WP: Bush, McCain Look Beyond Differences

[kskiska]

FORT LEWIS, Wash., June 18 -- President Bush and Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) put aside their animosity Friday and hugged onstage at a rally for 6,000 soldiers, ending any hopes of some Democrats that the maverick Republican would form a cross-party ticket with Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass).

Bush and McCain, whose relations had been at best businesslike since they faced off in the GOP primaries of 2000, praised each other effusively as they appeared on the same podium for the first time in more than four years.

Bush, waving repeatedly to the crowd as he strode onto the stage amid applause, walked straight toward McCain and put his arms around him. The Arizonan leaned his head toward Bush's cheek, and then the president grinned as the senator whispered in his ear.

Officials close to the negotiations said the unexpected detente resulted from concern in Bush's camp about reaching more independent voters and preserving the party's traditional hold on military veterans, coupled with McCain's desire for a legacy as a loyal Republican rather than a prima donna whose dalliance with Kerry gave energy to the Democrat's campaign.

more…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A53413-2004Jun18.html

[harrison]

1. I used to like John McCain, but maybe he ought to be more

concerned about the future of the US, rather than about his legacy as a Republican. Sad that he would go out and endorse this man.

[kskiska]

2. Well…

He made his bed…

[Dagaz]

3. Kerry made a mistake

He called McCain the unifying element and now he's unifying Republicans and moderates. This really puts the spotlight on his VP pick now..will he go to Sam Nunn to get right? or will he go with the Edwards pick? or maybe Gep? I bet he gous right since he knows that the anti war crowd will vote for him anyway on an ABB platform.

[shraby]

4. McCain is probably going to

take over as the repug presidential nominee when shrub goes down in flames soon.

[Dagaz]

5. They could have a deal

Bush supports McCain in 2008. I hear that Clinton prises Bush in his book on Iraq saying he'd do the same. If that's true this isn't good and it may be a race to see who runs against Hillary in '08.

[gumby]

6. McCain was always

and will always be a winger.

Anyone who ever though otherwise hasn't looked at his record.

Same thing goes with all the other so-called GOP "moderates." When the rubber meets the road, they almost always side with the wingers -- including McCain. Phooey.

[dbt]

7. Dead ON it, gumby!

Every time I think I might somehow be able to stomach McCain again, he turns right (all puns fully intended) back into a big-money corporate ass-ki$$er. Now he Embraces The Reptile--in public.

Fuck McCain.

Deeply.
Severely.
Repeatedly.

:freak:
dbt
Welcome to DU!

PS: Fuck Reagan while we're at it.

[gumby]

11. Dittos on the 'ps'

[DeaconBlues]

8. McCain is a dangerous type of Republican

he's just as right-wing as the rest, but he maintains an image of independence and moderation. Not too many Republicans can pull it off.

[AlCzervik]

9. I swear i keep hoping he's a mole

as for a vp for Kerry, no fing way, there are plenty of democrats suitable for that slot.

[DeaconBlues]

10. He's two-faced

He seems to be a human being when he's on television (like his visit to the Daily Show), but just check out his Senate voting record. The only times he hasn't towed the party line is the vote for campaign finance reform and, I believe, a few of the tax cut packages.