We pick Arizona Senator John McCain


By Editorial, Monadnock Ledger-Transcript
January 3, 2008

Choosing a presidential candidate from among the Republican field is
relatively easy. We pick Arizona Senator John McCain.

While we don't agree with some of his positions, we must respect his
ability to stand up for what he believes.

Early on, he supported the surge in Iraq. He knew that was a position
that would hurt his candidacy and, it's fair to say, that position
quickly relegated him to a spot near the bottom of the pack among
Republican presidential nominee contenders. Later, however, when the
surge appeared to be working, his political capital also surged.

We respect a person who will stand up for what he thinks is right, even
though his opinion is clearly unpopular.

We also respect that McCain had the knowledge and experience to
correctly conclude that the surge would work.

We also know he wouldn't simply abandon Iraq if he won the country's top
job. Although the main reasons the United States went to war in Iraq
were fabricated, we should not leave Iraq without at least trying to
ensure that the people there have the wherewithal to win justice for
themselves.

We feel comfortable that, should McCain win the presidency, he would be
a thoughtful leader, qualified to make responsible decisions in foreign
policy.

On the domestic side, McCain has been a strong supporter of free trade.
That's also a stance that may not be popular politically, but
protectionism has never worked well in the long run. He's been willing
to oppose crop and ethanol subsidies, even in Iowa. He has been a strong
advocate for campaign-finance reform. And he was one of the few
Republicans to oppose President Bush's tax cuts.

He's also been willing to take unpopular positions -- at least,
unpopular with the conservative Republican base -- in favor of
reasonable reforms to the immigration laws and making an effort to
address concerns about climate change.

He also has a track record of accomplishment as a senator that shows the
ability to work with people on both sides of the aisle to get things
done -- something his leading Republican opponents lack.

McCain has the experience necessary to lead our nation.