Monday, February 04, 2008

Giving McCain His Day

Lets give him a chance, says Bill Kristol:

One might add a special reason that conservatives — and the nation
— owe John McCain at least a respectful hearing. Only a year ago, we were headed
toward defeat in Iraq. Without McCain’s public advocacy and private lobbying,
President Bush might not have reversed strategy and announced the surge of
troops in January 2007. Without McCain’s vigorous leadership, support for the
surge in Congress would not have been sustained in the first few months of 2007.
So: No McCain, no surge. No surge, failure in Iraq, a terrible setback for
America — and, as it happens, no chance for a G.O.P. victory in 2008.


McCain was my 3rd choice among the top GOP contenders for the White House early on. First, there was Rudy Giuliani, who I felt was the most experienced to govern the nation, but was doubtful he could beat Hillary. I liked Mitt Romney's personality and energy second, but felt him too much an unknown to beat the Democrat nominee. Then there was McCain, who, at first didn't seem to have a prayer, but now is actually beating Hillary in nation wide polls.

Feeling pretty good now about the Right's chances come November!