Would McCain Endorse Kerry?

McCain, despite still being a Republican in name, has truly, if one looks at his voting record, moved decisively leftward on so many issues. True, he supported the war -- just like so many democrats did (regardless of whether or not you all supported that). On domestic issues, and on international engagement, he is really out of step w/ the Republican party.

More to the point, he's been saying AWFULLY nice things about John Kerry. Really nice things. And offering advice. Praising him.

I really wonder -- though I wouldn't rate it as being a really probable thing, I really wouldn't be surprised if, should Kerry become the nominee (I know, Dean's the man of the moment -- I'm just saying IF Kerry is the nominee) would McCain actually endorse him? Such a move would be tantamount to switching parties -- indeed, he probably would have to. He'd be thrown out of the Republican party if he didn't leave before he announced his endorsement.

Just picture it: Convention night, 2004 -- the crowd's murmuring about a mystery speaker whose identity hasn't been announced. Suddenly the hall goes dark, and a few minutes later, the stage lights burst on again, revealing McCain before the podium. He launches into a lengthy tauting of Kerry's record and accomplishments, then goes on a tirade of Bush's record.

Admittedly, most of this is a pipe dream. It probably won't happen. And I know a lot of people here really don't like McCain -- but nobody can't say that he doesn't energize independents, and a McCain switch or endorsement of Kerry -- or ANY other democratic nominee would be a godsend. It probably won't happen. But I wouldn't rule it out.

...they appeared together on TV at some point and McCain called him "President Kerry." He was serious and not being sarcastic.

But I wouldn't count on McCain bucking the GOP for an official endorsement of Kerry unless McCain switches parties.

He still wouldn't do this. He'd piss off waaaaaaaay to many Repugs...

I'd love to see it, though!

...his supporters would say that he's definitely honorable and they'd probably also say that he's definitely conservative. I certainly agree with the latter--besides campaign finance, McCain is very much a righty, so I couldn't see him ever flipping to the Dems.

I could see him leaving the GOP as an independent, though...would he ever directly endorse Kerry? Probably not, since I think they disagree on too many social issues, but it would be great to see him letting loose on W...

Even after Shrub went after him in South Carolina using racist, homophobic slurs and vicious campaign ads, McCain still stuck with the party and endorsed Shrub. He is a repub through and through, and will not endorse ANY Dem. He had the chance to prove that he was a rational adult capable of independent thought when Jeffords defected. He showed very clearly then where his loyalties actually are.

WASHINGTON - GOP maverick Sen. John McCain, whose breezy straight-talking style ignited the 2000 White House race, predicts Sen. John Kerry could rekindle the same campaign magic this time around.

``He's smart, he's tough and he's experienced. He has the capability.''

McCain, meanwhile, was skeptical that upstart Democrat Howard Dean, who considers himself the McCain of the 2004 race, could ultimately show wide political appeal.

``He is coming out of a kind of antiestablishment role that clearly resonates with some voters,'' said McCain. ``But I don't know if that can play with the broader electorate, the American public.''

McCain defended Kerry from Dean's recent attacks charging the Bay State senator lacks ``courage'' on such issues as tax cuts, the war with Iraq and education.

``I do not believe that's a fair criticism,'' said McCain. ``Governor Dean has spent some time apologizing to people recently for some of the things he's said.''

McCain said he would not be surprised if political foes and the press try to pick apart or distort Kerry's combat record.

``Primaries are awful nasty,'' McCain said. ``But I would be surprised if there's anything in John Kerry's military background that would hurt him.''

McCain was victimized by a vicious whispering campaign during the 2000 South Carolina primary alleging he was brainwashed as a POW.

McCain also recalled a Senate hearing on POW-MIAs where a man accused him of being a ``Manchurian Candidate'' manipulated by his Viet Cong captors.

``I was about to lose my temper,'' McCain recalled. ``I felt (Kerry's) hand on my shoulder, and he said, `John, don't dignify it with a response.' He had a cool head.' ''

Kerry calls McCain ``one of the joys of my service in the Senate.''

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http://www.johnkerry.com/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6879&security=1&news_iv_ctrl=-1

he will even campaign for Bush. Though in the privacy of the polling place I wouldn't doubt he would vote for Kerry since they are good friends. But he is a loyal republican and will publically endorse Bush.