US was security, fighting two wars, and he, rather than Romney, had dedicated his life to that. ( emphasis my own)

McCain boasted that he knew how to get Osama bin Laden and, if he became president, he would get him.

Romney, witnessing the success of Obama's message in Iowa about change in Washington, portrayed himself as a Washington outsider in contrast to McCain, with his years in the senate.

McCain replied that he had succeeded in changing the US approach to the war in Iraq, being one of the advocates of last year's surge strategy that saw an extra 30,000 US troops sent to Iraq, a policy he claims has helped to reduce violence.

Earlier yesterday, Romney, front-runner in New Hampshire during almost all of last year, acknowledged doubt about the outcome in the primary. He insisted: "I'm planning on winning in New Hampshire." But he added, "It may not happen."

Although Huckabee won in Iowa, he is unlikely to repeat that victory in New Hampshire, but he said: "We're going to do better than expected."

Ron Paul was excluded from the debate by Fox News. In the USA Today/Gallup poll he recorded 8%, down from 9% last month.

All the dough in the world cannot beat an honest Man!

John McCain - Primary Source for Truth; Mitt Romney - Cliffs Notes

Mitt's Lead Blogger had this to say about John McCain's Dramatic Lead in the Polls!


I noticed that Mitt's Video Rangers are using You-Tube Video Cuts of Gottacha McCain!

Click my post title for the transcript of NBC's Meet the Press.

I was always a read the book guy over the Cliffs Notes crowd - that is why I am one of McCain's guys.

Click on my post title for John McCain on Meet the Press

McCain Trumps Mitt's Run on the Wonkosphere

Yesterday,

Mitt Romney's Boy Rangers flooded the Wonkosphere with anti-McCain posts and articles and continues today.

John McCain's Buzz Page reads like tributes to Drew Peterson ( the Bolingbroke Cop who looks like the Cowardly lion of OZ who disappeared (allegedly) his child bride # 3 r 4 and goes on Larry King to ask the Press to 'Give him His Life Back') or the scum-bag Chicago lawyer who key-ed a soon to be deployed Marine's car during the Holidays. Mitt's ATM Machine Makes Media Marvel!

It turns out that the poor kids at Wonksphere are victimized by the Math and Money as much as McCain. WonkoKev and WonkoSteve sent me two very nice notes on this problem to which I have replied:

Dear Wonko Kev and Steve,

Boys, thanks for the response to my inquiries concerning the less than balanced BUZZ allotted to John McCain out there in the Wonkosphere.

As a guy who takes the weather personally, I was taken aback by the Mitt-heavy attacks on what should be McCain's Buzz page.

After learning that algorithms were hard at play, I fully appreciate the depth and scope of the issue. I do not understand it, mind you, but be assured that I appreciate your pickle.

Mitt Romney has more money than Warren Buffet has in his couch and that is a formidable commodity when getting 'people to like you.' Hell, I 'd probably write nice things about Mitt, if he were to toss some Don Trump-Walking Around Money my way! I have an intrinsically larcenous heart in open combat with my basically loyal soul.

Thank God for poverty! Loyalty wins!

We need more loyal souls, pumping Pithy McCain Positive missives your way! I'll do what I can; but , boys, this guy has trouble with balancing his check book ( 'let's see . . . spent $700 on Courvoisier this week -subtract from $1,500 - eight check to myself at Keegan's Pub - no amounts Gadzooks!') let alone algorithms

I will post our correspondence Lads! Thanks so much!

Regards,

Pat Hickey

Now, McCainiacs get on the Wonkosphere and Fight Back!

McCain Leads!

The only candidate suited to lead America on the day he takes the Oath of Office of the President of the United States, John McCain, leads in MSNBC Polls.

John McCain off of his commanding presence in the First New Hampshire Presidential Debate on ABC leads Mitt Romney and all others:

GOP race (400 likely GOP primary voters, conducted Jan.2-4, MOE +/-5%)

McCain 32%

Romney 24%

Huckabee 12%

Giuliani 10%

Paul 8%



A month ago (released December 9), the NH results were:

Romney 25%

Giuliani 17%

McCain 16%

Huckabee 11%


McCain Leads in this Irish-American household by a much larger percentage!

McCain Controls New Hampshire Debate - Mitt called the Tune and Paid the Pipers Playing Over His Political Grave!

I watched Charlie MC the Debate on TV - but no way he conducted the show . . . .

ABC News New Hampshire Debates were handled by John McCain like Sir George Solti was back with a baton in his mitt for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Romney, reeling from the Iowa corn husking by Governor Huckabee,attempted to chorus his campaign with the theme of Change and the Shape shifter was handed his Brylcreamed head by not only John McCain, but the saintly Mike Huckabee, the affable Fred Thompson and also the calming voice of Rudy Giuliani.

Change, Change, Change - Change of Fools!

Yeow! Mitt looked like Groucho Marx on crack and came off like a stuttering dope.

John McCain articulated the sensible path to Health Care, cleared up the wildly right-wing Immigration Pork Pull for American People - did Mitt miss the pinata on that one! and reasoned the Surge in Iraq and its strategic interest for the American People.

Advantage McCain! Yeah, Mitt, "You are the candidate of change,'' laughed John McCain! Lots of changes! Mitt there's more changes coming your way on Fox tomorrow night!

Click on my post title for more!

McCain is Being Cheated in The Wonkosphere It Seems to Me

This seems Serious!

Twenty Two of Thirty Posts linked on Wonkosphere's McCain Buzz Tab are violently anti-McCain. I lodged two inquiries to Wonkosphere and received no Response.*

Take a look at the sharp contrast in the tone of posts in the Romney Buzz linked below.

Here is one of the inquiries that I lodged to the Wonkosphere Editors:

Look at the nature of the Posts linked below. Why is that?

http://wonkosphere.com/mccain.htm

http://wonkosphere.com/romney.htm

The Contrast is Unbelievable! What's up? McCain Buzz is top-heavy negative postings and your Romney Buzz is all Hozzanas!

Let me know ASAP.

Thanks folks,

Pat Hickey

This is not Right - Wonkosphere appears to be in Mitt's mitts shortly before the New Hampshire Debates and Primary.

Here is the McCain Buzz as it appears on Wonkosphere at this moment:

John McCain BuzzSignificant posts about John McCain from the last 24 hours, updated every 4 hours.

Color codes for posts: RED is for conservative, BLUE is for liberal, and GRAY is for independent.

Get out the vote in NH
Taking the Silver in Iowa. Like Mitt said, it’s not what we’d hoped but it’s still a great finish, and preparation for the ultimate gold. We need to keep things humming along. What can you do? Make sure you make your phone... (Read more...)

From: Elect Romney in 2008 | Posted: 2008-01-05 09:10

What's at Stake in New Hampshire
Gov. Romney is down, and I’m not going to pretend that I think he’s got the advantage going into New Hampshire. Sen. McCain is peaking in the state at just the right time just at Gov. Romney’s low point. He CAN win though. He... (Read more...)

From: Elect Romney in 2008 | Posted: 2008-01-05 07:04

John McCain: Hero but Hypocrite
I’m growing tired of the double standard as it relates to “negativity” on the campaign trail. Mitt’s been a gentleman, despite running contrast ads against his opponents. He has yet to make any judgments on character or... (Read more...)

From: Elect Romney in 2008 | Posted: 2008-01-05 05:00

Dueling GOP Web Ads
MANCHESTER -- Mitt Romney and John McCain target each other, naturally, in two new Web ads out today. McCain's ad will appear on targeted national and early state news and information websites, including politico.com, unionleader.com and boston.com,... (Read more...)

From: national journal hotline | Posted: 2008-01-05 03:21

I Agree With McCain On Something!
We want the same thing: When asked about Joe Lieberman (who has endorsed McCain), he responded: I would definitely want Joe Lieberman to play a part — particularly in national security issues — in my administration. Me too! It would... (Read more...)

From: Multi Medium | Posted: 2008-01-05 02:58
Swifties aren't gone, they've just changed candidates
Over the last three years, the group of organized, well-financed liars ironically named the “Swift Boat Veterans for Truth,” have come to be synonymous with vicious smears and mendacity. Most honorable people, who have any decency at all, look... (Read more...)

From: Crooks and Liars | Posted: 2008-01-05 02:45
Amidst All The McCain Worship
John Hood makes an excellent point: There is also a longer, truly heart-felt affection by center-left journalists for McCain, who... (Read more...)

From: Transterrestrial Musings | Posted: 2008-01-05 02:30
Great comments
There are always such great comments from this Blog’s readers, that I want your post on the front page not just the discussion session. Here are a few: From Nivek: Medved has lost a listener in me. He doesn’t have to agree with me on who ... (Read more...)

From: Elect Romney in 2008 | Posted: 2008-01-05 01:30
Video: "Make it a hundred"
Straight talk. (Read more...)

From: Hot Air | Posted: 2008-01-05 00:51
Hugh Hewitt: The Case for McCain: Climate Change and Campaign Finance Reform (Bumped and Updated)
Former New Hampshire Congressman Charlie Bass just endorsed John McCain, and explained to Fox News' John Gibson that John McCain has always stood for the same things. The first two issues cited by Bass? "Climate... (Read more...)

From: Hugh Hewitt's TownHall Blog | Posted: 2008-01-05 00:44
Post-Iowa Fred
(Read more...)

From: Say Anything | Posted: 2008-01-05 00:36
McCain's Days as Viable Candidate Numbered
From Bob McCarty Writes: En route to New Hampshire, Republican John McCain is getting a lot of mileage out of his third-place finish in the Iowa Caucus. At the same time, he must realize his days as a presidential contender are numbered, in part, ... (Read more...)

From: NoisyRoom | Posted: 2008-01-05 00:29
The McCain Update - January 4, 2008
(Read more...)

From: Politico Mafioso | Posted: 2008-01-04 23:46
LIVE Webcast/Chat/Blog From The Spin Room At The NH Debate Tomorrow Night!
LIVE Webcast/Chat/Blog From The Spin Room at the NH DebateI will be Webcasting/Blogging LIVE from the Spin Room at the ABC News/Facebook/WMUR sponsored debate from St. Anselms College in Manches (Read more...)

From: Mad Irishman's Conservative Consortium | Posted: 2008-01-04 23:39
The Pentagon's Muslim tug-of-war ends in defeat
Follow up. (Read more...)

From: Hot Air | Posted: 2008-01-04 23:15
GEEZERS AND WHIPPERSNAPPERS.
One further thought about the prospect of a McCain-Obama contest next fall: The gap between the candidates' ages (McCain is 71, Obama is 46; that's a 25-year difference) would probably be the greatest in American presidential election history. (Read more...)

From: TAPPED | Posted: 2008-01-04 23:05
Hugh Hewitt: The Case For McCain: Climate Change and Campaign Finance Reform
Former New Hampshire Congressman Charlie Bass just endorsed John McCain, and explained to Fox News' John Gibson that John McCain has always stood for the same things. The first two issues cited by Bass? "Climate... (Read more...)

From: Hugh Hewitt's TownHall Blog | Posted: 2008-01-04 22:44
CNN on Ron Paul and Sunday Fox News Forum
This is a fair treatment of the situation by CNN and Wolf Blitzer. UPDATE: ARG New Hampshire GOP Primary John McCain 35% (30%) Mitt Romney 25% (30%) Mike Huckabee 12% (11%) Ron Paul 9% (7%) Rudy Giuliani 8% (9%) Fred Thompson 1% (3%) Duncan Hunter 1%... (Read more...)

From: M Rebman | Posted: 2008-01-04 22:41
A little straight talk from Wilford Brimley
by Jill Zuckman Nashua, N.H. – The big gun is here. Wilford Brimley, the Marine turned actor turned oatmeal pitchman, will be traveling on the bus for Sen. John McCain. "The reason I'm here is because I think John McC (Read more...)

From: The Swamp | Posted: 2008-01-04 22:38
McCain's Momentum Ad
The New Hampshire pitch: (Read more...)

From: The Daily Dish | Posted: 2008-01-04 22:37
Mitt today: "No way" will McCain bring change; Mitt 2002: "He has always stood for reform and change"
Flipper! (Read more...)

From: Hot Air | Posted: 2008-01-04 22:30
Has the media picked its man?
Last year, Fred Barnes, the prominent conservative pundit and executive editor of The Weekly Standard, noted, “In 2000, his aides joked that McCain’s base was the media. In truth, it was.” I rarely agree with Barnes, but he’s ... (Read more...)

From: The Carpetbagger Report | Posted: 2008-01-04 21:10
Blogtalk: New Hampshire Lights Up Online
A stew of voices -- Republican, Democrat, substantial and light-hearted -- can be heard these days within the New Hampshire blogosphere. (Read more...)

From: The Caucus | Posted: 2008-01-04 21:09
McCain Web Ad Blasts Romney
I used to be skeptical about the propulsive effect of campaign web ads, and viewed them as a way for campaigns to drive the press's focus without having to spend the money on a television advertisement. Well, I still think the latter thought is... (Read more...)

From: Marc Ambinder | Posted: 2008-01-04 21:08
McCain presses support for Iraq War at defense contractor
By Mike Dorning NASHUA, N.H.—The war in Iraq may not be popular with the broad national public. But John McCain still charged into the final stretch of the New Hampshire primary campaign highlighting his unwavering support for the U. (Read more...)

From: The Swamp | Posted: 2008-01-04 20:58
Stick it to Politico
Fred Heads get the last laugh. (Read more...)

From: Don Surber | Posted: 2008-01-04 20:34
Four more years of Cheney?
In all likelihood, you don’t need yet another reason to reject the very idea of a Rudy Giuliani presidential administration. Here’s one anyway. Would a Rudy Giuliani administration be populated with a cabinet of Republican rivals and a... (Read more...)

From: Crooks and Liars | Posted: 2008-01-04 20:27
Swift Boat Liars aren't gone, they've just changed candidates
Over the last three years, the group of organized, well-financed liars ironically named the “Swift Boat Veterans for Truth,” have come to be synonymous with vicious smears and mendacity. Most honorable people, who have any decency at all,... (Read more...)

From: The Carpetbagger Report | Posted: 2008-01-04 20:20
Dance of the White Heads
(Read more...)

From: Crooks and Liars | Posted: 2008-01-04 19:42
Video: "Twists"
Mileage. (Read more...)

From: Hot Air | Posted: 2008-01-04 19:32

The McCain Campaign Need to Jump on this and Get some Answers!

UpDate 11:58 CST:*

RE: Above - I just got this e-mail from Wonkosphere

steve@wonkosphere.com View Contact Details Add Mobile Alert
To: conorhickey@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: Wonkosohere message: question

Good morning. In response to your inquiry, please see
http://wonkoblog.com/2008/01/05/mccain-taking-heavy-fire-dont

It appears that Mitt Romney's Campaign flooded the Wonkosphere with violently negative posts on John McCain. Akin to tearing down house signs and smearing one's character. Mitt's desperate.
The Wonkosphere should cover itself and yank the Romney vitriol - or at least start posting from the McCain People.

McCain - Mission New Hampshire Live

The Game is on! The Stakes are High! John McCain needs your voices to join Brad Marston Live in New Hampshire tonight at 6PM EST - That's 7PM to all of south side Chicago Cousins!

Here's a little pre game pep talk from an old 19th Ward Chicago Democrat ( Yeah, I'm with McCain!) - we win elections - ALL THE TIME! We win here the fighting 19th Ward because we stay on message and the John McCain Team has given us this great Victory Strategy. Let's Close the Deal - Get the Undecideds! Stay on Message and Stay on task!

Let's suit up!

Election 2008: What's at Stake?
America faces a dangerous, relentless enemy in the War against Islamic Extremists - We face an enemy that has repeatedly attacked us and remains committed to killing Americans and the destruction of our values. This election is about who is best prepared to lead and defend our nation and its global allies as Commander-in-Chief from day one. This election is about making sure we have the experienced leadership to guide us to victory in this war, protect the nation against future terrorist attacks, and support our troops and first responders who are on the frontlines of the war. This election will decide whether we choose to fight or announce surrender. It will decide whether we have a president who dangerously weakens U.S. security or strengthens it; whether we will flinch and retreat or fully engage the enemy on multiple fronts. We need decisive leadership with the vision and experience to guide our country and the world through this challenge. Having a courageous Commander-in-Chief who is willing to lead us in this war, rally our democratic allies and defeat our enemy to secure a broader peace is what's at stake in this election.
America is at an Economic Crossroads - Government spending is out-of-control. A Democrat elected President will join hands with a tax-and-spend Democratic Congress and subject Americans to enormous tax increases. Even now, the tax code is too complex and too burdensome. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid - the government's promises to seniors and those in need - must be modernized. Too many American workers are unprepared by non-performing schools and shackled by outdated government employment assistance programs. America needs experienced leadership to guide the U.S. economy to greater prosperity, control government spending, keep taxes low, save Social Security and protect the American worker. Americans want a leader willing to offer straight talk and make the hard calls necessary to ensure a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. The long-term strength of our economy and financial stability of American households are what's at stake in this election.

Americans have lost faith and trust in their government - Americans have lost trust that their government and its elected officials will serve the Nation's interest and not their own. Special interests have too much influence in Washington. Americans want a courageous leader who will stand up to the trial lawyers and labor bosses and other special interests, govern by principle rather than political expedience, keep their promises, and solve problems instead of leaving them for our children. Restoring Americans' confidence in their government is what's at stake in this election.
Americans want judges who will strictly interpret the law and not legislate from the bench - The next president will appoint many federal judges and perhaps even a Supreme Court justice. The recent victory on partial birth abortion is an example of how important the Supreme Court is in protecting our values and interpreting the law as it is written. America needs a president who will provide strong moral leadership. A Democrat president will appoint judges who make law with disregard for the will of the people, but to the cheers of those advancing a liberal social agenda. America needs a leader who recognizes that that the people and states should decide what's best, not the courts. The future of the U.S. Supreme Court is what's at stake in this election.

What are the Bold Solutions?
Winning the War Against Islamic Extremists. Radical Islamic extremists are a relentless threat to America, its citizens, and the values we share. In the words of the al Qaeda leadership, Iraq is the central battleground of this war. We face a fork in the road. John McCain will pursue our opportunity for victory in Iraq, strengthen our hand in the larger war against Islamic extremists, and make our nation more secure. Democrats will fold our tents, embolden our enemies, throw the region into instability, and increase the risks faced on our home soil. To concede defeat now would strengthen al Qaeda, empower Iran and other hostile powers in the Middle East, unleash a full scale civil war in Iraq that could lead to genocide, and destabilize the entire region as neighboring powers come to the aid of their favored factions. John McCain is best prepared to lead and defend our nation and its global allies as Commander-in-Chief from day one. He has the experience and leadership to defeat our enemy and secure a broader peace.
Reforming Health Care for All Americans. Real reform will put families in the driver's seat of our health care system. The road to reform does not lead through Washington and a hugely expensive, bureaucratic, government-controlled system. John McCain will harness competition to offer more affordable insurance options for as many Americans as possible, leveraging the innovation and cost-effectiveness of our nation's firms to put an end to existing rigid, unfriendly bureaucracies. He will build a national market where insurance is more available, portable, and accessible across state lines; in which patients' rights are respected and their information under their control; and one in which people may save more in tax-exempt Health Savings Accounts. He will assist those who need help in getting private insurance.

John McCain will provide incentives for a national market - including the reimportation of pharmaceuticals - that offer greater transparency about effective patient care, options for preventative care and therapies, and prices so that competition makes it easier for families to navigate toward quality and low cost. He will demand reform to medical malpractice laws to curb abusive lawsuits that squeeze doctors, prevent innovation, and drive up the cost of health care. We need more transparency of prices and quality measures so that patients can make informed choices.

Reforming Government. Americans have lost trust that their government and its elected officials will serve the Nation's interest and not their own. Special interests have too much influence in Washington. John McCain will bring spending under control, veto wasteful, pork-barrel spending bills every time, and keep taxes low. He will reform a tax code that is too complex and too burdensome. John McCain will modernize Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. He will bring accountability, choice and competition to underperforming schools, so our children are equipped to take the best jobs of the 21st century. John McCain is the only leader willing to make the hard calls necessary to restore faith in our government and build a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.
John McCain...Courageous Service, Experienced Leadership, Bold Solutions.

Welcome the Undecided! Convince the Fence Sitters! Make your voice loud and clear and friendly! Keep your Game Face for the Polling Booth! Click on My Post Title and Log in to Brad for John McCain!

John McCain is a Go!

John McCain Straps it On for the Bigs

The Iowa Caucuses Have ended - the musical chairs of Democracy- the pre-season exhibition game. Now it's time for the regular season play to begin. After the pre-season in Iowa, Senator McCain thanked the Hawkeyes and the Team!

STATEMENT FROM JOHN MCCAIN ON THE IOWA CAUCUS

For Immediate Release
Contact: Press Office

Thursday, January 3, 2008
703-650-5550



ARLINGTON , VA -- U.S. Senator John McCain today issued the following statement regarding the results of the Iowa Caucus:



"I thank each and every Iowan who braved the cold to caucus tonight, as well as my tremendous Iowa staff and leadership for all of their hard work over the past year. They worked wonders with far fewer resources than their competitors. I also congratulate Governor Huckabee on his victory tonight.



"Now the campaign turns to New Hampshire for the first-in-the-nation primary. As Granite State voters know best, I will continue to deliver straight talk about the critical issues facing our country. I will talk about the unique experience that prepares me to lead as commander in chief from day one, and makes me the only Republican who can win the White House in 2008.



"We started this together, New Hampshire , eight years ago. In five days, we're going to send the same message we did then: change is coming."

Get Ready for some Game! Watch John McCain's speech on January 9th - Live Love from New Hampshire afte the Season Kickoff Victory! We will be with John McCain's Team here in Chicago on New Hampshire Primary Night -McCain's Got Game!



Meghan McCain's great Photos from
http://www.mccainblogette.com/

Harry Paget Flashman and George Macdonald Fraser - R.I.P.

Te Deum! Non Nobis Sed Te Deum!

Well, that was what the old Anglo/Catholic rituals and send-offs should ring from England's fields and forests. But - I prefer this quote from Flashy from Flashman's Lady:


"I'm not proud of what happened in the next moment. Of course, I was very young and thoughtless, and my great days of instant flight and evasion were still ahead of me, but even so, with ... my native cowardice to boot, my reaction was inexcusable ... in my youthful folly and ignorance, I absolutely stood there gaping ..." at a lusty busted Temptress!

In my Freshman year at Loyola University (1970) I was introduced to the world of history by Father Charles Ronan, S. J. and to the one created by George MacDonald Fraser, a Scottish novelist with a jeweler's eye for history, and his creation - Harry Paget Flashman. Fraser took a 19th Century villain of Tom Brown's School Day and developed the greatest scoundrel, lecher, coward, hypocrite, swindler, pimp, cheat, drunkard, and lay-about into the most affecting and charming rouge in literature.

History often presents us with idealized heroes who often can not withstand the careful eye of truth and our delusions and illusions cast us into funks of depression and incivility. Not so our villains. George MacDonald Fraser once said that he always rooted for the 'bad guys' in adventure stories and movies- Basil Rathbone over Errol Flynn; Aaron Burr over Thomas Jefferson; Mike Tyson over Anyone.

George Mac Donald Fraser died but his character Flashman - Flashy lives on Fraser's novels - Read them. You may learn some history and you will laugh yourself to good health.

Damme, More Claret! Now for some bodice ripping! Here's a Wikpedia Plot Summary from the first Novel in the series - Flashman

Flashman's expulsion from Rugby for drunkenness leads him to join the Army for what he hopes will be a sinecure. He joins the 11th Regiment of Light Dragoons commanded by Lord Cardigan whom he toadies in his best style. After an affair with a fellow officer's lover, he is forced to fight a duel but wins after promising a large sum of money to the pistol loader to give his opponent blanks in his gun. He does not kill his opponent but instead delopes and accidentally shoots the top off a bottle thirty yards away, an action that gives him instant fame and the respect of Duke of Wellington. However, once it was found out what they were fighting over, Flashman is stationed in Scotland. He is quartered with the Morrison family, and soon enough he takes advantage of one of the daughters, Elspeth. After a forced marriage, Flashman is forced to resign the Hussars due to marrying below his station. He is given another option, to make his reputation in India.

By showing off his language and riding skills in India, Flashman is assigned to the worst frontier of the British Empire at that time, Afghanistan. His adventures include the retreat from Kabul, Last Stand at Gandamak and the Siege of Jalalabad, in the First Anglo-Afghan War. Despite being captured, tortured, and escaping death numerous times, and hiding and shirking his duty as much as possible, he comes through it all alive and with a hero's reputation.

Here are Gorrge Mac Donald Fraser's Flashman novels: ( again from Wikpedia - Thank God for that handy tool)

Flashman • Royal Flash • Flash for Freedom! • Flashman at the Charge • Flashman in the Great Game • Flashman's Lady • Flashman and the Redskins • Flashman and the Dragon • Flashman and the Mountain of Light • Flashman and the Angel of the Lord • Flashman and the Tiger • Flashman on the March


Click on my Post Title for the Death Notice of George MacDonald Fraser - Good on You George!
Get To Reading!

John McCain - Running The Table in New Hampshire!

The only candidate with the integrity, experience, grit and sense of self to lead America in time of War on Islamist Terror has 'run the table in New Hampshire,' like Willie Mosconi (During the 1940s and 1950s, the pocket billiards game most often played in competition was called straight pool, or 14.1 continuous, a form of billiards considered by most top players to be more difficult than today's championship pool game 9-ball. Willie Mosconi still holds the officially recognized high run record of 526 consecutive balls - Wikpedia)- grabbing every media endorsement in the deep snows of New England and he's showing muscle among frozen corn stalks of Iowa without spending nickle one on ADS.

John McCain has given the American People a Candidate around whom they can unify the Republic and set the country's course with his Straight Talk and confident stewardship.

Here's the
Franklin Pierce/WBZ Poll: New Hampshire Presidential Primary



December 27-31



Sen. John McCain 37

Mitt Romney 31

Rudy Giuliani 10

Mike Huckabee 5

Rep. Ron Paul 6

Fred Thompson 2



Spread: McCain +6.0



Rack 'em!

Remember to Go Live on the Web Chat with Brad Marston on Staurday January 5th. Log on to the Spin Room at the upcoming ABC News/Facebook Debate. Brad Marston will be Live Blogging/Webcasting live from 6pm until Midnight on Saturday January 5th from the Spin Room at St. Anselms College in Manchester NH.

It will be at the live chat at www.azamatterofact.com



Giant Hat Tip to Meghan McCain and her cute Pal Shannon for their great Photos of Senator McCain's Historic Run of the Tables!

McCainiacs! Get on the Wonkosphere!

It took decades for Blogger Pat Hickey to master the fact that carburetor no longer plays a role in auto motives, but he easily came to understand the power of the WONKOSPHERE!



Boys and Girls, take this from a fundamentally 'challenged' individual. My wife used to order a drop cloth for me whenever we dined; turned off the circuit breaker before I was allowed to change light bulbs ( nothing over 40 Watts -mind you.); and counted the change for me at Illinois Tollbooths.

I am now on the Wonkosphere - a mathematically charged site that assesses the information on the individual and collective political worlds of all the candidates in this Political Season. My oyster cracker of a mind reels at this Brave New World!

Qui Prospero?

Sheridan Folger - The MadIrishman of New England has brought John McCain's message onto the Wonkosphere. I had a recent post listed as well.

However The Best Man to Lead America in the War on Islamist Terror shows weak BUZZ.

All John McCain Bloggers- if you have NOT registered on the Wonkosphere, DO SO NOW!
Let's get the McCain BUZZ SAW Humming! Click on my Post and get on the Wonkosphere - ASAP! I did it and only cut four fingers.

The bleeding has stopped - thanks for the good thoughts.

Move Kiddies - McCain needs more Buzz!

John McCain Says,' Don't Be A Square - Get Up on There! Chat Live With Brad Marston!'

*




As an added feature - Here are National Mope, Jay R. Gordner's thoughts on matters of the heart. More great info on the Sgt. McNulty USMC v.Gordner A$$ below.






"What have you done today to make you feel Proud?"

Here's an opportunity on Saturday, January 5th Brad is credentialed for the Spin Room at the upcoming ABC News/Facebook Debate. Brad will be Live Blogging/Webcasting live from 6pm (EST) until Midnight on Saturday January 5th from the Spin Room at St. Anselm's Colege in Manchester NH.


John McCain's lead internet Campaign Worker, Brad Marston, will be at the live chat at www.azamatterofact.com Link there and join Brad and all the National Team McCainiacsincluding yours truly in support of the Senator John McCain for President. Bard Marston is the host of azamatterofact.blogspot.com


Make your Voice Heard! Talk Straight! Get Answers.

The link is http://azamatterofact.blogspot.com/2007/12/live-webcastchatblog-from-spin-room-at.html


Click my post title for the direct link! McCain is GO! He ran the table with New Hampshire Endorsements; Spent Not Nickle One on Ads in Iowa; Has opponents shooting themselves squarely in each foot; and Americans are energized by Straight Talk!
What would Howard Dean Say? Oh, sorry that was cruel. New Year and I'm still a mean little bastard.


Note - Well done to all Good Souls who took the side of Sgt. Michael McNulty over the oafish lawyer Jay R Grodner yesterday!Way to end the Year by spanking a bully and a louse! Well done Bill Burden of BLACKFIVE.COM!

*Here is a great site that deals soundly and forcefully on National Mope Jay R. Gordner, Esq. - Balance Sheet.Wordpresshttp://balancesheet.wordpress.com/2007/12/31/shitbird-chicago-lawyer/

McCain Bloggers Live with Brad Marston! Jan.5th

Great Photos by Sheridan Folger!Faugh A Ballagh

M. Brad Marston, National Chair McCainVictory08 asks,

"What have you done today to make you feel Proud?"

Here's an opportunity on Saturday, January 5th Brad is credentialed for the Spin Room at the upcoming ABC News/Facebook Debate. Brad will be Live Blogging/Webcasting live from 6pm (EST) until Midnight on Saturday January 5th from the Spin Room at St. Anselm's Colege in Manchester NH.


John McCain's lead internet Campaign Worker, Brad Marston, will be at the live chat at www.azamatterofact.com Link there and join Brad and all the National Team McCainiacsincluding yours truly in support of the Senator John McCain for President. Bard Marston is the host of azamatterofact.blogspot.com


Make your Voice Heard! Talk Straight! Get Answers.

The link is http://azamatterofact.blogspot.com/2007/12/live-webcastchatblog-from-spin-room-at.html


Click my post title for the direct link! McCain is GO! He ran the table with New Hampshire Endorsements; Spent Not Nickle One on Ads in Iowa; Has opponents shooting themselves squarely in each foot; and Americans are energized by Straight Talk!
What would Howard Dean Say? Oh, sorry that was cruel. New Year and I'm still a mean little bastard.


Note - Well done to all Good Souls who took the side of Sgt. Michael McNulty over the oafish lawyer Jay R Grodner yesterday!Way to end the Year by spanking a bully and a louse! Well done Bill Burden of BLACKFIVE.COM!

John McCain Honors Troops but Chicago Anti-War Lawyer Plays the Law to Beat Young Marine out of Damages

Marine McNulty's Car damaged days before deployment to Iraq by Chicago Anti-War Lawyer


Blackfive Website Manager Bill Burden and his beautiful Bride


Iraq War Vet Bill Burden and his Ride



John McCain served - understatement that -and continues to Honor those who serve. I support John McCain. Other Americans Honor Veterans and Servicemen and some do no such thing.

Some people, whom American men and women defend with their very lives and limbs, use American Freedoms to whatever they feel compelled to do in the name of Free Speech in order to protest the military. American Law is defended by the military and well it should be; however, a Chicago lawyer decided that he could destroy the property of an American serviceman, in order to make 'his statement' about what he believes to be an unjust war. Now, that lawyer will use the Laws, being defended by thousands of young Americans in harm's way, to avoid the costs of little protest.

This is from a Veteran who runs a website in support of America Service People and Veterans rights - www.blackfive.net

Click on my post title for Chicago Veteran Cavalryman William Alexander Burden's story which I deliver second hand to you good folks.

Bill Burden is a Patriot!

Marine Sgt Mike McNulty is on activation orders to Iraq (second tour). On December 1st, 2007, Mike went to visit a friend in Chicago before deploying to say goodbye. In order to get to his friend's residence, and keep in mind that Chicago is a myriad of diagonal and one-way streets, the front entrance (right way) to the one-way street was blocked. Mike, being a Marine, overcame and adapted by driving around the block to the other end of the street and backing up all the way to his friend's place.

While saying goodbye, at about 11am, he noticed a man leaning up against his car. Mike left his friend's apartment and caught the man keying his car on multiple sides. After caught in the process, the man told Mike, "you think you can do whatever you want with Department of Defense license plates and tags". (In Illinois you can purchase veteran, Marine, or medal plates. Mike has Illinois Marine Corps license plates.) During the exchange, he made additional anti-military comments.

Mike called the Chicago police and had the man arrested. A citation against the man was issued for misdemeanor criminal damage to private property.

Read Bill Burden's full account of the action and the subsequent pettifogery of the lawyer in avoiding the costs encumbant upon his 'personal protest.' Bill gives you name of the lawyer and the Police Report as well.

Protest and Civil Disobedience requires that the protester face the consequences of his statement or criminal action - unless of course that protester is an ambulance chaser.

McCain is a GO!

Last night while the New England Patriots were sweating it out, I got a call from a Chicago-born McCainiac in Florida. 'Hickey, I just talked with Jim Durkin ( Illinois McCain Chairman and Illnois State Representative(R-IL 82nd) we're getting our people together for McCain's Victory in New Hampshire and I'm coming home to Chi' to help scare up a crowd for John McCain. Get the three people who still like you to show up.'

'Nuff said. Did he mean besides my three kids? Think, Boy, Think!

Then this morning I got a e-mail from Brad Marston - the hardest working man in cyber-politics, and I linked his message to my post title. It is a call to action! That's all! More work for all of us! Americans love to work!

John McCain is a Go - all the way to the Oval Office! The American People are hearing Straight Talk and responding to it! Straight Talk is always truth, but sometimes it includes home truths about our own personal short-comings. We do not want to hear that we need to make more sacrifices and maybe put aside a special interest or a scheme for the good of the whole country. That is why straight talk, like hard work, is good or us.
It knocks us out of our belly-button staring self-absorbtions.

If we want feel good messages or announcements that someone else will carry our burdens -ooze on over to the other candidates. John McCain is calling Pat Hickey to get off his fat ass and get to work! I'm up and moving Senator!


Above are some great Meghan McCain photos of the hard-working voters of Iowa on the GO for Senator John McCain. Click on my post title and on with Brad Marston and get to work!

McCain: 'I am Legend - Here's the Truth and it Ain't Happy Talk!'

More Great Meghan McCain Photos!

In Iowa, concerned about the cost of the war on Islamist Terror, a voter asked Senator John McCain,'Are you going to cut student loans?" she asked. "Are you going to cut Social Security? Are you going to raise taxes?'

Expecting the usual Pious Pies and empty calorie Spin Salad, the voter was treated to classic McCain Straight Talk Steak and Spuds:

"It's going to be a heavy tax burden, but not nearly the burden we'd be paying in American blood had we surrendered in Iraq," McCain said. He added that he would not raise taxes but would eliminate wasteful spending.

Ron Paul's Video Rangers are choking web sites with all kinds of economic graphs and ledgers of Trillions of dollars not lining their pockets and lubricating their lifestyles; Rudy is working the 9/11 Greatest Generation's kids response, Mitt is Rope-a-Doping; Huckabee sings; and the Democrats play the Kos Cards.

John McCain proves that he is the only candidate of any Party with the character, experience, know-how, courage, and conviction to lead America in time of War on Islamist terror.

Ask John McCain questions! He'll give you the Straight Talk! You might not care for answer but his response is one you need to hear.


Click on post title for the answer to John McCain's continued surge in the confidence of the American People!

McCain Leads from out Front!

Meghan McCain's great photo of two Great Americans!


“It has very little to do with national security issues,” Mr. McCain said. “It has a lot to do with handling a post-crisis. As far as I know, Mayor Giuliani has never been to Iraq.”


The assassination of former Prime Minister Benizar Bhutto, a courageous and thoughtful woman, by Islamist Terrorists brought home to America the very real need for a leader steeped in awareness of global threats- A Leader who prepares for the threats to come and prepared to react to crises before they impact on American Interests and safety. John McCain has his Straight Talk to Iowa, where on weeks ago he had been written off.

Senator Joe Lieberman had this to say about John McCain's ability to the American People:

As President, John McCain will bring America together again. He will inspire a new American unity and a new American patriotism. He will push all of us to work together to solve our biggest problems, and defeat our most dangerous enemies.

Throughout our history, succeeding generations of brave Americans have risked their lives for the cause of freedom -- which is America's cause. Throughout his career, from the ranks of the military to halls of the Congress, John McCain has made freedom's cause his own. He learned the ideals of patriotism and service from his father, he taught them to his sons, and he will hold those ideals high as an inspiration for all Americans.

When others were silent, and it was thought politically unpopular, John had the courage and common sense to sound the alarm about the mistakes we were making in Iraq and to call for more troops and a new strategy there. And when others wavered, when others wanted to retreat from the field of battle, John had the courage and the common sense to stand against the tide of public opinion and support the surge in Iraq, where we are at last winning.

There are many fine people running for President. Many of them are good friends of mine. But I have concluded -- and I hope you will, as well -- that John McCain is the candidate who can best reunite our country and lead us to victory.

https://secure.donationreport.com/donation.html;jsessionid=0FBAEB2EB62135EE1A302BE1535D8C95
Every candidate is a public service Patriot. Every person in the mix for the votes of American People for the Office of President has the will to lead, but only John McCain has the qualifications to 'protect, preserve and defend' ur American Republic.

Click on my post title for the New York Times report the opening of John McCain's Iowa run.

Maverick McCain Pulling in the Chips in Iowa

The Maverick Brothers were all 'tall dark strangers there' but John McCain is one of the neighbors and he's pulling in piles of chips in the No Limit Game in Iowa!

I hope all of you had a Blessed and wonderful Christmas! John McCain appears to be pulling in numbers in Iowa.

Here in Illinois State Representative Jim Durkin is getting the McCain Team limbered up for a bi-partisan push that will stun the Daily Kososovans who continue to natter on about Gen. Petreaus and the cut-and-run strategy for Iraq.

Sorry kids, that dog won't bark, let alone get off the rug, or much less hunt.

It seems that the 'white shoes after Labor day' GOP are yet betrothed to Rudy and truly extreme are following Ron Paul's Blimp to the cliff. Fred gets a shout; Mitt has some loyal followers; Rev. Huckabee a loyal circle of disciples, but John McCain is recognized as the Real Deal.

The folks west of the Mississippi are waking up to John McCain's honest, tough and straight talking message! Click on my post title for the latest UPI story on McCain gains in Iowa!

Great photo from Meghan McCain!

Merry Christmas to All - From The Hickeys!

McCain Plants Himself in Townhall Meetings - Greets the Opposition with Candor!

HT -to Meghan McCain for her great photos of the McCain Campaign. Check out Meghan's great site at


http://www.mccainblogette.com/


While other candidates are planting shills in the audience or lighting up blimps, John McCain takes to the people. In a wondeful Boston Globe article John McCain reveals his true nature to those who would oppose him -'You might not like what I have to say but here it is!'

John McCain tells folks who detest his stand on immigration reform and other weighty issues to fa candidate to back - this is America!

"The McCain town-hall meeting sets the standard," said Fergus Cullen, the state Republican party chairman, who is remaining neutral in the primary. "Any candidate who wants to be successful in New Hampshire should do exactly what he does."

Other candidates would find the experience hard to replicate. The only certainty at a McCain event is that the candidate will begin with some familiar jokes - in Bedford, he began with a full seven minutes of comic material, touching on identity theft and drunk Irish twins - and end, sometimes as long as 90 minutes later, with the piano chords of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'."

In between, McCain does all he can to manufacture dramatic tension from what could become a prosaic exchange over policy. Even though most of the questions fall into predictable categories for which he has standard answers - Iraq, terrorism, immigration, the economy, global warming - McCain invites his interlocutors to follow up after he has answered their questions, elevating innocent queries into robust debates.Continued...

McCain appears to gain more strength from confronting attendees of these meetings than locating areas of agreement. When environmentally minded voters ask about climate change, McCain will usually go out of his way to tell them he supports the expanded use of nuclear power. After a young woman in Bedford cited a poll that said military families were unhappy with the direction of the war in Iraq, McCain disputed the question's premise and berated her for believing the survey's results.

It does not take much for McCain to tell voters who disagree with his positions that they should back another candidate. When a man rose in Raymond and contested the right of Mexican immigrants to receive emergency medical care, McCain said, "It's that option or let them die." This did not seem to move the man, who added that those who die crossing a border "take their chances."

"I guess that's one way of looking at it," McCain responded calmly. "And I understand why you wouldn't support me."

McCain tries to keep his act fresh, relying on opening remarks he adjusts to the news with an anchorman's sense of timing, from constitutional turmoil in Pakistan one day to the debate in Washington over torture the next.

"I think it's very important to be talking about the issue of the day," McCain explained. "The people would be badly served if I started a town hall meeting without talking about Pakistan."

Among McCain's Republican rivals, only Mitt Romney has done a large number of similar open-invitation meetings in New Hampshire, with Rudy Giuliani and Fred Thompson preferring quick visits to restaurants or friendly venues like house parties or businesses. "You're never going to be asked an awkward question at a house party because the guests all know the hosts and aren't going to embarrass their friend," said Cullen.

Where some other candidates steer clear of gadflies for organized causes, McCain preemptively calls on those wearing "I Am a Health Care Voter" or "Stop Global Warming" stickers to give them a platform. In Bedford, McCain pointed to Melissa Skinner, a volunteer for the One anti-poverty moment standing in the back of a crowded room in a black T-shirt with the group's logo. Skinner said afterward that she has attended many candidate events but that "McCain is the first to call on me."

"These are the kind of people we ought to recognize as the outstanding citizens in our community," McCain said in an interview, although his policy of offering the mike to anyone who shows up to an event in costume seems to promote theatrics as much as civics. McCain recently informed a snowman making a point about global warming that he resembled a "chicken" and a teenager wearing a Santa Claus hat that he looked "kind of dorky."

The composition of crowds - which are raised by phone and mail invitations to both Republicans and independents within driving distance - has shifted in recent months, from a concentration of McCain loyalists to a mix of supporters and undecided voters.

The events' unpredictability helps lure independents, a key McCain constituency, according to the campaign's media consultant Mark McKinnon. "People enjoy it because it's a high-wire act and because you never know what will happen. There's always a chance of a car wreck. That's why people go to the Indy 500," McKinnon said, citing such unscripted moments as McCain's notorious rendition of the Beach Boys song "Barbara Ann" with lyrics altered to "bomb Iran."

Indeed, McCain, too, is drawn to the spectacle, often retreating to his bus and reviewing a previous town hall with a theatre critic's focus on the moments of tension and unease.

"In politics, so much is just predictable, totally scripted," said Meghan McCain, the candidate's daughter. "That's why he loves the town hall, because anything can happen."

In Portsmouth, a veteran named Greg Majors rose to say that a motorcycle accident had left him living for the past 22 years with a traumatic brain injury. Majors, in halting speech, said he was "taking up valuable space" and found his existence "pointless."

Unlike other tales of personal despair candidates face - about a sick relative facing rising health-care costs, or from a worker laid off due to outsourcing - there was no policy corner where McCain could find refuge, just one man asking another why he should continue to live.

"Why don't I just pass it off to someone else and just exterminate my life?" Majors asked.

McCain turned away from Majors as he grasped for a response. "Greg, we want you and we love you and we need you, and you will be our inspiration with your courage," McCain told him.

"I've never seen anything like that," McCain said later on, lamenting the "inadequacy" he felt in being unable to comfort Majors, as well as a man at a town hall the previous evening who stood up to talk about his ongoing struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

"When everybody says, 'Oh, don't you get tired of it? Don't you dislike it? Isn't it a drag?' all that, you have experiences like the last two we had within the last sixteen hours," McCain said. "And it's incredible."

McCain appears to gain more strength from confronting attendees of these meetings than locating areas of agreement. When environmentally minded voters ask about climate change, McCain will usually go out of his way to tell them he supports the expanded use of nuclear power. After a young woman in Bedford cited a poll that said military families were unhappy with the direction of the war in Iraq, McCain disputed the question's premise and berated her for believing the survey's results.

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PDF Boston Globe poll of the New Hampshire primary
McCain's town hall events hit home in N.H.
Symbolism of immigration drives economic fears in Iowa prairie town
Obama and Clinton each claim greater backing from foreign policy specialists
Campaign Notebook Giuliani says he got checked out for headache in St. Louis
More coverage of Campaign '08 more stories like thisIt does not take much for McCain to tell voters who disagree with his positions that they should back another candidate. When a man rose in Raymond and contested the right of Mexican immigrants to receive emergency medical care, McCain said, "It's that option or let them die." This did not seem to move the man, who added that those who die crossing a border "take their chances."

"I guess that's one way of looking at it," McCain responded calmly. "And I understand why you wouldn't support me."

Boston Globe
Click on my post title for the great Boston Globe article - especially the poignant exchange between John McCain and the troubled Veteran. How someone could not understand that John McCain is the Real Deal is beyond me - but, so is the New York Times.

Last night, I participated in a national conference chat with McCain Bloggers orchestrated by Brad Marston. It was great to experience the energy and enthusiam Americans from all over the country in supporting the only candidate of any Party who can lead America in time of war with Islamist terror. Well done, Brad, Vicki, Michael, Jeff, Eric, Sheridan, and JM!