Beware of Change…McCain

Covering the conventions was a remarkable experience and one that I am grateful to the sponsors, listeners and 971FM Talk’s management for providing. It was an opportunity to see first hand the behind the scenes spectacle of what has become the two party’s biggest promotion. While I am as passionate and convicted as ever about policy and process, I am equally suspect of the leadership of the parties. Beware of the drone like cheering, rah-rah attitude; there are many battles on going. In addition, let us not forget those who have paid the ultimate political price for taking a stand against the liberal, moderate groups within both parties. Not to rain on the historic nomination of a principled, social conservative, but battles lay ahead and the war is far from won.

Observing the leadership of the Democratic Party, I notice a visible split between the Daschle/Ried communication approach and the McCaskill/Bayh. Having interviewed all but one (Bayh), I can tell that the former softly speaking vicious talking points without engaging in intellectual honest debate (just repeating the points) approach is on the way out, albeit slowly. This is significant because liberalism, when challenged, cannot be sustained; it collapses due to its illogical, historical underpinnings. I sincerely appreciate Senator McCaskill wiliness to engage, but I realize she is attributing to the demise of her leftist party. Two things conservatives and all Americans should take from this:

• Talk radio, Fox news and the blogesphere have been positive for the truth.
• Conservatives should welcome any opportunity to engage in two-way debate on the issues.

At the Republican convention, I was struck by the palpable enthusiasm for Sarah Palin. I was also struck by the short memory of many conservatives of John McCain’s positions. You can say it is not the time to discuss what has separated John McCain from conservatives in the Republican Party, but I contend that it is the best time (maximum leverage) to make sure that McCain continues to embrace the conservative foundation of party. Let me clear, McCain is dramatically the best choice for president in this cycle, especially with the Palin nod. McCain also has been a called a Maverick because of limiting free speech (McCain Feingold), Amnesty (McCain Kennedy) and half-baked environmental regulation (McCain-Lieberman Stewardship Act). The fact is he is not a conservative, and that Sarah Palin was a move to appease evangelicals/social conservative base. Consider the fact that he was considering Joe Lieberman, a good man, but a choice that would have shattered the foundation of the Grand Old Party. Yes, I realize there have been modifications to certain positions, but as President, I am keenly aware of McCain’s foundation. Just ask people like JD Hayworth, who fought, and won the good fight, but had the misfortune of not being on McCain’s side.

Please read this article as my sincere desire to speak the truth, and not sour grapes. I only humbly request that we remain vigilant in our defense of our principles on life, marriage and adherence to the constitution, which, like our country’s founding, is based on the Judeo/Christian foundation.

Keep the faith,
Crane Durham
314-613-7834