Peeking In On McCain

It's been awhile since we've checked in on ole' John McCain, who was on the campaign trail this weekend, choosing to skip what he termed a "political stunt" in DC (the vote on non-binding resolution against the surge). All in all, he's had a pretty good week. The National Journal reports that "the straight-talk express is shining even brighter these days in light of the media mindset forming around a certain other top WH ’08 GOPer labeled as a conservative flip-flopper." The National Journal as reports that he was well-received in South Carolina and his strong remarks on Roe vs. Wade and Donald Rumsfeld were "well received." A couple of things worth noting:

Endorsements: Sunday, McCain announced that former U.S. Senator Mike DeWine will lead his campaign in Ohio, a relatively notable pick-up. He's also picked up the support U.S. Senator John Thune and former Senator Phil Gramm of Texas. Gramm even penned an Op-Ed in the Wall Street Journal today explaining why McCain was the right candidate: "I believe the man we need to meet the mortal need today is here. He is experienced, but has not lost his common sense or his ability to be outraged. His conservatism is not the result of a studied philosophy, but of common sense and personal observation. His name is John McCain. He might not be the right president for all times, but he is the right president for these times." Former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating also endorsed Romney, introducing him at a campaign event in South Carolina yesterday as the "only candidate who is a true-blue, Ronald Reagan conservative."

Flip-Flopping: While campaigning in South Carolina yesterday, McCain told the crowd "I do not support Roe vs. Wade. It should be overturned." He also said that he would appoint judges who "strictly interpret the Constitution of the United States and do not legislate from the bench." Interestingly, this is a bit of a flip-flop for McCain, who said in 1999: "I would not support repeal of Roe vs. Wade, which would then force X number of women in America to (undergo) illegal and dangerous operations." He also attacked the performance of Donald Rumsfeld, calling him "one of the worst secretaries of defense" in history. A departure from the much softer words he had for Rumsfeld last November when Rummy stepped down.