Submitted by Tim, Jan 7, 2008 09:33

William F. Buckley Jr. will always have my respect and admiration for almost single-handedly creating the modern conservative movement. But he is just plain wrong when he says that McCain's "rebuke" in Iowa had "only a single reason for it, namely his defense of the Iraq war." Actually his rebuke was for every other reason other than his support for the Iraq war, with which position conservatives heartily agree. But McCain is not a conservative. He is a self-styled, self-important "maverick". He was on the wrong side of the illegal immigration debate, proposing amnesty for millions of illegals. He is on the wrong side of the First Amendment - he is not in favor of it. He doesn't like President Bush's tax cuts. His history goes back to Keating 5 and the savings and loan scandal. His membership in the so-called "Gang of 14" shows his grasp of conservative principles and the roles of the three branches of government is quite loose at best. McCain also often comes across as an arrogant power-wielder who likes to throw temper tantrums. I for one want my President to be more measured, more humble, more in the mold of "speak softly but carry a big stick." OK, now for the obligatory praise for his service to his country in the military - few could have borne it as well as he and noone could wish what he went through on any American. But as a Senator and as a Presidential candidate, his positions on the issues, his demeanor and manner and not least his voting record falls far short for conservatives.

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