Bush on McCain: “He is a true conservative”
John McCain got some support today from the nation’s pundit-in-chief on Fox News Sunday.
President George W. Bush told Chris Wallace this morning that McCain is a “true conservative,” but added that the Arizona Senator “has got some convincing to do to convince people that he is a solid conservative.” However, 43 was reticent to endorse McCain before the GOP race is officially over.
The President is still considered an all-star among the party’s activist base and his words are helpful as McCain seeks to shore up his right flank going into the general election.
Relevant transcript below:
“FOX NEWS SUNDAY” HOST CHRIS WALLACE: Mr. President, I know you’re not ready to endorse yet in the presidential race, so I am going to ask you a non-endorsement question. This last week you talked to the CPAC conference and you said soon you will have a nominee who will carry a conservative banner.
Question: Is John McCain a true conservative?
PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH: Absolutely. I know him well. I know his convictions. I know the principles that drive him and no doubt in my mind he is a true conservative. Now I do want to make sure that you don’t rope me into getting into this primary before it ends because we have another conservative candidate in Mike Huckabee still running.
WALLACE: I understand that. I’m not asking for an endorsement. I - but let me ask you to continue on McCain. Rush Limbaugh says that McCain’s nomination would destroy the Republican Party. Ann Coulter says she would vote for Hillary Clinton because she’s more of a conservative than McCain is.
What do you think of that kind of talk?
BUSH: I think that if John is the nominee, he has got some convincing to do to convince people that he is a solid conservative and I’ll be glad to help him if he is the nominee …
WALLACE: Why do you …
BUSH: But he is a conservative. Look, he is very strong on national defense. He is tough fiscally. He believes the tax cuts ought to be permanent. He is pro-life. His principles are sound and solid as far as I’m concerned.
WALLACE: Why do you think there is - you talk about convincing to do - why do you think there is such personal animosity towards Senator McCain among some elements of the conservative (inaudible) …
BUSH: Probably some personal animosity toward me. You can’t please all the people all the time. But part of a campaign is for the nominee of the party to rally the party and to rally the folks that are going to end up being the base from which he operates and I had to do that. Every nominee has had to do that and whoever our nominee is going to have to do it.
It’s just the process. Primaries tend to divide up the parties and there is a period of time in which the candidate who is in the process of becoming the leader of a party, must work to bring as much of the party together as possible. That’s just the normal course of primary politics.
WALLACE: Let’s talk about some of the issues that give conservatives heartburn with McCain and quite frankly issues where he broke with you. He was one of only two Republicans - I don’t have to remind you - who voted against your tax cuts. The first time, he said because he said they tilted too far towards the rich.
BUSH: He is for making the tax cuts permanent.
WALLACE: And what he did in 2001 and 2003 doesn’t bother you?
BUSH: No. He absolutely has said that and he’s the kind of fellow who says something, he’ll do it and he said, these tax cuts ought to be made permanent. See, you’re trying to get me in the trap again of getting involved in this primary and it’s not even over yet.
WALLACE: I’m not …
BUSH: You’re doing a fairly effective job of it, Chris. I congratulate you on that.
WALLACE: Well, let me just ask you …
BUSH: Another question on McCain?
WALLACE: I will. He also disagreed with you on campaign finance reform. And on limits in the interrogation of terror detainees.
BUSH: Look, you can find - in the course of any senators career a place where they may have different with the president. The question I asked myself and I hope voters ask, what are the principles by which this person will be making decisions? That’s the most important thing to me.
And we have got two conservative candidates running for office, our party will soon decide who that - who are banner carriers will be and our candidate will be certainly more conservative than the other.
WALLACE: I’m going to ask you about the choice in a moment. Let me ask you about Mike Huckabee to give equal time.
Mike Huckabee, you say, a good conservative, accused your foreign policy of displaying an arrogant bunker mentality.
BUSH: I think he has tried to walk back that position. I haven’t spoke to Mike about that but again, in the course of a primary, in the course of a campaign, people are going to say things that people try to blow up into major crises. I’ve known Mike a long time. I was the governor of Texas. He was the governor of Arkansas.
He is a solid conservative person and the thing - I remember Mike when he weighed a lot and I’ll never forget getting off at the airplane and there he was at the foot of Air Force One and I couldn’t recognize him.
And the reason I bring that up is he’s disciplined. He sets a goal and he takes care of business.
I’m sure that you can find quotes from people running for office that sound like they’re at odds with me. But the point - what really matters in a campaign what are the basic beliefs. What is one’s view of the role of the federal government? We believe government ought to be empowering people. We ought to trust people. The other side tends to want to empower government.
We believe taxes ought to be low. They want to raise taxes. We believe we ought to be on the offense against an enemy. That this isn’t - this War on Terror is not just a simple law enforcement matter. It requires all assets, all hands on deck to protect the American people. We believe in the transformative power of freedom. In other words, there’s certain principles, and that’s what I look for in these candidates.
WALLACE: So what do you say to those conservatives, those Republicans who have questions about both of these candidates? As you know, the Club for Growth, some of the anti-tax and spending groups have problems with Huckabee as well. What do you say to them when they’re running their litmus tests on McCain or Huckabee.
BUSH: I say if you’re seeking - looking for perfection, you’ll never find that person. I certainly wasn’t a perfect candidate for a lot of folks. You’re not going to find perfection.
But what you ought to look at is look at the person’s heart, look at the principles. And determine what’s the best course for the nation and the best course for the nation is to have our candidate become president of the United States.
WALLACE: One last question on the Republicans. Some people say that this is a generational election. An election about change. At a time when Democrats are arguing whether or not to usher out us baby boomers for someone younger, are you concerned at all about the Republicans perhaps turning to somebody who is even older than us?
BUSH: Again, I - you’re presuming that Senator McCain is going to be the nominee and should he become the nominee, one of the reasons why is because people understand this is a dangerous world and that we’re going to need steady, strong leadership in the Oval Office to deal with the dangers of this world. And if Senator McCain is the nominee, he will have brought those credential to the White House. And that’s going to be very important. It’s going to be a very important election issue, too, Chris.
And that is, which candidate understands the complexities and dangers and who will have the best plan on dealing with it? And I confident that the nominee will be the person who is capable of assuring the American people, one, the reality, I see the reality. And secondly, I’ve got a plan to deal with it.
Tags: conservative, john mccain, Mike Huckabee, President George W. Bush
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Earlier today Hillary Clinton discussed her new book coming out this month titled;
Sex-Lies-and if only they had Video Tape?
Here’s Hillary’s top ten list;
10) Name David Shuster my Press Secretary.
9) Appoint Monica Lewinsky Secretary of State.
7) Fire every United States Attorney and replace them with the Rose Law Firm.
6) Appoint Jennifer Flowers Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
5) Give green cards to the first ten million to come out of the shadows.
4) Appoint Sandy Berger Attorney General.
3) Appoint Tony Rezko Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
2) Appoint Emeril Lagasse Treasury Secretary- Because pork fat rules.
1) Apologize once again for a failed Health Care Plan.
BUSH HAS LIED AGAIN, MCCAIN IS NO CONSERVATIVE
Thank you for airing the Chris Wallace interview with President George W. Bush. Since the interview aired I have heard several references to the portion of the interview where President Bush states that Senator McCain is “a true conservative.” My concern is the omitting of the remainder of that statement in which President Bush goes on to state “we have another conservative candidate in Mike Huckabee still running.” It is very troubling to me that Fox News seems to be implying that Mike Huckabee is not to be considered by the people as the Republican Primary continues. I have felt that Fox News is a “Fair and Balanced” source of information and news, however, this incident and several others over the course of this primary are causing me to think that is not actually the case.
Yeah, Senor Presidente Jorge Bush is a LOT like Senor Juan McAmnesty. I don’t think much about either of those open border, give away America to Mexico, fools. Shame on them both!
I have been a McCain supporter since 2000 primaries. I watched him since the ninties on c-span in the senate. I was greatly impressed by his trying to tackle difficult issues. McCain would go after both sides if he felt they were not serving the people. People complain about McCain Feigon,yet McCain was trying to stop the corruption in money in politics. McCain heart was in the right place. Amnestiy started in 1986 with Reagan and the Rebulicans. McCain voted against this bill to no avail. McCain at least tackled the issue while others sat by and either complained or ignored problem. I use to get so upset as the repulicans allowed the dems to out wit them on confirming judges, all they did was wine and complain like whimps. McCain again tried at least to do something since he knew the rebulicans would again whine and give in. McCain never ever slandered Clinton during the impeachment battle. He does not like, no matter who it is, disrepect for the office of president. McCain stood up and voted to impeach Clinton at the senate vote. McCain, i feel, if he is elected will make a great president.
is it true Mccain gave classified info that caused planes to be shot down while a POW? that is treason right? vietnam veterans against John McCain is the source i found on the web. These are the same people that exposed kerry. he did this for medical treatment. he also made 32 peices of anti-American propaganda tapes for them. do your home work people. the CFR loves these slimey war pigs. and is in the habit of putting them in Washington
While McCain is not my first, second, or third choice for president, it appears that he will be our nominee. I will stand behind him and if elected hold him accountable for any policies he puts in place that does not reflect a conservative stance. I have heard several candidates speak about what they can do in 8 years as president. Correct if i am wrong, but isn’t the term only 4 years. They better all remember that, because in 4 years if you have destroyed your party you will not go back in. To Hillary, you said in a speech the other night, that we should vote for her to put our morals back in the White House. Well, I would like you to know my morals are a lot better than what took place in the White House while your husband was there. To Obama, you have a lot of ideas and dreams, please tell us exactly how all of your policies would come to pass.
If McCain Eligible to the office of President?
Why the question? Well he was born in Panama.. Therefore under the constitution he does not qualify to the office of The President.
He is a Citizen because both parents are but he is hold under the same rule as Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and any other Citizen NO BORN IN THE USA.
Despite widespread popular belief, U.S. military installations abroad and U.S.
diplomatic or consular facilities are not part of the United States within the meaning of the
14th Amendment. A child born on the premises of such a facility is not subject to the
jurisdiction of the United States and does not acquire U.S. citizenship by reason of birth.
Can some Bring this to the Public… is this possible? Under the Constitution he is not permitted to become President.
I WATCHED THE INTERVIEW WITH PRESIDENT BUSH AND YOU ARE STATING ONLY WHAT HE SAID ABOUT MCCAIN, HE ALSO HAD GOOD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT MIKE HUCKABEE, THAT HE IS ALSO A CONSERVATIVE AND A MAN THAT IS VERY DILIGENT IN WHAT HE DOES, HE HAS NOT BACKED MCAIN HE HAS JUST STATED WHAT MCCAIN AS A CANDIDATE IS AND HE ALSO STATED THAT ABOUT MIKE HUCKABEE, YOU ARE NOT FAIR AND BALANCED AND EVERY TIME THAT FOX PUSHES A CANDIDATE IT COMES BACK TO BITE THEM, SO WHY DON’T YOU BE AS YOUR STATION SAYS IT DOES, BE FAIR AND BALANCED, DURING THESE ELECTIONS YOU HAVE ALL BUT BEEN THAT. BE FAIR AND STATE THE WHOLE INTERVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OF PRESIDENT BUSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I watched the entire interview and I was very proud of President Bush. He acted like a President with great character. He did not allow Chris Wallace to draw him into saying what he didn’t want to say. He said very good things about both Republican candidates AND he said many times that there is not a nominee at this time. I was very proud of all he said and I think he is a man with good character that has led this country through some terrible times. Even at the end of the interview, Chris asked what he would say to the next president and President Bush said “Dear Republican President…” and Chris quickly added “John McCain” and laughed. He was setting President Bush up the ENTIRE interview trying to get him to endorse publicly John McCain and to say McCain is best suited for the job. Well, Chris Wallace, you were out bushed! None of the media will admit that Huckabee is a real thing and could very possibly be our next President! I, for one, hope he is!!!!
Dr. Ron Paul is the only TRUE Conservative… was he not mentioned (as usual)?
I did not see the interview but imagine he wasn’t. I did hear some relatively dirty things were said about Obama…
Sorry W, but you and your pal-in-amnesty lost me last summer. You both are traitors to conservatism. I hope McCrap is a three-time loser (which he will be) and your legacy is used as toilet paper….
Yeah Rob, I think a lot of people lost their friggin’ minds thinking Juan McCain or Jorge Bush are conservatives.
I hope they both are remembered as a couple of losers.
Go Huck Go. Secure our borders because our loser president and his lover, Juan McAmnesty want to surrender our country to Mexico.
Bush “McCain is a true conservative”
Someone once said…
If you have to say it, you ain’t it.
If John McCain was a “true conservative” no one would have to convince us, we would just know.
I totally disagree with George Bush that Mr. McCain is conservative. There is no way -in this
lifetime he could be based on his choices with bills proposed, he is liberal independent which
he has always been. Its true
Well that settles it for me…I gonna rush right out and vote for McAmnesty. NOT !!!
Ok I am usually a very mild and quite person, but I am getting so sick of WE love Mc Cain and Huckabee should just quit. I am really sorry that Fox news of all media should be so blinded by the red fog in front of their eyes that they can not see the truth if it bit them. First, Let me assure you I respect Sen McCain. He is a fine American who has given much to this country but he is not the voice of the conservative republican party. Not now or ever. Don’t you get it. His biggest wins were in states that in the general election he doesn’t have prayer to win. In the true republican states he couldn’t even beat Huckabee the man with little money and every press idiot out there demeaning him. The conservatives are voting for Huckabee because of what he stands for. Truth, Family values, hope for american. You so want to rally behind McCain because you think he is the only salvation of the party. You did a losey job on the Washington State count. I’m sorry but it is disgraciful what the Republican Party did. If Sen McCain won fine we can accept that but to stop counting and call it at 200 votes. I quarentee you if that had happen between Obama and Hillary you would be screaming loud and clear. Fox you disappoint me. I have watched this whole election process and you are no longer fair and just. My final point is STOP PUTTING WORDS in the President’s mouth. AT no time and I repeat at no time has President Bush endorsed Sen McCain. He has simply stated that Mc Cain is a fine American and Conservative but the President has repeatedly reminded you donderheads that there are two candidates running. Sorry, I have watch your new channel since it began. As a teacher, I encouraged my students to trust your reporting but now I just can’t tell the difference. FOX NEWS SHAME ON YOU I think your fame has gone to your heads instead of reporting the truth you have become like all the other stations. PS I exclude Mr. O’Reilly I still believe him to be an honest commentator.
Re: Comment by Elaine Henry
February 10th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
I completely agree with what you wrote, I am so disapointed with Fox news coverage of this whole Primary , it seems to be deciding for us each step of the way .
I am a 24/7 Fox news watcher but I am wavering at this moment.
The coverage today , clips of the President on McCain, is driving me over the edge, being out of context, and stopping short at the point that Prsident Bush says there are still 2 men in the race, …. and no clip of what he had to say about Huckabee.
I am a Huckabee supporter, and have been since the first debate I heard him asked & answer few questions.
I am thankful that he has decided to stay in the race , and if only for the purpose of giving EVERY State , EVERY Voter, a choice in this Primary, I have also been discusted ( not so unusual for the media though), That they encourage people to vote as if it is the General Election already, and not the Primarys where the point is to vote your #1 best choice, I was so enjoying the potential of the Republicans so many Good men to choose from… and had decided that I would be comfortable with any one of them, my first choice being Govenor Huckabee… Keep on Going Mike Huckabee …(plumnuts4thehuck)
I am glad there is someone here to tell me John McCain is conservative, it sure would have been hard for me to find information on that.
If Huckabee is out of the race before the Pennsylvania primary, I will not support John McCain in the general election. I want the chance to vote for him.
There is another reason to endorse Huckabee, and that is he is the best option against Obama. Faith-based voters have loyalties other than the GOP. Also experience-Huckabee has more public service than Hillary and Barack combined.
Another unprecedented factor-I heard this on MSNBC today waiting for the Huckabee interview-quote: “He lights up a room when he walks in.” And we are not mentioning McCains’s two other liabilities -his face (facial expressions) and his voice (suppressed ager in my gut opinion, and you can argue with this but someone has to say it).
Fox News-it is one thing to be conservative, but quite another to appear that you are working for the GOP.
Speaking of the GOP, election tampering, even the appearance of it is not uniting the party. I’m suprised you arn’t having interviews and discussions on this.
Nope … sorry G.W. I was a sucker for the Rep last 2 times. If McCain will be the only choice , then Rep will have lost . Too bad …some people couldn’t wait to get G.W behind us …then ((( SCHLLLAAAP ))) theres ‘ol SLEW FOOT dragging McCAIN in to finish the REP. PARTY off ! …They WANT to give the Dems the election …just like they did last NOV.
I think the DELAGATES should be taken out of the process. THEY are the ones making a DOG AND PONY SHOW out of the Candidates expensive campaign process . WHAT a shame that a few people can be CHERRY PICKED for McCain to deliver him to the people ….
Last night so many ELITISTS found their way to a camera to “prod” Huckabee in hope that they can SHAME him out of the race …. CRIST should be ashamed , ISN’t there work to do in Fl ??
The TAX PAYERS ARE NOT PAYING HIM TO CAMPAIGN FOR MCCAIN AND FOLLOW HIM AROUND LIKE A LOST DOG !!!!! ….McCain should be ashamed AND EMBARRASSED ! BUT I guess if he and his KEATING friends could Bankrupt the LINCOLN BANK and his wife could use his office to make drug deals …. according to http://wwwusvetdsp.com/nov07/mcain_deceit.htm….. there is no conscience left in the man. …BUT HEY …WHAT ARE RICH FRIENDS FOR ? ? ? IT’S NOT THE FIRST TIME FLORIDA HAS HAD THEMSELVES MISREPRESENTED .
Hillary has NOTHING to worry about if Huckabee drops out. Just because a few ELITISTS manage ro
All you people AT FOX AND THE GUESTS THAT COME ON FOX , that think Huckabee is hurting the REP Party and think Huckabee and Ron Paul should drop out for the “GOOD OF THE REP PARTY”….you must WANT a Dem President ! I don’t know ANYBODY that will vote REP if McCain is the only choice…. except you and a handful of eletists that keep up the dog and pony show . So tell me all you Genius “FORTUNE TELLERS ” …
WHO’S HURTING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY ? IT’S NOT HUCKABEE. All of McCains slick talk … oops I mean…
“STRAIGHT TALK” … is what it is , ALL B.S ! He can’t be trusted any further than I can throw a chimney by it’s smoke.
[...] also acknowledged President Bush’s weekend comments that the Arizona senator has some work ahead to unite critical conservatives around his candidacy, [...]
I once listend to Fox News only, but lately CNN has given better coverage of the primaries and more coverage to Mike Huckabee. It’s a shame that Fox supported Mitt and lost and now supporting John McCain & Obama - seems they cant make up their mind. Face it Huckabee can still and will win - true rep. wants a true leader and not a man with a grudge. Fox you have lost it.
VOTE MIKE HUCKABEE and show these liberal media’s like Fox that we still have a brain and can decide for ourselves!
I have watched Fox News for many years. However, this primary has not proven the least bit “Fair and Balanced”. Chris Wallace CLEARLY had an agenda and has since the beginning of the primaries. The debates constantly excluded several of the candidates for the two cherry-picked ones. I am very disappointed. I do believe O’Reilly is more fair and balanced than the rest of the people. It’s a shame. I am VERY unhappy with the interviews Chris Wallace has given and the debates he’s managed.
Conservatives, if you truly believe McCain’s nomination is a foregone conclusion, don’t waste your vote! Cast it for the ONLY conservative left: Governor Huckabee. We need and deserve a place at the table at this convention- it’s vital- and you can make it happen by making your voice heard.
Mike Huckabee is the only candidate with a tough stand on illegal immigration (and a thorough plan to address it), the candidate who stands for Second Amendment rights, the candidate who believes in American sovereignty, who believes in the sanctity of life, who has an excellent plan to rejuvenate this country’s economy…and who never flip-flops on his principles. He’s also the only one with true executive experience, as opposed to years of legislative experience as a Washington insider. Please, Republican voters- we are counting on you to stand up for what is right.