CNN

bush's support may or may not help McCain. What it will mean, though, is that continuation of bushism the goal. It will mean that bush wants to continue his war through McCain. It means that bush wants to continue his kakameemee economic plans through McCain. It will mean that the environment will continue to suffer and that energy costs will continue to soar and that the middle class and the working class of folk in the USA will continue to not mean anything. If anyone anywhere pays any attention to bush's endorsement – and there are quite a few rich CEOs and general officers left out here, Jack, all with tons of dollars ready to throw at McCain – it means continuing disaster for us. Have a nice day.

Bush's endorsement of McCain may bring money to the campaign war chest but it also assures a Democratic President. Thank You President Bush – this may be the only honorable thing you've done for this country. I'd like to know HOW the media can show Bush soft shoeing it on the White House steps while awaiting McCain's arrival? This is a national embarrassment. I've often said that Bush missed his calling. He should have been a standup comedian.

McCain didn't need another Bush endorsing him. At some point he will need to distance himself from Bush and this is not helping him.

McCain and Bush endorsing each other is just partisan protocol. The real question is whether or not McCain will aknowledge the failures of the past eight years, or whether he'll just campaign as Bush Lite.

Bush's endorsement will help John McCain in the general election about as much as that North Vietnamese SAM missile helped his flying when he was in the Navy.

Bush's endorsement of John McCain doesn't make feel better about a Republican in the White House. I won't be voting for a Republican ever!!!
Patricia
Palmdale, Ca.

It will hurt him with Independants and Liberal Republicans. It shows McCain to be a continuation of the Bush/Cheney doctrine. This completely shatters that "Maverick" label McCain and media like to bestow upon him. His service to the country is commendable but I am really sick to my stomach hearing about it. War prisoner/hero yeah I got it, I got it. Bush didn't give McCain cover by stating some of the decision he has made were wrong and that John McCain being president will make things better. His endorsement allows the Democrats to link him to McCain and the failed policies. Iraq is one issue McCain is strong on but with so many other issues plaquing the Bush Administration McCain is extremely vulnerable.

At this point, it doesn't matter. McCain has voted with him in the most important votes for the American people. So, he may need to change his name and get cosmetic surgery too, in order to stop us from associating him with his fellow Bush.

To anyone with the intelligence of a roasted zucchini, it would mean that McCain should concede the general election right now. Unfortunately, most voters don’t rise to even the IQ of said vegetable. They are dumb as posts.

It will prove to be the best photo-op for the Democratic nominee to pound home in TV ads over and over again. My suggested voice-over? "If you thought the past eight years were great, you're going to really love the next four!"

Why would any body take that?

An Obama Clinton "Dream Team" would certainly be better than a Bush fueled McCain presidency.

Fortunately for the United States, we don't have to worry about a McCain – Bush team. That could definitely be called the "Nightmare Team."

It helps make McCain the party guy. The Neocon machine is already starting to remake the Bush legacy. The Bush tax cuts are really for everyone, and we have to make them permanent to keep the economy going. The Dems are all about growing government and raising taxes, etc, etc. I could vomit. How many times do you have to repeat a lie to make it the truth?

If his objective is to loose the election in a landslide, Sure Why Not. Bush took him down in 2000 why not in 2008. Make it 2 for 2.

Florida

Jack – that's up to McCain. Does it matter one way or the other?
If McCain is elected into the White House, it will be 4 more years of the same – and we, the people will be "hung out to dry"!

Jack, it will be the kiss of political death! No Middle Class/working poor can stand the prospect of another Bush protege for four more years

It means trouble for McCain–Did you here him yesterday while standing next to Bush talking about the president's busy schedule? He must have mentioned the word busy 6 times.

Orlando, Fl

I don't know what it would mean for Sen. McCain, but it will make the dems really really REALLY happy

Jack, would you "welcome" Bush's endorsment?

Bush is quite proud of McCain and I wonder why? Do they think people are stupid? The endorsement of George Bush simply tells us who McCain is going to be (Bush). Don't they know that people are ready to move on from the Bush' mess? Does anyone in this country want to deal with the same old lame Bush policy? (Well there are a few idiots that do...otherwise McCain wouldn't have been the nominee). It's an insult that Bush believe people in this country are so stupid....that they'll embrace his endorsement to McCain. That guy is quite rational. He's so convinced that McCain is going to be our next President. Only way McCain is going to win...is if Bush help him still the election like he did in 2004.

Marceline,

Florida

Jack,

If John McCain doesn't have the sense to distance himself from one of the worst presidents in American history, it means he most definitely is not qualified for the job.

Yes, he should welcome George Bush's endorsement. Clowns have been a wonderful entertainment for parties for many years. Why McCain's party be any different?

The reason this has been a record breaking turn-out year for voters is, to me, for one reason: getting Bush out of office. And voters don't want to make the same mistake that they possibly did last time; which is either voting a second term for Bush, or not voting at all.

If McCain allows Bush to endorse him, he will lose. Bush's acceptance rate is 30% (which I still think is high off the mark), so why would the country want to put "another" Bush in office? Not going to happen.

If he continues, or cannot come up with a DARN good reason why Bush's endoresement is a positive thing, you'll see the Dems in the driver's seat for sure – which I'm not so sure is a bad thing at this point in my life and the life of my children.

Honestly nothing as all signs point to a democratic year. If anything it will hurt more than it helps.

Austin Texas

It really depends on who gets the nomination for the Democrats. If it is Hillary, yes he should to get the money and the more conservative republicans back in line and GW can do that. If it is Obama, it won't matter, the American people will vote Democrat including many of the current red states. Gosh maybe I should apply to be a political analyst and get the big bucks for giving my straigtforward opinion.

Jack

He will reap the harvest of the George Bush presidency.
I'd rather vote for Porky Pig than John "Bomb Bomb Bomb Bomb Bomb Iran"McCain.

Jerry
Roselle,Illinois

Look what running away from the President did to Al Gore? Some people like W. The fact that most people don't like W or his policies shouldn't stand in McCain's way. Please embrace "W". Hug him a lot on the campaign trail. I've always wanted to see a landslide election where the outcome is a 3 to 1 vote against the incumbent party, particularly the "W" party. The media will be able to call the election by 7:30 ET and I'll be able to go to bed early. Cheers!

Jack,
If McMain welcomes Bushes endorsment it shows he doesen't have much sence. kmac

Defeat!

Medina, Oh

Jack I think one thing defeat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bush endorsing anyone is like shooting yourself in the foot. McCain has to be suffering from some kind of mental illness to even be seen with George Bush. While I believe that McCain is probably a nice old man in his personal life, he is too much into bombing people and the only thing that excites the old Kook is talk of more war and those terrible extremists. The only thing Bush can do for him is ensure that he retires by the time he is 72.

He has no choice. Damned if he does, Damned if he doesn't. But since McCain only raised 12 million last month to Obama and Clinton's combined 85 Million, he needs Bush's help to pass the conservative-evangelical collection plate.

Bush's endorsement gives McCain the fundraising power that the Republicans hope will match whichever Democratic candidate wins the nomination. Bush can go deep into the "red" territory and solidify the conservative base for McCain. Problem arises, however, that by doing so – Democrats will have the ability to persuade independent and swing voters that McCain is nothing more than a rubber stamp of Bush's policies that have gotten us into this quagmire today.

However – should Clinton be on the Democratic ticket – it would give McCain the ability to use his "independent maverick" image against Clinton's Old Democratic Party image all the while Bush is behind the scenes keeping conservatives in line.

Honesty, Jack, as a registered Republican, I plan on voting Democratic next fall no matter who is the nominee. I think McCain is a George W. Bush "clone" who just happens to be a war hero.

To those in the Republican party it demonstrates the need to get behind him and unify the party for the good of the party and help win the election. For some it will be seen as a continuation of more Bush. Somewhere in the middle you can see the unity and the changes and what ultimately will be the best choice in November.

It matters not. Unless some miracle of sorts occurs, McCain will ride easily into a November victory on the republican / media smear express. Yes, a few voters will be irked at GWB's endorsement but that will not deter the swing voters from falling for the torrents of inuendo and lies that will drown our Dem nominee, especially if it's Obama.

This endorsement will not be like LBJ's kiss of death when he endorsed Humphrey in 1968; McCain does have an unpopular war on his back, but he will be on the lee side of the media blitz,because he is a republican. That is the difference.

Good question Jack, but I think its more important to know that it would mean WITHOUT his endorsement. That would be a serious situation.
Because the endorsement came ONLY once McCain clinched the Republican candidacy, its obviously a party-endorsement, not a personal one. And coming from a President with such a low approval rating – I expect Senator McCain to politely accept, and thank the endorsement then move on with his campaign.

Jay (Minnesota)

I think Mcain should accept the Bush endorsement. He is afterall the leader of the republican party as the sitting president. He doen't have to campaign with him but he certainly couldn't denouce and reject him.

It's a big nothing. They are both Republicans, so it is easy to dismiss his support as simple party loyalty. The Democrats will really attack him on points where he has championed bad policies put forth by Bush.

ABSOLUTELY! What better way to help ensure we have real change in this country by electing a president from other than the Republican party.

It means that McCain will now get 28% of the vote come November. Good luck with that. Enjoy the kool-aid.

Depends if John McCain wants to be President or not. If he does, I suggest that he "rejects and denouces" his endorsement. Considering the state of our country right now, it wouldn't surprise me if Louis Farrakhan has better approval ratings than George W Bush.

I think he would be better off getting the Britney Spears endorsement ....at least she could dance better and she is not "pretzel challenged".

"What will President Bush’s endorsement mean for John McCain?"

It will mean very little, as the people that defile GW are already predisposed to dislike McCain.

It comes down to the moderates of both parties, and they will be swayed by the events in Iraq, such as the surge. Is it working or not.

Yes, I said it, the Iraqis are going to determine our next president.

Harry
Kentucky.

Whether you agree with the outcome or not, the truth is that while most think Pres Bush is a lousy president, most still find him likeable. And political campaigns are won or lost mostly on personality, as it is very difficult to get people focused on issues. The only candidate who got the people to focus on issues in my memory was Bill Clinton, because he was not going to make it on personality. This election is high on personality and low on substance and when Pres Bush turns on the charm,he's one of the best today,and that will help McCain.

McCain and Bush are like Bevis and Butthead. They both are clueless about America. To me McCain is too old to run a country. Who needs him at the table drooling/ sleeping while signing a bill? He is too much like his brother George to actually take him serious. Bush endorsement is like eating a air sandwich, nothings there. George Bush endorsement is like being stone to death in a small town, in front of a drunken angry toothless mob at happy hour on a Friday night-who needs the aggravation?

I am so confused as to why McCain feels the need to be endorsed by Bush. I understand he WAS having a major issue with conservatives, but they came to terms with him eventually and he didn't need and endorsement from Bush, it just makes independent like me dislike him even more. If he keeps this up, he can expect the Republicans to lose the General election in November.

yes, we've had bush senior, bush 2, and now bush 3. three stoooges . the country is worse off now than ever in HISTORY.....so mccain can hang his hat on the first fence post he comes to on the crawford ranch......... thelma.... lancaster,ky.

Yes, it will get McCain an inside track on some good Haliburton stock from the REAL president Dick Cheney.

Tim
Texas

Yesterday's grip-and-grin should be all McCain would want or need from the President. His attitiude should be 'I don't want to see you, I don't want to hear you. If you want to raise some money for me that's fine, but otherwise go away'

In addition to not sharing the same ZIP Code with him, McCain should start showing as many advantageous contrats to the President that he can. Lord knows there's enough McCain-slash-someone bills out there. Surely one or two of them make him look better than Bush on the issues.

Bush has done more to set back conservatism than any other Republican I can think of on a national level. His endorsement of McCain is a sure way to torpedo the guy. Come to think of it, isn't a Republican president endorsing the Republican nominee something to be expected? What if Bush didn't endorse McCain?

I believe that McCain should distance himself from Bush and most of his failed policies and decisions these last 7 years. That means take the money, but avoid the photo ops with him. Or is it too late for that already?

I just hope McCain can dance better!

Does it really matter that Bush endorses him or not? We all know that McCain is Bush's hand picked successor AKA the US version of Medvedev. Choose McCain if you want more of the same.

Kiss of death.

Jack,
Given Bush's approval ratings it probably means 30% or so of the country will vote for McCain. But I think it's a safe bet that he just alienated the other 70% of us. GW McCain "08"

Here's a question though – Why hasn't anyone tossed Jeb Bush's name into the ring for McCain's running mate? He's got strong support in Florida, so that removes FL from the "purple states". The Bush names helps him with conservatives, while Independents have always viewed him as the more enlightened and better composed of the two.

Some of us Independents and Democrats who have liked McCain in the past do not like the endorsement from Bush. This gives us the perception that McCain has changed and will be another Bush. We view McCain and Obama as being politicians with the nation's interests at heart. Both appear to want to work with Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, unlike Hillary who's ego is the size of the Empire State Building. I am supporting Obama but if Hillary cries and schemes her way into becoming the Democratic nominee, then I don't think I'll vote in the general election. I would have voted for McCain until now because of the Bush endorsement.

Let's put it this way: If Bush wants McCain to win, he should have endorsed both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama!

McCain cvould not gracefully avoid it. In the past year he has supported BUsh more than anyone. He will probabl;y try to create seperation but his is a hugh liability.

President Bush endorsement will mean victory for McCain the Dem will see that it will not be four more years of Bush but a change for the better a leader who know what to do for or nation when it comes to international concerns. McCain is the one this nation can count on.

Jack that depends which percentage your talking too
the 14% president approval group or the 70% disapproval group

it's really a no brainer..... he should DENOUNCE & REJECT

I can only imagine the discomfort McCain must be feeling regarding this endorsement. Talk about being between a rock and a hard place!

It sure isn't going to hurt him. Who else is Bush going to endorse?

It's like this Jack. The Miami Dolphins went 1-15 this season. Could you imagine their coach talking to a high school football player. " Oh yeah, this kid's a star...and I know 'em when I see 'em." Get me?

we can only hope it means he will lose, if not , we've been living on a different planet for the last eight years!

BJ Seminole FL

Well, personally I wouldn't have Bush endorse anyone, but McCain has flip flopped so many times, what the hell!!! Just goes to show you hypocricy is still dominant in the Republican party making the Independents just a tad nervous, don't you think!!!!!!

I think that it can only help. McCain needs to keep Bush on a short leash though, or as we all know Bush could possibly do something stupid without thinking. I would keep him as far to the right of me as possible. That`s where he can make the most possitive impact. The people that hate George Bush the most would not ever vote for McCain anyway, so no harm done.

John McCain should be insulted. He has trouble enough ahead of him just being Republican and incompetent (re: Savings & Loan Oversight). Having the approval of Duh-Duh Dubya is baggage he earned the right NOT to bare. He fought to protect the Constitution not to bury it!

The endorsement from Bush hurts McCain. I understand trying to unite the GOP but McCain has been respected by independents because of his defiance and willingness to disagree with the Bush administration. The independent voter is the only chance McCain has of winning in November and I think he will lose independents if he starts aligning with the Bush politics of the past 8 yrs.

Depends on how stupid he acts during the campaiging of McCain and as we all know he has killed any chance of a Republican to win unless he can get another attack to take place right before the elections.

John McCain should have smacked GWB in the face long ago for the reprehensible treatment from his operatives in the 2000 GOP primaries. That he hasn't says volumes about _his_ level of desperation finish his lifetime of government employement in the White House.

Will Bush's endrosement help him? To this voter, it just makes me feel even sadder for that man John McCain used to be. it certainly does _not_ make me want to vote for him......ever.

I'm an independent voting for Obama, so heck yes! John McCain, pal up with your smirking dancing friend...do ME a favor and end this quickly!

Jack
It doesnt make any difference whether George W. endorced John McCain or not, the democrats will put their canidate in the white house regardless of who it is. The republican party needs some fresh YOUNG faces if they hope to get their power back.

It really dosent matter.Most americans look at him as just another Bush anyway.So with GW standing next to him or not in most americans mind he is there right next to McCain .I think they call it joined at the hip.

I think McCain getting the endorsement is much better than not getting it. Bush not endorsing McCain would help to legitimize the complaints by members of the more conservative factions of the Republican party and could potentially result in shakey support by his base. They got the endorsement out of the way early enough that swing voters (who one would expect are not fan's of Bush) will probably forget about it by November.

If I were Sen. McCain I would tell Bush to keep his "pretty face" at home because he is like a kiss of death.
But, being a democrat, I really like to see them smoozing up to each other. It just keeps reminding the American public that when you see one you see the other. (No difference!!!)

Bush's endorsement is the straw that broke the camels back, but it is a straw that puts a lot of weight directly on McCains back. Please, please , please help him some more Mr. President, and the Democrats won't even have to show up at the polls. McCain will be dead in the water, up the creek without a paddle. What I can't understand, and really hard to believe is why John McCain would accept his endorsement, because it will truly sink his chances that are slim at best anyways.

In one respect it is good because republicans who were wary of him in the beginning are starting to see that "true" republicans like President Bush are behind him. On the other hand, it is also a bad omen simply because of the fact that people are tired of President Bush and his failed adminsitration. One can't help but think that his influence may lead John McCain to make some of the same mistakes he did in office and cause this country even more turmoil.

If he wants to drive away the independent voters and the right leaning democrats it will help. I pray this patriot and hero doesn't think he has to carry the luggage for these draft deferred cowards of the Bush administration. If these "war hawks" or those radio republicans had been in that prison where he was they would've "made the video" the first time breakfast was late. I hope he politely accepts the endorsement and then ignores the President because it will hurt him to be seen as too close to bush.

If you consider that the public dislikes Congress more than the President, could it hurt?

Bush's endorsement will mean that McCain doesn't have to tippy-toe around the President the way Gore did when he ran for the presidency. McCain has the best of both worlds: He can use the President to fill his war chest with money and get some conservatives to vote for him, while at the same time being his own candidate and drawing distinctions between them, such as climate change, that will draw independents to him. McCain is smart enough to get the most out if this as possible.

No Brainer when you look at the statistics of the Presidents approval rating in America........McCain should Denounce and Reject!

Jack,
What the Bush endorsement will translate into is certain defeat for McCain. Maybe after the general election they can start a new dance and name it the McSame...

C.I., New York

Jack,
It's the gift that keeps on giving .........for the Demcrats! I can just see the ad now. Cut to video of the Bush embrace and kiss of death....cut to Bush doing a little softshoe while waiting on McCain...cut to very uncomfortable joint press conference. Voice over "Can we really afford a 3rd Bush administration?" I mean it just writes itself.
Peace, Love & Laughter,
Greg from Houston, TX

Bush & friends are well off financially since the GW took over in 2000. They don't need anymore money, They emptied our our treasury. It is time for them to sit back & make fun of the rest of us working just to survive. They don't want to win in 2008.

No Jack it will not hurt him, why should it. W has an approval rating in the low 30's, that is truly amazing for what he has done for this country, most of the world hates us now, we are battling 2 wars, and not making a lot of progress on either, our currency is in the toilet, energy, health care and food are through the roof, nah, McCain will be just fine with that endorsement!

McCain would be off going hunting with Dick Cheney than having Bush's endorsement.

It might help him mend fences with the religious right in his party. But that will be the only thing that he will get from a Bush endorsement. Having George Bush endorsement only proves to me that a vote for Senator Mccain is a vote for four more years of the same. Troops dying in Iraq, and the trickle down theory that has our economy in a tailspin. We need to be ending wars not sending more troops to wars which can only be done by having a draft.

NOBODY would benefit from a Bush endorsement of their candidacy...period!

Hi Jack:

If I were Mr. McCain I would be distancing myself from Bush. So it means one of two things. Either Mr. McCain is incredably dumb for accepting the endorcement from Bush. Or he really does not want to be president, and he is throwing the election.

Ron K. San Diego

There is nothing George W Bush can go to help anybody.

Not at all. McCain's victory is dependent upon if Hillary gets the Democratic nomination.

It's not going to help. Having America'a least favorable president on your side can't be good. He should have "denouced" and "rejected" this one. Thank God he did accept, now my guy Obama has a great commercial in the general. "If you liked the last 8 years, vote for McCain!!! Jobless, homeless, anti-war, and anyone with half a brain vote for Sen. Obama. (that's about 85 percent in favor of Obama). You gotta love this.

6 of one half dozen of the other. McCain is trying to take over Bush's job and no one, I repeat no one wants to walk in his shoes. I think Bush has done all he can already to hurt the republican party. What more harm can an endorsement do? McCain can always denounce and reject his endorsement too. The democrats do that on a daily basis to their supporters.

yes it will benefit McCain- why? because it is happening in March and everyone will forget about come November, but McCain will benefit from the tens of millions of dollars that president bush will help raise for him!! McCain needs all the money he can get to prepare for the general election!!!

If McCain were smart he would reject Bush's endorsement, but I guess he can't since McCain has endorsed and embraced all the bad things Bush has done as President.

it's the same difference as fidel castro endorsing raul castro for president. thank god we live in america where we have a choice because we don't need more of the same old thing like cuba.

If McCain were smart he would reject Bush's endorsement, but I guess he can't since McCain has endorsed and embraced all the bad things Bush has done as President.

I think Bush's endorsement was not needed by McCain, it is a kiss of death for any Republican to be associated with this President.
Bush still may have some support in the country, but anyone who wants to win this election as Republican has to make some hard decision.
Disassociate from the hard core of the Republican party like Arnold has done in California, or get defeated.
The next President has to address issues which affect all of us Americans: the un-necessary war, the economy, the massive loss of manufacturing jobs overseas, the broken border, the broken health care system, energy, huge budget deficits, huge trade deficits, the prestige of the US and a foreign policy that takes into consideration our national interest.
If the Presidential nominees do not address these issues, despite what they utter, they have a different agenda than the welfare of our nation

One can only hope.....

It won't hurt him and it may help him financially. Bush is still a capable fund raiser and it's unlikely that a thinking person would vote for a Hillary or an Obama simply because Bush endorsed their opponent. The remaining question is: how many thinking people are out there?

Yea Jack, It'll hurt like two birds in a bush? This dynamic," One Squared Times Two" coupling was tailored made for the, "2008" Presidential election. The money, the strategist , the gung-ho, shoot em-up cowboy style of both these mavericks will have every young mindless wipper-snapper donating their live's for this,"Dualism"? The Republican Party are now the masochist sub-culture of the 21st century? Earl, Provincetown,Mass.

The way I see it, if John McCain is accepting Bush's endorsement, they should BOTH be indicted, tried, convicted & sentenced to death for treason.

Jack, considering how Bush neglects our country and is hated by so many, his support of McCain may backfire if they are seen togerther too much. In fact, perhaps McCain suggested this when he indicated that while he would want Bush to campaign for him, the President may be too busy to play an active part. Just look as how Bill Clinton's "support" has often hurt his wife - how much are they seen together?

Anyone who has followed McCain's career knows him to be an ethical and solid politician who, as much as possible, tries to solve problems, even if it means reaching across the aisle to the Democrats. Though he isn't as right-wing as some of the religious zealots in his party would like, he is an effective and dedicated, if conservative, man.

Were he any less of a solid politician who has a clear voting record and a clear agenda, Bush's support would hurt him. Bush's approval rating is in the basement, and circling the drain. Those who have watched McCain's career will realize that he will, as soon as possible, pull the troops out of the Mideast, but will not pull them out unilaterally. He will also work on resolving our economic issues, and repairing the damage that the Bush administration has done to the American reputation internationally. Watch for significant changes if he is elected. He is now walking a tightrope of perception, so that he doesn't alienate the very people he needs to get into office. Once there, he would be a solid, ethical, and solution-oriented president who probably would never be a candidate for Mount Rushmore, but who will steer the country away from right-wing radicalism. If Clinton clinches the Democractic nomination, I will vote McCain (as long as Jeb isn't his running mate...I've had ENOUGH of the Bush clan!)

Bush's endorsement helps Democrats since it reminds us
that Bush will get his 3rd term with McCain. McCain has reversed
course and flip-flopped so much to align himself with Bush.The only
difference is McCain is so much older. McCain holds his finger to the wind politically. Against Bush tax cuts/ for Bush tax cuts etc. ...

It could mean that John McCain needs to take up tap dancing.

Jack

I can't tell you how upset I was to see the leader of the free world doing a 2-step and making merry on the White House steps while we have soldiers dying in Iraq. I wonder how the families of our service people felt when they saw the "Commander" whopping it up. The President has seemed to be a little "loosey-goosey" lately, like a high school senior about to graduate. I hope we don't fall asleep at the wheel. As he might say, it"s a dangerous and evil world out there".

Sure it will help McCain. And so will telling us that he wants to extend the Iraq war for another thousand years and making Bush’s' tax cuts for the rich permanent. I also think he should endorse water boarding and pledge to support Constitutional amendments to ban all types of abortion and prohibit gay marriages. The closer he can align himself with George Bush and his policies the better. In a bizarre alternate universe this would assure McCain of the Presidency, hopefully not the one I live in.

Jefferson, SC
I think it could go either way. There are a few of us out here who insist on giving our leader his due, addressing him as Mr. President, with the respect that is due the office. I am appalled by how our so called leaders get out there in public calling him "Bush", with not even the cursory title of Mr. Bush. Bad manners are just bad manners. I don't have enough respect left in my little finger for most of them to even care who wins the election. Now that the day of write in candidates have gone the way of the DODO, even my dog doesn't get a chance to run. What's up with that?
Sandi

What does it mean? Nothing. It was already obvious that McCain would have given the same effort Bush did to drag America into the gutter if he were president. It was also known that he loves to use his "straight talk" tagline the most to do the opposite so that he can dance around a question. All Bush's endorsement does is provide glasses to the seemingly blind republicans that have voted for McCain thus far.

Bucks County, PA

Yes, it already has.
Only morons want a 'Bush Clone'
to take the place of that moron
who is in the white house now.
He should have stayed John McCain.
Morphing in George Bush was stupid.

my wife just called me from her car. as we were speaking she interrupted me to read me a bumper sticker. it said "my son is an honor student, my president is a moron". need i say more?

There was a time when I really respected John McCain for his independence and his intergrity. If the identification with Bush didn't destroy that respect, his willingness to suck up to the man who so viciously attacked his family in 2000 in order to become President, did.

How can he possibly want the support of the man that authorized the use of torture by United States citizens?

Please delete my previous comment.

It has already hurt him.
Only morons want a 'Bush Clone'
to take the place of that moron
who is in the white house now.
He should have stayed John McCain.
Morphing in George Bush was stupid.

"Run, McCain, run. Get as far away from Bush as possible. That is if you want to win." That's what I would say if Barack Obama wins the Democratic nomination. "Stay close to Bush! He will helpp lose votes..." That's what I would say to allow Hillary Clinton to have a landslide victory in November."

Bobcat, Philadelphia, PA

It won't matter at all. Endorsements mean nothing. You shouldn't vote for someone just because a Kennedy or Baldwin gives their all mighty endorsement. Be a grown up and look at the issues for yourself and make your own decision. That is unless you feel you have to vote the way Ted tells you too.

I think McCain will benefit more than most think. Remember, the conservative core supports Bush, and if McCain can get back some of them, he should feel good about a win in November. My first choice was not McCain, but I will support him, as will other conservatives.

There are still some big powerful money people that are Bushs friends so this should help McCain for financing. That is the main thing he could do other than keep his mouth shut.

McCain Bush, Bush McCain it's all the same. The Republicans sure dont care for if they did, Bush would have been gone a long time ago.
As a registered Republican for all my voting life time, I sure don't recognize this party as the one I've supported at the beginning. Unlike the majority of my fellow Republicans, I don't support either Bush or McCain, or for that matter, Romney, Huckabee or Guliani. To give support to an unjust war under the premise of not looking back but into the future is a cop out and sure shows the lack of creativity on how to right a wrong. Two wrongs dont make a right and doing the same thing over and over again expecting change is insanity. The Republican party is a shinning example of a dysfunctional family.

It is too late. It already means McCain has accepted being a "Third Term Bush"; Maybe the two men should get together and read the Constitution together, and spend about 6 months trying to figure out what it really means. Read my lips...70% of American citizens want to end the civil war in Iraq. Get the troops out of Iraq, put them in Afghanistan, win it, declare victory and leave.
To refresh some memories, it's "Government of the People, by the people and for the people. Their Oath says to Protect and uphold the Constitution" By doing that, the people are automatically protected. Now Gentlemen, respect your Oath.

Doom.

Overall, I can't see this as doing anything but helping McCain. As one of the most differing Republicans, McCain needs the support of the conservatives who still support Bush. Everything about "Bush Lite" and "the kiss of death" is just more political slander that has become the unfortunate side-effect of the modern electoral process. That having been said, I'm certain that if there had been an unpopular Democratic president in office for the past 8 years, and was giving his support to Obama or Hillary, the GOP would be saying the same things, so it is not ay specific party's fault.

I don't know if it helps or not but Bush endorsing an old cranky mean Bush is just what the world can do without.

Gonzales LA

Not a thing. You do the math, the President has a very low approval rating if he could run again he wouldn't get elected so why should McCain be any different.

As Senator Clinton touts, "she's been vetted" so let's see how she handles a few legitimate criticisms. Why should she be allowed to take off the gloves, then whine when he does? Why hasn't she released her tax returns as of yet? That to me sounds like she definitely has something to hide. We all want change, but the change does include transparency. We the people are tired of getting closed out of the process. If you close us out from knowing the tax returns of "you the public servant"..what else will you close us out of? This sends a bad message and reminds us how President Bush sealed all of his records. That to me sounds like 4 more years of Bush tactics.

It would hurt, A vote for McCain is like voting for President Bush.

I watched the press conference when Pres. Bush endorsed Sen. McCain and I couldn't help but notice how Sen. McCain kept moving away from the Pres and getting him out of the camera frame. I laughed each time the Pres moved back into the frame and the Senator would inch away. It's a token endorsement, good for the goose steppers in the party, but it was easy to see the discomfort for Sen. McCain while Pres. Bush acted like he had already had a "power lunch" and was attending a pool party. Good luck Senator with that albatross around your neck.

Neither. This is just a essential political move. Later in the campaing, McCain will try to distant himself from Bush to show that he is different although he will promote some of Bush's ideas about Iraq and Tex cuts. It is a delicate balance he has to maintain. After all both are Republicans.

Nuwan from Texas

It means that McCain is living in a bowl of Fruit Loops and doesn't have any milk.

In this movie the wicked witch doesn't melt when water is used to put out the fire on her broomstick. You must put it out by setting counter fires. As in controlling a wildfire.

Hurt, painfully hurt

Its all about party loyalty, not patriotism. Even if Bush honestly thought that Clinton or Obama would be better for the future of America, he would still endorse McCain....serve the party, THEN the people. This endorsement was expected, and is empty. Bush would have endorsed Michael Moore if he ended up being the GOP nominee.

Jack, For those die hard Repuiblicans that would rather see our country continue to disentegrate further, it will help McCain, but for the majority of Americans, this is the death knell for McCain as we are tired of Bush policys that support wars of shame and farm out our Nations resources to countries such as China, and neglect the well being of the average citizens welfare, not to mention the failure of our Nations' infrastructure. If McCain gets into the Presidency, the the American people can say goodbye to our country within this century. John, Pennsylvania

Come on now...it would be poor manners for McCain to refuse to accept the Bush endorsement. It's the Republican Party and Bush happens to head it right now...of course he'd endorse McCain...it's like being in a club. That doesn't mean McCain won't have his own ideas to bring to the White House. Bush may not be the best president, but gee whiz...he IS still our president. At least until Obama gets sworn in (grin)

McCain is in an interesting position with the endorsement of President Bush. On the one hand, McCain is a moderate Republican that needs to bridge the gap between himself and the conservative leg of the Republican party. On the other hand, to win in November McCain will need to be able to draw votes from independents across the nation. To do both of these McCain will at the same time need to be able to use the President to pull conservatives to his side as well as distance himself from the President to draw over independents. Can he do both of these at once? I don't think so. McCain will have to hope and pray that as the Democrats keep fighting for their nomination, conservatives will start, on their own and for the good of the Republican party, start to get behind their nominee.

Hillary has allready taken the gloves off and is playing dirty politics. If he want to win the Democratic nomination he is going to have fight fire with fire. What experience does Hillary have, I've yet to see it. Why is she so secrative with her income tax information and years as first lady. I think she has a lot to hide.

After reviewing Bush's record, he would most likely be an albatross hanging around McCain's neck. What is worse, Bush is McCain's idol. Considering how the country feels about the current administration and McCain's adherence to the policies that made it such a failure, I think that as far as the Republicans are concerned, McCain is a throwaway. That's why they don't have a serious candidate competing for the nomination.

It will not be an issue because if Clinton is the nominee for the democrats McCain will be the next president. There are independents like me and people registered as Democrats will vote for McCain rather than have Clinton in the White House. People wjho say he will be a third term for Bush. Well Clinton will be a third term for
Clinton. Bill will be running the country not Hillary.

I don't think it will hurt Mcinsane. Anyone who was dumb enough to vote for Bush will be equally idiotic in their support of Mcinsane.

With bush who can tell.Bush and McCain are basically the same person.The republicans have gotten this country in such a mess,neither one of them sould be president.

Below is the modus operandi to McCain's Defeat:
Higher price of Gas + Higher Home Foreclosure rate + Unpredictable economy + Bush's Endorsement = McCain's Defeat.

This election is not going be about McCain – our famous hero – and his platform; instead, it is going to be the exhaustion of being under the Republican Party for the last 7 rough years of the Middle Class in the country.

The McCain I used to admire would have never asked or taken an endorsement from Bush; the McCain I see now seems to not care about personal integrity anymore. This endorsement proves it to me.

Wasn't Bush the guy everyone would want to have a beer with?
I wouldn't want to be seen with Bush. McCain should hang out with him at his own peril. Who cares, McCain has already sold out his principles just to win the nomination.

Add in Dick Chaney, Karl Rove, and Bebe Rovaosso; its all he needs.

Bush endorsing anything or anyone at this point & time cannot help...especially when soon after that endorsement Bush is right back to his 'fear mongering' speeches. How does being captured by the enemy and held in a prison camp prepare one to be a President anymore than avoiding military service prepared Bush?? Both men have serious emotional scars that may not be fully healed. War mongering begets war...can we be certain that McCain won't get 'even' for his capture by bomb, bomb, bombing Iran????

Would you want him on your team? Some things are better left unsaid.

Not as bad as choosing Crist for VP will. I thought he was the king of straight talk so what's he doing with a sleaze like Crist?

It means that the Democrats won't need to spend too much money on producing television commercials in the fall. The footage from yesterday's endorsement, complete with Bush's "Dancing with the Stars" audition, is all Hillary and/or Barack will need in order to tie this presidency around McCain's neck.

The President making comments like "It's not about me"..... "I've done my bit"...."they're going to be looking at him. I'm going to be in Crawford with my feet up" not only hurts McCain, but sums up his mentality over the years.

G W Bush wants to exit quietly stage door left leaving the next president with a WAR and a crippled Economy , only to rush to his ranch to relax with his feet up and a beverage in his hand.

Job well done president Bush! Have a cold one on me.

The kiss of death! How sweet it is to see McCain do a 180 on just about every issue, makes for some great campaign material!

On the history channel it showed nice guys don't win when campaigning for political office. Fighting dirty goes back over a hundred years. The person that fights dirty wins. It is my opinion when a person fights dirty just to win a position for political office doesn't know the job he or she is fighting for. President Bush, prove that point. Look how he polarize the country over Iraq. Look how longs it took President Bush to respond to Katrina. It took approximately five days for President Bush to respond to hurricane Katrina victims. After two years there very little change in New Orleans. Victims from the hurricane are still looking for a place to live. Also look how bad the economy is over his corrupt economic policies. Look how he is trying to destroy blue collar workers by outsourcing jobs overseas. Approximately three million high paying blue collar jobs been outsource under the Bush administration. Parts of Midwestern states have turn into ghost towns.

Jack,

This is much too simple. Even a "Quayle" sitting under a Bush could answer this. You'd have to be on the board of Haliburton, an oil tycoon, or among the very wealthy of the land to think that Bush's endorsement of McCain is a royal bonus to his campaign.

This Bush has too many thistles to be of any comfort.

T. Smith
Fostoria, OH

Bush's endorsement of John McSame is just confirmation that there is no difference between the two, policy-wise. John is a much better person than W, a war hero with high moral standards who never campaigned like Bush, Clinton, et al even after being maliciously slandered and attacked during his last presidential bid by his own party (much like Obama is now by the Clinton dems). The American people know that McCain will not be an agent of change and I think his chances of landing the Presidency are about the same as Bush's current approval rating unless the Democrats destroy themselves in their convention process.
Ken
Tyler, Texas

This endorsement shows we will get the same OLD tired, failed policies of George W. Bush from John McCain.

This really is a non issue. Political protocol dictated that Bush had to endorse McCain once he became the undisputed candidate. McCain had to accept.

The key will be how much McCain distances himself from Bush from now on. If he is smart – and he is – he will keep Bush at arm's length from now on. Come November this "endorsement" will be totally forgotten.

No matter. The mistakes of the Bush years and the state of the economy will mean the next president will be a democrat – if Hillary doesn't screw it up big time by continuing desperation negative attacks on Barack.

Hagge, then Bush... he only needs Coltergeist endorse him and you can ensure that no moderate independents will vote Republican this fall. The straight talk express is out of alignment and is pulling hard to the right.

Jack,

Bush's outlook on the world's problems is wrong, so his solutions are wrong. If Bush campaigns for McCain it will appear like McCain endorses Bush's bad policies, which he may.

If McCain doesn't endorse Bush's policies then associating himself with Bush will do him harm. If he does endorse Bush's policies then he should NEVER be president.

Bush has been bad for America, and 60% of Americans know it. McCain shouldn't let him anywhere near his campaign.

Personally, I think that Bush's endorsement will cost McCain one vote for every two votes he gains, and there aren't a lot of Republican voters around this year.
Allen
Hartwell, GA

Jack, when is CNN going to give you your own hour? Just get a cute co-anchor!

Will Bush hurt McCain? Let's see, according to the Congressional Budget Office, George W. Bush's administration has racked up over $1.67 Trillion in budget defecits, not counting the war debts hidden under the rug. This is on top of the $1 Trillion in deficits caused by his father, and the $1.5 Trillion deficits of Ronal Regan. This totals about $4.2 Trillion in Republican deficits before what McCain would certainly cause. I really don't care if McCain gets hurt by Bush. I'm more concerned about how much these clowns have hurt our children and grandchildren by thier stealing from these future generations.

Jack,

It will hurt, and drag him deeper than he already is.
Hillary will be the next president, without a doubt.

It means McCain will have to keep kissing the ring which probably irks him to no end.

Well I don't think it matters. Both seem to have the same agenda. Unfortunitly the few canadites I would have like to see have all dropped out early. It seems that unless you have the millions of dollars it takes to win the first few states your out no matter your position on the issues.

As a Democrat, I applaud his endorsement of McCain. I hope they are seen alot together til November. It will remind voters that Bush's ( Super Lame duck and the worst president) message doesnt matter. The same way that people all over the US turn off Bush's press conferences. Impeach Bush and let him do all his community service in HIS NEW LIBRARY. New Orleans sure could use 200 million

It will not hurt but sink him. That move goes to show that if we have McSame as Pres. it will be the same all over again for four more years and the economy will continue to go down and the number of dead Americans in Iraq will continue to go up. I can't believe there are Reps who still want to hide the sun with the index finger!!!!!!

It will bring more money to his campaign, but other than that it can't help. The biggest thing helping McCain right now is the democrats ripping each others guts out in front of the american people. Mostly it is the Clintons, but I feel sure the Obama campaign is digging it up right now, that should not take long or much digging.

I don't care they look like 2 peas in a pod at the White House yesterday.... I'm voting for the new kid and praying the rest of the country will wake up and do the same.....Obama all the way !!! By the way, I'm an old white lady and not voting for Hillary.... just for the record!

Jack,

It will mean money - lots and lots of campaign money; and it means McCain integrity and McCain respect for the office - McCain's not running away from the President just because he is unpopular.

Bush's endorsement drive McCain even farther from victory, because, let's face facts, the guy has no chance of winning unless the Democratic candidate shows up to the national debates saying, 'Who am I and why am I here?!"

-Julia Hays
Pitman, NJ

As a Republican, it is expected Bush "The Decider" would go through the ceremony of endorsing McCain. McCain is an authenic American hero and when he was standing next to Bush, Bush looked like a pathetic loser as he has proven to be as president. McCain must distance himself from Bush for I cannot imagine the American people electing a Bush-3!

By the way Jack, tell Wolf I watch "The Situation Room" because of your commentary and common sense! Keep it up!

It's hilarious watching the man who smeared McCain so badly in the 2000 Republican race now with his arms around him touting McCain as the best man for the job. I'm not sure how McCain can stand being within 20 feet of Bush, but I guess you'll do anything to get elected to President. Especially if you're a Republican.

Dear Jack: I think Bush's endorsment will help McCain's campaign. He needs to get more of the conservative idiots on his side and who can do that better than Bush. I actually met Republicans at the Democratic caucus who voted for Hillary or Barack for various reasons and were ready to sign up to be delegates. Yet, they were proud to say that they were die hard Republicans and were voting for McCain in the general election. Yep...Bush is gonna help McCain with these folks.

McCain has almost no choice but to accept the good blessings of the Bush administration and take advantage of any money raising that Bush will be able to do for him. However, I do not think that we would face a third Bush term if McCain wins in November. He is an intelligent, honorable man, and I think he can make decisions on his own, which he proved by voting against many Bush policies in the past.

McCain might as well retire now before he loses the race. Bush Jr gave him the "Kiss of Death" by endorsing him.
Besides, if McCain wins, we would have call him President "Old Goat".

What will President Bush's endorsement mean for John McCain?
Jack,
My Swedish immigrant parents had a comment about people that were mentally missing a meatball or so, “They were not all there”

I ask my self what Bush has done that’s right in the last 7 years. In my 79 years I have never heard the question, “Who is the worst President in history”. Unfortunately all too many here and abroad have put the present President at the top of the list. The negative reasons are infinitum. Just what has he done positive for us in seven years? The big outpour at the polls tell us American’s indeed want a change and departure from the Bush years.

Accepting President Bush's endorsement and campaigning for him means John may not be all there.
Ken

Seeing George Bush and John McCain together is like seeing together the evil galactic emporer and darth vader from star wars.

It sickens me to think some Americans are foolish enough to vote for an evil and corrupt man like John McCain.

Jack a lame duck president, endorsing MCcain is like a lame duck endorsing the old hunter.... and makes about as much sense.

Becky in Kentucky

I think that this will certainly hurt McCain because it will align him the the theocratic corporate (very weird to put those two words next to each other but they work) Republicans that have gotten our country into a plethora of messes. I plan on voting for a Democratic president but if John McCain aligned himself with a moderate/ liberal Republican as VP then there might be a horse race. In summary I think if the American people get a hint of Bush from McCain's campaign then it will be a landslide Democratic victory.

No. When a baseball hitter strikes out does that make him an experienced hitter? Both Clinton and McCain have a lot of experience alright, experience being wrong. The American people don't need leaders with failed experience, they need a NEW EXPERIENCE based on leadership that listens to the will of the people instead of the greed of the military industrial complex.

I wish McCain and Bush were Siamese twins and forever inseparable. It would guarantee the victory of the Democrats in November. McCain's only hope is to distance himself as far as possible from G. W. Bush.

Ray Kinserlow
Lubbock, Texas

Despite the problems that Bush administration has faced there is still 50% of the country that loves him and supports him 100%. I have voted for John Kerry in 2004, but I now regret my decision. Bush is the man and his support will help McCain. McCain is the man for the job and come November he will become the top man.

It means that the eventual democratic nominee gets to put that really great picture of McCain and Bush from yesterday (you know the one with the great big grins) all over a whole bunch of advertisements to remind the voters that a vote for McCain is a vote for 4 more years of Bush. I can't wait!

Other than money, it means, when George Bush kicks back in Crawford Texas, John McCain will be there drinking a beer with him.

I think it'll help McCain. It'll bring in droves of cash – in the final analysis this mattersa. McCain's major strength that he is putting forward is National Security and by extension, the war in Iraq. Bush's unpopularity will not wash on McCain.

Only an insane person would use Bush in speeches and what-not. Bush has been what many people call a horrible president: war in Iraq, recession, etc. People will look at what Bush has done to our country and will think twice. I can see many people voting democratic this year. Don't be looking for a 51-49% election result in November!

Bush's endorsement will hurt – if intelligent people use it correctly. Isn't it wonderful to see them arm in arm? How forgiving of McCain, putting aside what Bushies did to him in 1999.

In any case, this means "four more years" : Iraq war, deficits, inappropriate tax breaks, tramping on the Constitution, etc.

The better question is: will this 71 year old guy be able to keep up? can he take the pressure? can he withstand the rigorous schedule?
And, who will his running mate be (the next next Commander in Chief)?
RG

Mc Bush has anice ring to it. The Dems will use it in every ad

Jack, the only thing that Bush can help him with is the war issue..not the fact that it was a raw deal, but what to do now. John could do it just as good if not better on his own, cause with a friend like Bush who needs enemy!

Jack, it will help him. We are all not like you and you Obama supporters. Its always an asset to have a incubent president even now with all the political change. We will be able to see the change when we see it, as of now we only hear about it coming.

Way to go John Mccain USE George Bush.... lol

Bush's endorsement will mean absolutely nothing to John McCain, since the only people who value anything Bush says were already planning to vote for any Republican that was nominated.

Bush's support of Mccain shows us that if elected, things will be the same. Open your eyes America!

O
f course it hurts McCain. Bush didn't even know gas was approaching $4 a gallon-what planet is he from and he is our president! McCain may be a nice man, sure he loves his country, but we are drowning here and the Bush-McCain people are throwing the lifelines to Iraq!

Thanks, George, we appreciate your endorsement!

Knox ville, TN

Jack,
I think its great Im a Democrat hahahaha, Bye Bye McLame

Britt In PA

John McCain shouldn't be too gleeful about George W. Bush's endorsement as it really amounts to getting "Freedo's kiss" from the Godfather.

If he really is nothing more than John McSame then Americans are McINSANE for voting for him.

Bush is the last person he should want by his side.

Jack, If I were John McCain I'd run the other way. An endorsement from Bush is like asking your great grandmother for dating advice.......the words may sound sweet but it's completely irrelevant to the time it's given!!!

your answer to the 5 pm question is simple... Its the kiss of death for Mc Same..

I hope it means several years of Democrats in the white house. I don't want another Bush and America won't be able to hold on. Plus if I have to hear "my friends" much longer I may go nuts!

The endorsement has about the same value as Roger Clements using Barry Bonds as a reference for a new pitching job..!

Bush's endorsement will not hurt McCain. The people that don't like McCain are not going to change their mind. The conservatives in the Republican party that are thumbing their nose at McCain might change their mind and lend their support to McCain because they like Bush. I really don't care. I just want our country to get on the right track. I don't care who gets us going, just get it right.

A downfall just to keep it simple.I just don't know which one is worse: Mccain's Bush Endorsement or Obama / Hillary Mud Slide. Either way, it's an interesting Soap Opera on its own. Gob Bless America.

Anytime The Axis of Evil Bush endorses somebody, how can it be helpful. All McCain is, is George Bush v 2.0!

Jack,, Money ..Period! Nothing else, Mr. Bush should stay away from McCain.

Hopefully, his demise.

Orange, CA

President Bush's endorsement of John McCain simply means more of the same.
George in Vista, CA

One word DEFEAT!

It will help him with die-hard Bushies; however, McCain will do ANYTHING he thinks will help him put President before his name since he has been running about 10 years for this. Heck, I'm waiting for him to become a Catholic!

help

Jack, Let's see, Home Foreclosures highest in history, Gas prices through the roof, War in Iraq, Middle Class disappearing, Healthcare Unaffordable, Jobs going elsewhere. You see Jack, don't have to be a rocket scientist to realize you stay away from this guy in a lightning storm!!

It means "whomp-whomp" for McCain.

W's endorsement means that mcCain will get to run again in 4-yrs... congratulations to you john!

Bush's endorsement of John McCain will be like hanging an anvil around Senator McCain's neck and dropping him in the Bermuda Triangle.

But then again, John McCain has gotten out of tougher situations, hasn't he?

Steve
Shingle Springs, CA

Jack,

It doesn't amount to a "hill of beans" because Senator McCain will not be elected President of the United States. Eight years of Republican rule is enough for everyone, even a lot of Republicans feel the same. Even President Bush can hardly wait to vacate the White House. He is so happy he is giddy. Did you see him dancing yesterday? That is the sign of a very relieved man.

Katy
Fairfax, VA

The Bush endorsment might bring a few of conservative McCain's way, but most of us conservatives are already with him. Your negative comments against Bush & McCain only serve them in a positive manner as your approval ratings are lower then the congress approval rating, which is lower than Bush's.

Jack, McCain doesn't need Bush to hurt him because when there are commentators like you who are in the tank for Obama he has enough going against him.

From: University of Illinois- Champaign, Illinois

In the end, I don't think it is possible for a Republican candidate to avoid the comparisons to President Bush without totally alienating the base by actively distancing himself. He might as well form an "alliance" so he can best tap the resources that allowed Bush to win 2 national elections.

I think that the Bush endorsement will NOt hurt McCain in the long run because McCain did disagree with the President on the Conduct and management of the war.
Remember, McCain long called for the resignation of Donald Rumself, troop surge and better manangement. of the war So, Democrats may lose this argument at the end of the cycle. Democrats should get off the War debate and stick to the Economy.

Look McCain has principles and great experience, but getting an endorsement from President Bush, the President with the worst approval rating ever will just sink McCain's Campaign faster than bush put the country more in debt with his wars and terrible judgment. We need a president that steers away from this old management style. McCain is a mini Bush.

George Bush's endorsement may not be good for John McCain, but I am sure Hillary's endorsement will. She continues to endorse John McCain by saying that both her and John Mccain will bring a lifetime of experience to the job while Barrack Obama only brings one speech. She's convinced me. I am voting for John McCain.

It will mean that straight talk will be melded with forked tongue.The result will be gobbledee guck in great quantities.Well we haven't had a 100 years war since medieval times.

McCain would have done better with me endorsing him . This endorsement means nothing, it won't hurt him or help him, especially when it is so known how McCain disagreed with many of the Bush policies. A Collin Powell endorsement would help him a lot more.

Jack,

It is going to kill him he needs to run like his hair is on fire. I think I would rather have Bush in another 4 years instead of 4 years of McCain.

Oh my gosh, what a total mistake for McCain!!
he will suffer, believe me .. Bush has lied to start war and had a bunch of terrible people on his staff .. pardoned criminals and made a huge mess of our country!!
Not only is McCain in the wrong company, but he will send the wrong message to everyone .. War, the Economy, favoritism, Vetoes, Oil Company lovers , friends that are liars and big money.. Now everyone will know he is senile .. as a Democrat who was going to vote for him if my candidate does not win the Democratic Nomination..that is the end of him for me!

As a democrat, I hope McCain jumps right in bed with Bush. The Bobsey twins can walk into the sunset with their arms around each other, and straight into the arms of defeat. I used to think he was a decent guy with a mind of his own until he starting acting like a Bush clone. Hasn't this country had enough of the same? What is he thinking?

It's gonna hurt...ALOT. Even the official endorsement lovefest made McCain look bad. Bush's arrogance and overbearing personality made McCain look like a nervous teenager. Bush interupted McCain several times and turned what should have been an event about McCain into yet another opportunity to feed his over-inflated ego.

The answer is simple: People will be reminded of what John McCain's presidency will be like if he should win the election...another 4 years of George W. Bush lite...that ain't good...

I think it will help McCain..why? because he's our president and a good man in my opinion. Only people who dont like Bush are the anti-war freaks/haters.

McCain will be a great president in my opinion..he's earned the job and deserves the job in my book.A true American.

yes, it will make him look like a future second dumbest president , bush being the first .

You know Jack... I dont really think that Mr. Bush cares to much about the endorsement anyways.... But he sure does know how to tap a jig for the public...

Well,

The whole Bush endorsement may sit 'fine and dandy' with the Republicans but we all know in truth, it's ridiculous. The endorsement is just another political appeal to the American people to state that the Republican party supports one another. In another words, President Bush must endorse McSame. McSame is a BUSH embryonic stell research project gone wrong. If President Bush has such a low political rating why would anyone praise his endorsement? He may sit "heavy hearted" with republican extremists but independents and democrats would rather turn their head sideways. In key swing states, this will hurt the Republican party much harder then they aspect. Score one for the democrats here.

Sincerely,
Disgruntled American
NY

Having bush's endorsement can't hurt any more than McCain's unequivocal support for the Iraq debacle/boondoggle.

Other than Lieberman I dont see McCain getting a single Democrat vote, most independents are tired of bush and would rather anything having to do with his presidency went with him when he leaves office, and I hardly think that the "conservatives on talk radio" are the only ones that are unhappy with McCain and his positions on issues.

It means he'll use him when and where it helps to raise money and won't everywhere else. But it's not like a Republican President isn't going to endorse his own party's presidential nominee.

Todd
State College, Pa.

ZIP, NADA, NULL! The same old conservatives who support McCain support Bush. All this means is a financial shot in the arm for McCain because as we know Bush is owed a lot of favors from Halliburton, Exxon-Mobile, Citigroup, Morgan Stanley and all the other financiers and war profiteers he served over the last seven plus years. Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy doesn't it Jack?

Can you say "kiss of death"...?

McCain was doing fine in the primaries earlier, without the "conservatives" – until someone made him start pandering to them. I'm not so sure that the Conservatives are the biggest portion of the GOP - just the noisiest.

I get tired of all the Republican=Conservative speak. There are free & independent-thinking Republicans out here. Moderate Republicans just don't get any respect!

Thanks, Jack, for your daily dose of realism...

l think Bush's endorsement will not hurt Mc cain because , there are still many pple who still like Bush , but he must use him as a secret weapon when needed .

As for Clinton 's experiance its like taking and old wine , change the bottle and expect it to taste new . What did the clinton adminstraion did to stop Rwanda genocide , remember its about judgement , like the Clinton administration did to stop Bin laden when they had a chance .

America should wake up and stop this monarchy . If clinton wins there will be too much corruption in government .

If Obama was asked to denounce Farakhan – Why isn't McCain asked to denounce Hagee?

What will President Bush’s endorsement mean for John McCain?

We will have reason to celebrate Thanksgiving Day this year.

Oops! I'm getting so giddy I spilled my bush lite.

Mpls, Mn

That The Decider has decided not to be undecided about The Next Decider is decidedly meaningless.

I don't think President Bush's endorsement helps John McCain. George Bush has been called "the worst President ever." No one that has been on this planet for the last 8 years should want anything to do with him. High gas prices, recession, loss of jobs, the failure of his handling of Katrina, no healthcare. How can you stand next to someone, and except the endorsing of someone who has been so catastrophic to this country?

Jack, Luckily for McCain he won the nomination early and can get Bush's endorsement and get away from him while the Democrats continue to fight it out. if McCain is to win the election he better hope that after today Bush stays as far away from him as possible because if he dosent the Democrats will ride todays endorsement all the way to the presidency. Every time that the democrats show todays endorsement, people will remember what Bush has done to this country.

A Bush endorsement nowadays is like the mark of the beast, except that if McCain wins the American people will be the ones howling at the moon.

David

New York

Senator McCain is dead meat now. Having George W. Bush campaigning for him is a death knell. He is not as smart as they try to make him look. He changes his position to fit the situation and gain power. Very dangerous man.

Jack
McCain deserves Bushes endorsment. McCain has cloned himself to be Bush and soon he will start looking like him ah the Miracle of science. Still defective the clone will be.

Bush endorsing McCain can only lead to problems.
The fact McCain was tardy for their meeting and Bush did a little sidestep dance move says it all.
McCain is only being polite, but has no intention of having Bush involved and Bush is glad to stay out of his way and wait for his fiasco of a term to end.

W’s endorsement means that mcCain will get a chance to run again in 4-yrs against a democrat incumbent… congratulations to you john!

It would be better for McCain to separate himself from Bush. Obviously McCain supports the war and everyone knows this. However, he needs to separate himself from the Bush Doctrine and the current administrations handling of the war.

The unfortunate fact is that many Voters and many members of Congress like what Bush stands for. I doubt that anyone who supported McCain before will be turned off by the Bush endorsement. Many of the more extreme neocons will be convinced by the Bush endorsement. People who didn't like Bush already didn't like McCain, so no change. A net gain for McCain and a net loss for mankind.

It seems the Bush Administration has found a legal way to run for a third term; hijack a candidate in John McCain who seems to have forgotten how badly he was trashed in the 2000 campaign by them. McCain seems to feel that he needs Bush's endorsement because of his ill reputation amongst the conservative wing of the Republican party, but the only problem in that strategy is he will lose the moderate voters who respected him for being the maverick reputation he had built up. McCain will only be helped in November either by a broken Democratic party or a Clinton candidacy that convinces even moderate Republicans to hold their noses and pull the lever in McCain's favor.

Doesn't anyone separate relevant information from irrelevant information anymore? Bush's endorsement of McCain means absolutely nothing and is irrelevant. Who was Bush supposed to endorse . . . Clinton or Obama? He endorsed McCain because he had to. Anyone familiar with their relationship knows that McCain and Bush bumped heads many times during Bush's rule. McCain, unlike Rumsfeld and others, was not afraid to disagree with Bush. Unfortunately, too many Americans interpret a McCain White House as Bush's third term. It shows just how ignorant voters can be.

Brian in Phoenix, AZ

President Bush's endorsement of Mc Cain will hurt him because his image as a maverick has been tarnished by the fact that at first he opposed George Bush's policies, now that he is running for president he is supporting the Bush doctrine. I would have liked him as the maverick he was known for being in the past, Now he is doing anything he can to win. There is a reason presidents only get to serve two terms. Mc cain wont win in a general election because voting for him is like letting George Bush serve a third term.

Bush's endorsement of Mcain, I hope, is a death sentence for his presidential bid because the Bush -Cheney presidency duo has got to go down in history as the worst duo in the history of the United States! Never before has this government been seen as the lying, deceptive and corrupt entity that it presently is.

I’m and Independent voter who was going to vote for Sen. McCain until he was endorsed by Mr. Bush.

The President's approval rating is not zero, so he has some base to offer. The hardcore base who are a little dejected right now still love our president, and this will help with getting the base back in line. I realize the President is not the most popular guy in th eroom, but he still has some support, and McCain is going to need evey single drop of it.

Jack, it's the political equivalent of taking a bath with a toaster.

With friends like Bush who need enemies?

Jack this message is very important, If God our creator has predestinated that OBAMA be the nominee, there is nothing that the Clinton campagin, or negative coments can hurt him. They are forgeting that God is in Controle. And truley God is watching.

I sure hope so. The fact that Bush thought that his endorsement would help McCain just shows why we need a Democrat for President!