A cautious McCainiac:

Why McCain? Despite his flaws, not because of them. He drove me away from him last summer due to illegal immigration—and I drifted back to him because the other candidates were inferior. Thompson fits my issues best, but is too lacking in energy; Romney is too plastic, and I distrust his managerial mindset; Giuliani is a lesser McCain; Huckabee is too inexperienced in foreign affairs; Paul is loathsome. Assume I believe everything McCain’s detractors say—but think that his considerable virtues, in foreign policy, fiscal restraint, and character, ultimately outweigh his considerable flaws. I am not enthusiastic about his candidacy—but I respect the man, think he will keep us safe from our enemies, and think him the best of the available possibilities.

A last-second Romney-ite.

I have to say that I was really tempted to vote for McCain for “personal qualities”. I was literally undecided (and I’ve watched every debate and paid very close attention to this primary) walking into the booth last Tuesday. In the end, however, I couldn’t vote for McCain. I like and admire President Bush, but I disagree with him on so many domestic policies (Medicare, immigration, education, etc.), but each of these domestic policies are what President Bush campaigned on. Could I stand by for the next 4 to 8 years repeatedly being upset for McCain on immigration and other issues? No, in the end I decided to vote for Romney, because issue by issue he lined up with what I want in a President (who is also viable in NH, because I could argue that Thompson is also good). I think with a little more time, Romney could have pulled a win out of NH.

And another telling statistic from the New Hampshire exit polls, shared by another reader. McCain cleans up among those who found it most important that their candidate “says what he believes.” Romney won among those who wanted a candidate that “shares my values.” (I tried to post the chart, but I only managed to foul up the Corner, sorry.)