Have you seen the Mark Levin smack down of the notion that McCain has a conservative record? Well you really should if you think he will represent your conservative principles in the Oval Office.

The Real McCain Record
Obstacles in the way of conservative support.

By Mark R. Levin

There’s a reason some of John McCain’s conservative supporters avoid discussing his record. They want to talk about his personal story, his position on the surge, his supposed electability. But whenever the rest of his career comes up, the knee-jerk reply is to characterize the inquiries as attacks.

The McCain domestic record is a disaster. To say he fought spending, most particularly earmarks, is to nibble around the edges and miss the heart of the matter. For starters, consider:

Go read the rest, Levin goes through a list of bills John McCain not only supported, he was a Chief author of.

Here’s a nice nugget to get you to make the jump.

McCain-ACLU — the unprecedented granting of due-process rights to unlawful enemy combatants (terrorists).

McCain has repeatedly called for the immediate closing of Guantanamo Bay and the introduction of al-Qaeda terrorists into our own prisons — despite the legal rights they would immediately gain and the burdens of managing such a dangerous population.

While McCain proudly and repeatedly points to his battles with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, who had to rebuild the U.S. military and fight a complex war, where was McCain in the lead-up to the war — when the military was being dangerously downsized by the Clinton administration and McCain’s friend, former Secretary of Defense Bill Cohen? Where was McCain when the CIA was in desperate need of attention? Also, McCain was apparently in the dark about al-Qaeda like most of Washington, despite a decade of warnings.

Now go read all of Levin’s post and follow the links to each example. McCain is engaged in Clintonesque revisionist history on the campaign trail.

Oh and maybe it would be a good idea to take a look at how John McCain was praising Bill Cohen back in December of 1996 when President Clinton was ramping up his second term Cabinet.

SEN. JOHN McCAIN: Well, first of all, one thing I know that Bill will do, and that is rely on people like John White and others to manage the day-to-day operations of the Pentagon, because I think the President chose him for the policy aspects and the really tough decisions that are going to have to be made. You know, we–

JIM LEHRER: Not for the management.

SEN. JOHN McCAIN: No.

JIM LEHRER: Not for management skills.

SEN. JOHN McCAIN: No. We have got to adjust our military establishment to the Cold War reality, post-Cold War realities. We have not done that. There’s going to be enormous in-fighting amongst the services over an ever-shrinking pie and over roles and missions. Bill Cohen played a key role in the formulation of the Goldwater-Nichols Act, and he has the ability, the background, and the knowledge. And by the way, he knows the Defense establishment throughout the world.

He’s traveled extensively, he knows them, and he has good relations with all of our major allies, but he’s going to have to be the toughest kind of referee when we decide to really build a military establishment that’s going to stop buying weapons systems that were tailored for the Cold War, and adjust our roles and missions to meet the threats, which are very difficult and very challenging for the post-Cold War era, and Bill, I think, is uniquely capable to address that, and the day-to-day management of the Pentagon, if I were him, I’d find the best manager I know–and by the way, John White does a good job there.

McCain seemed to be on board with military cuts and less troops. And believe it or not, he called Cheney weak.

Also note the last line of that interview where he pretty much advocated for the Clinton cabinet.

SEN. JOHN McCAIN: Not at all, and I don’t, frankly, see a problem with any of these individuals [ed: the Clinton cabinet appointees], and there may come a nominee that the Republicans decide to, you know, to challenge, but I would predict that they will all get–Madeleine Albright’s nomination, many Republicans will seize as an opportunity to review the foreign policy, national security policy of this administration, but at the end of the day, I think she’ll be overwhelmingly confirmed.

Do you notice how he spoke of Republicans as his opponents back in 1996?

Which John McCain will get inaugurated if he does win?

Huh, what? Just read this.

eeding cows in Kosovo.

The ethnic strife in the Kosovo town of Vitina underscores the challenge that confronts NATO-led peacekeepers as the southern Serbian province prepares to declare independence.

Nearly a decade after Kosovo’s 1998-99 war, tensions still run high between its ethnic Albanian majority and Serbian minority — and the Western military alliance hopes its “boots on the ground” approach will make both sides feel safer as they face an uncertain future.

Can anyone tell me why it is ok to stay as long as needed to have the political solution in Kosovo, but not in Iraq?

Gee, Edwards is doubling down on the defeatism in the run up to Iowa. Go figure. 

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (Daily Kos MN) voted against funds for the troops this evening.

I wonder if the local press will mention that one.

Iran was not invited to the Peace talks taking place in Annapolis this week. Will the 4 dozen plus Nations and groups have the real courage to do the right thing?

Iran’s impact on the peace process has grown in direct relation to its political and strategic gains over the past year, particularly on three of Israel’s borders. Hamas, aided and armed by Iran, last year won the most democratic elections ever held in the Arab world and took control of the Palestinian government and parliament.

The United Nations reported recently that Iran has re-armed Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement since its 33-day military showdown with Israel last year. And Syria, Iran’s closest Arab ally, has the power to be a spoiler and may have been caught trying to acquire nuclear technology this year.  (MSNBC)

Will another Hitler be allowed to reek havoc on the world? Or will good men do brave things and stop them before millions have to die?

The Iranian supplied, trained, and funded terrorist and insurgents in Iraq have been targeting children in Iraq.

BAGHDAD - A suicide bomber detonated his explosives as American soldiers were handing out toys to children northeast of Baghdad on Sunday, killing at least three children and three of the troopers, U.S. and Iraqi authorities said.

The story goes on to talk about a lot of the details of where the battle in Iraq stands, and documents a few other times where terrorists targeted children in the past.

Go check it out.

Here’s the release from Fred Thompson.

Mclean, VA - Today on the steps of the State House in Columbia, SC, surrounded by numerous veterans, Senator Fred Thompson was joined by Major General James Livingston and Lieutenant Colonel Joe Repya to launch Veterans for Fred Thompson.

Major General James Livingston, a 33 year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, will serve as the National Co-Chair of Veterans for Fred Thompson. On May 2, 1968, while serving as the Commanding Officer, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, he distinguished himself above and beyond the call of duty in action against enemy forces and earned the Congressional Medal of Honor. In March 1975, he returned to Vietnam for his third tour and served as the Operations Officer for the Vietnam evacuation operations which included the evacuation of Saigon. During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, General Livingston commanded the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, 29 Palms, California, and developed the Desert Warfare Training Program. In July 1992 he assumed command of the newly created Marine Reserve Force, and continued through its reorganization in October 1994 under its new title, Marine Forces Reserve. His other decorations include: Distinguished Service Medal; Silver Star Medal; Defense Superior Service Medal; Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart, Third Award.

“I am proud to support Senator Fred Thompson,” said Major General James Livingston. “He will bring to the White House a long record of support for our armed forces and veterans, coupled with a commitment to improving the effectiveness and accountability of the federal government. This is critical if we are to rebuild the level of trust and confidence that our military personnel and their families have in the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.”

Lieutenant Colonel Joe Repya will serve as National Executive Director for Veterans for Fred Thompson. Lieutenant Colonel Repya served 28 years in the United States Army from 1969-1998. He was a combat infantry officer in Vietnam from 1970-1971 as well as a combat helicopter pilot in Desert Storm between 1990-1991. Immediately following September 11, 2001, Lieutenant Colonel Repya was one of 12,000 retired US Army veterans to volunteer for retiree recall and he was one of 350 who were recalled to active duty for Operation Iraqi Freedom. At 58 years old, he returned to active duty in 2004 with the 101st Airborne Division. Lieutenant Colonel Repya served as Minnesota Co-Chair and National Spokesperson for Veterans for Bush-Cheney 2004.

“If I have learned anything in my military and civilian life, it is that a good indication of someone’s future performance is their past performance,” said Lieutenant Colonel Repya. “There is only one Republican Presidential Candidate that has been constantly true to the principles of strong national defense, pro-life, pro traditional marriages, pro second amendment, smaller government and strong immigration reform. So it is a personal honor to join the team that will elect the 44th President of the United States, Fred Thompson.”

“I am so honored to have the support of Major General Livingston and Lieutenant Colonel Repya,” said Senator Fred Thompson. “These individuals have dedicated their lives to defending America and fighting for freedom throughout the world, and I am pleased to have their support. I want to thank all of the veterans joining this coalition for their remarkable service to this great nation. I am committed to ensuring that all of our nation’s veterans receive the very best, because their sacrifice demands no less.”

More info available here

Retired Lt. Col. Joe Repya will be joining the Fred Thompson campaign. Repya has taken a National position and will help head up the Vets for Fred arm of the campaign. Repya held a similar position with President Bush in 2004, and has been on the wish list for the Republican candidates in the 2008 cycle.

With 2 months to go until the voting begins in the POTUS sweepstakes, Fred! is gathering strength and gathering his troops for battle. Repya will bring with him experience and knowledge that has been called upon by the current Commander in Chief.

If you are in the GOP camp who feels they must choose the lesser of two evils RINOs in Romney or Rudy, I urge you not to give up on Fred! And for pete’s sake don’t you dare think McCain is an acceptable alternative. All three of them are in fact Big Government Republicans or Liberal on core conservative issues.

I’m reminded of the quote by Patrick Henry on how judging a person’s past is a good indicator of their future actions. Fred Thompson is the only Republican Presidential Candidate that has consistently been on the side of Pro-Life, Pro-Second Amendment, Pro-Marriage, and Pro-Legal Immigration! He is the candidate that all Republicans can vote for and know that he will remain true to our principles and values.” said Repya.

Fred! is a federalist, limited Government candidate who believes in winning the war on terror. He may not meet your slick campaign standards yet or tell you what you want to hear with a smirk or a smile, but on the issues, he’s right!, far more than the others.

We all know Al Franken has waffled a bit on his Iraq stance, ok, he did a 180. He was for it, before he was against it. He’s flipped to the progressive side of the line now that he’s running for the US Senate.

Well on November 10th, former Senator and 9-11 Commission member Bob Kerrey will be stumping for him in the Twin Cities. What is rather interesting is some of Kerrey’s discoveries during his time on the Commission.

CAIRO, Egypt - A former Democratic senator and 9/11 commissioner says a recently declassified Iraqi account of a 1995 meeting between Osama bin Laden and a senior Iraqi envoy presents a “significant set of facts,” and shows a more detailed collaboration between Iraq and Al Qaeda.

In an interview yesterday, the current president of the New School University, Bob Kerrey, was careful to say that new documents translated last night by ABC News did not prove Saddam Hussein played a role in any way in plotting the attacks of September 11, 2001.

Nonetheless, the former senator from Nebraska said that the new document shows that “Saddam was a significant enemy of the United States.” Mr. Kerrey said he believed America’s understanding of the deposed tyrant’s relationship with Al Qaeda would become much deeper as more captured Iraqi documents and audiotapes are disclosed…

“This is a very significant set of facts,” former 9/11 commissioner, Mr. Kerry said yesterday. “I personally and strongly believe you don’t have to prove that Iraq was collaborating against Osama bin Laden on the September 11 attacks to prove he was an enemy and that he would collaborate with people who would do our country harm. This presents facts should not be used to tie Saddam to attacks on September 11. It does tie him into a circle that meant to damage the United States.”

It is the liberal meme now that Saddam was no threat to the US, and that this was an unnecessary war, but one of their own did shed light on the ties to terror Saddam and Iraq had. And as we have found out following the fall of Saddam’s regime, terror networks are truly a world wide global enemy that is adapting to our every move.

The enemy in Iraq has had many faces. The mission has evolved as the threats changed, but I do not believe that one can honestly overlook the facts presented by Democrat Bob Kerrey on Saddam’s ties to terror organizations.

Democrats want a premature end to the war in Iraq, and Franken is trying to win their support, so he does now too. It seems some what odd that he would have a man come to campaign for him that helped defend the reasons for going to war with Saddam in Iraq.

If you think Kerrey has changed his mind, just like Franken on Iraq in the years since his time on the 9-11 Commission, think again.

Let me restate the case for this Iraq war from the U.S. point of view. The U.S. led an invasion to overthrow Saddam Hussein because Iraq was rightly seen as a threat following Sept. 11, 2001. For two decades we had suffered attacks by radical Islamic groups but were lulled into a false sense of complacency because all previous attacks were “over there.” It was our nation and our people who had been identified by Osama bin Laden as the “head of the snake.” But suddenly Middle Eastern radicals had demonstrated extraordinary capacity to reach our shores.

As for Saddam, he had refused to comply with numerous U.N. Security Council resolutions outlining specific requirements related to disclosure of his weapons programs. He could have complied with the Security Council resolutions with the greatest of ease. He chose not to because he was stealing and extorting billions of dollars from the U.N. Oil for Food program.

No matter how incompetent the Bush administration and no matter how poorly they chose their words to describe themselves and their political opponents, Iraq was a larger national security risk after Sept. 11 than it was before. And no matter how much we might want to turn the clock back and either avoid the invasion itself or the blunders that followed, we cannot. The war to overthrow Saddam Hussein is over. What remains is a war to overthrow the government of Iraq.

Some who have been critical of this effort from the beginning have consistently based their opposition on their preference for a dictator we can control or contain at a much lower cost. From the start they said the price tag for creating an environment where democracy could take root in Iraq would be high. Those critics can go to sleep at night knowing they were right.

The critics who bother me the most are those who ordinarily would not be on the side of supporting dictatorships, who are arguing today that only military intervention can prevent the genocide of Darfur, or who argued yesterday for military intervention in Bosnia, Somalia and Rwanda to ease the sectarian violence that was tearing those places apart.

Suppose we had not invaded Iraq and Hussein had been overthrown by Shiite and Kurdish insurgents. Suppose al Qaeda then undermined their new democracy and inflamed sectarian tensions to the same level of violence we are seeing today. Wouldn’t you expect the same people who are urging a unilateral and immediate withdrawal to be urging military intervention to end this carnage? I would.

That’s from an Op Ed in May 2007.

Democrats like Franken want to have it both ways as Kerrey points out. They want to stake out populist positions, and remain the consummate critics of policies, but rarely have the stomach for following through. Kerrey, despite being a partisan Democrat, does make very valid points, and has the courage to stand up to the fringe leftwing power brokers of the Democratic party.

The fact is Saddam and Iraq were a threat. Things didn’t go as planned, and the you-know-what hit the fan, numerous times since the war began. Saddam is gone, and a new enemy has emerged. It is the one Saddam was linked to, terrorists. Leaving Iraq, as Franken and Democrats demand, is not going to lessen the threat to America that terror poses.

War sucks, violence is an unfortunate human condition, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid it at all costs, especially for political motives. The defense of this nation and liberty around the globe is far too serious to leave to men who made their millions making fun of serious people and issues.

Hypocrisy? Or satire? Who cares. Franken is unfit for any public office.

CDS, Clinton Derangement Syndrome.

That’s the MSM’s meme for the Republican POTUS battle. In story after story they try to portray us in the light that their party has been stuck in for 7 years now, only in our case, rather than Bush, we’re all about bashing Clinton. To this day, the Democrats and their MSM allies are running against Bush and ‘his administration’. I don’t see how trying to tie every Republican on the ballot to Bush is not similar, but it is the media after all. And they will do everything in their power to help defeat Republicans.

The Republicans debated again last night, and for some reason the MSM thinks mentioning the presumptive Democratic nominee is out of line. And as is becoming all too common place here in Minnesota, a local lefty TV news anchor is no longer hiding her bias and is letting her politics get in the way of her reporting.

Alix the Anti-War Reporter, Exposes Her Bias Once Again

Alix Kendall who was caught trying to ‘anonymously’ donate $500 to Al Franken’s PAC during the 2006 Elections this Spring, reported on last night’s Republican debate this morning on FOX 9 News, and she used “fringe” to describe it.

It isn’t the first time I have seen her political opinions shine through, heck, take a look at her response to the FrankenPAC defense.

[...] But marching in a war protest isn’t an option, being a recognizable person, so we give with our checkbook. I don’t think that working for a news organization I give up my rights. I interview plenty of people that I don’t agree with, but I also ask questions to get the other side. I think it’s actually an advantage — in a news organization we have people of many political views. We have healthy debates. I think it’s my civic duty to be involved in what matters to me. [...] (Source MSNBC)

A slip of the lip, or is the local FOX affiliate no longer sharing the ‘Fair and balanced’ line that their parent FOX News does? She is quickly climbing up the crowded ladder of ‘fringe’ lefty local TV reporters. Sadly, most of her competition can be found on the local FOX affiliate.

She may not be able to march publicly with fellow anti-war lefties, but that doesn’t stop her from from bringing her bias to the news desk. She slips in little nuggets here and there, just like she did today with “fringe”. Just wait until the US Senate candidate start making the rounds at the Fair next year. You’ll get to see first hand the beeming giddy smile when Franken comes on, and scowl when Coleman does.