A sampling of (almost universally negative) reaction to today’s column:

–Mr. Lowry,
Your analysis may well be right, but I have to say, as a conservative and a Republican I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR JOHN MCCAIN. Never, ever, ever. I will never forget or forgive campaign finance “reform.” This man thinks more of his own sanctimonious self-image than he does of MY constitutional right to free speech. He served his country beyond call as a war hero, but after that he’s been a hazard and is not to be trusted. There’s no telling what he’d do with power.
–As a very conservative grandmother, and part of what is known as the Republican “base,” I don’t see any way McCain could capture the Republican nomination in 2008. To the majority of us, McCain is seen as arrogant, self-absorbed, and far detached from what is important to those of us who vote on the Republican conservative side. McCain could run as an independent, do much damage (and still not win), but he will never receive the endorsement of those like me.
–Rich –
I think you glossed over McCain’s “history of apostasy” and consequently underestimate the task he faces in winning over conservatives. What about campaign finance reform? What about global warming? What about the Gang of 14 deal on judicial nominees? And the issues you did mention – tax cuts and immigration – are huge. You can’t be credible as a spending hawk when you believe in “Rubinomics” – namely that the deficit matters more than the overall level of government spending. And as your magazine has so accurately outlined, immigration is the issue that threatens the GOP coalition.
In the post-Katrina political landscape, I believe Rudy Giuliani is the big potential winner….
–As a steadfast conservative and someone who has known John McCain . . . I was moved to respond to your column by your apt understanding of John McCain. For all the media spin and adoration, John remains John, with all his warts and easily read motivations there for all to see- – – if only they would truly look with an open mind.
You looked and reported on key portions of the real John McCain. I refused to support John in 2000 and if nothing else today I am more than convinced his nomination, let alone his election, in 2008 would be a major mistake for our nation at a crucial time in history. While I continue to appreciate and honor John for his service to our nation I will do everything in my power to deny him his vain ambition. Happily I believe there is little to fear because John with his persistent resort to knee-jerk reactions remains his own greatest handicap just as you discerned….