The Kerry-McCain ticket debate has led me to these conclusions:
- We gain more than we lose with McCain on the ticket.
- Responsible leaders (i.e. not the Republicans) work hard to build a responsible opposition.
More below...
What do I mean by Responsible Opposition?
Another poster stated it best. A Republican party that, if they win an election, we do not feel like will cause the end of civilization.
I am as far left as everyone else here, but we need to recognize that there are people who will only vote Republican out there and there are people who legitimately side with the traditional Republican positions (smaller government, fiscal conservatism - I know this isn't representative of Bush) for whatever reasons.
So it is incumbent upon ourselves to not approach politics the way Microsoft approaches operating systems. We should actively encourage and help Republicans who are good people, strong leaders, etc. Does that mean we pull Zell Millers? No.
It means we need to strategically align ourselves with people like McCain who will forward Democratic policies (treating veterans right, campaign finance reform, integrity in Govt) and make it possible for them to increase their power and clout within their own party.
We need to make it possible for the Republicans who are legit are rewarded. The GOP, while demonizing Democrats, has been slyly pulling blue-dogs to their side for the last 10 years.
Would a Vice President McCain be a rightwing conservative? No. I actually think he would be more like an Earl Warren or David Souter - and his true colors would only enhance a Kerry Presidency.