Why McCain should be the GOP nominee

While I rely on the American press to remain as objective as possible throughout the political process, I refuse to do so. It is no secret that I am a fan of John McCain, but it is now that I lay out why I am such a fan.

Primarily, it is about having an independent minded conservative politician as the President of the United States. While people of the likes of Rush Limbaugh and Tom DeLay have bristled at the idea of a McCain presidency, there is no doubt that McCain is a bona fide conservative. He has consistently opposed wasteful spending, cut taxes, fairly but firmly executed US foreign policy, and values strong families and a strong economy. What people like DeLay are really angry about is that he "won't always do what's in the best interest of the Party." His motivation is always what is best for the country. That means that if he believes dealing with global warming is in the nation's best interest, he will take it on. If it means that we must have a troop surge because allowing Iraq to degrade into anarchy would be disastrous, it means that he backs that unpopular policy. It also means being the ONLY candidate from the GOP to correctly stand against the torture that is water boarding. Meanwhile, Mitt Romney hasn't found a position on an issue he doesn't like if it means it is popular amongst the people he is talking to.

Secondly, it is about breaking the cycle of 20 years of gridlock in Washington, DC. While everyone likes to talk about George Bush's polarizing politics, no one wants to admit his strategy is based upon a pattern established by the Clintons in the 90's. The savage lies and distortions now directed against Obama were commonplace in the (first?) Clinton Administration when dealing with the GOP in the 90's or the numerous women Bill harassed or assaulted. No other candidate in the GOP field will be able to weather and turn back the Clinton attacks; thus no other candidate fairs as well in hypothetical polls against the potential Democratic nominees. And there's a reason for this - McCain is the anti-Clinton. He has served his country, rather than having a 30 year strategy to get the country to serve him. He's against pork projects, while she is the Queen of Pork. With her treatment of Obama, it is clear that Hillary will say and do anything to become president. McCain will run a principled, tough campaign but won't lie and won't lower himself to win. And Hillary certainly can't play the experience card - he has 3 times the service at the national level compared to her and has a more principled stand on foreign and domestic affairs.

I don't agree with McCain on every issue. I think his principled stand on immigration needed to be matched with an equally principled stand on securing the border. But I don't ever have to worry about McCain making decisions on what is best for him, his cronies, or the Republican Party. I know his decisions are based upon what is right for the country. No other candidate does this, and thus no other candidate is qualified to be the leader of the United States. Ultimately, I believe John McCain is exactly what this country needs after 20 years of gridlock and 8 years of inept leadership.