McCain and the GOP

This is a terrible sign – not for one particular party, but for American politics in general.  As the centrists continue to flock out of the GOP, the remaining fringe is pulling the party further and further to the right.  Even a moderate Republican as popular as John McCain is not a “true” Republican in the minds of these new angry “purists”.

Let me summarize the new GOP platform, as I see it.  I’ve numbered them, but it’s really irrelevant.  If you disagree on any one of these, you’re “out”.

1. against equal rights for gays
2. pro-life
3. pro-gun
4. national security trumps moral law (pro-torture)
5. pro-military spending
6. against any other spending
7. anti illegal immigrant
8. pro-business

Now, feel free to take offense at how I’ve phrased some of the above. I don’t mind. But the point is, I’m certainly not welcome in the red states of America. Neither are many, many others who you would think the GOP would WANT.

How can a congressional representative from a big city possibly be pro-gun?  How can a homosexual be against equal rights for gays?? How can anyone with ANY sort of moral compass be pro-torture? Sorry, I had to say it. Folks have been saying it for years about abortion, and it’s fun to turn the tables.

But back to my point. John McCain was known for his willingness to work across the aisle.. these tea-baggers have so little interest in working with democrats that they’re “purity-testing” moderates out of their own party.

And now, the fun question: Who will McCain’s former running mate support in the AZ republican primaries?  Will she stand by her man, the way McCain has stood by her in interviews since the election?  Or will she toss her political weight behind fellow tea-bagger J.D. Hayworth?  Wouldn’t that be fun. And if McCain loses – can you think of a more interesting interview?