You have to consider the source here, but given McCain's "maverick" reputation, the numerous times he's embraced issues at odds with the Republican base (amnesty for illegals, global warming, etc.), and his infamous collusion with the "Gang of 14" on President Bush's judicial nominees, and rumors of this type circulating for years, it's kinda hard for the rank and file Republican to refute such an assertion.
From NewsMax:
During Daschle’s appearance Sunday on MSNBC’s “Meet the Press,” host Tim Russert noted that Daschle said in February, “It’s true that we were once close to bringing John McCain into the Democratic caucus. There are many who can verify that.” Russert asked, “John McCain almost became a Democrat?”
Daschle answered: “Never a Democrat, but an independent. He was so angry at the way he was treated and the problems he had with the Bush administration in 2001, Tim, that he came to us and said, ‘Look, I’m seriously considering becoming an independent and caucusing with you. Let’s talk about it.’ And we did.”
“Aligning himself with the Democrats in the Senate?” Russert asked.
“Exactly,” Daschle replied.
While this statement by Tom Daschle can't be good for McCain (nor can it be intended to be good for McCain), neither will it come as a surprise to most Republicans.
Too bad Republicans don't seem have a Republican to vote for in this presidential election...
2 comments:
Actually, I think it might help McCain. True, that's not the kind of thing Republicans want to hear, but moderates and independents might like to hear that. This election is going to be won or lost by who can best bring moderates and independents into their fold.
Moderates and independents are typically more liberal, which means they naturally lean more toward the Democrats. When presented with the choice between a real liberal and a wannabe-liberal, I think they'll choose the genuine article every time.
The Republican Party used to try and win over moderates and independents with the strength of conservative ideas and principles; that's the right way to build a "big tent." However, too many Republicans in recent years have decided the way to get more voters in the tent is to throw out conservative principles to make room.
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