FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
John McCain is on a roll, at least when it comes to endorsements for his presidential campaign.
Senator Joe Lieberman, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, backed McCain today, saying political parties are "not more important than what's best for our country." Lieberman, who was Democrat Al Gore's running mate in 2000, says you can always count on McCain to be honest about where he stands. He also praised McCain's "experience, strength, decisiveness" and readiness to lead the nation.
A recent poll shows McCain tied for second place in New Hampshire, so there's a hope that Lieberman could have some influence with independents in the Granite State, but maybe not. Last time around Lieberman couldn't even win the primary in his home state of Connecticut despite being an incumbent Unites States senator. He ended up running for reelection as an independent.
McCain was also endorsed by the editorial boards of the Des Moines Register and the Boston Globe. The Register wrote, "The force of John McCain's moral authority could go a long way toward restoring Americans' trust in government." And, the Boston Globe passed over their own former governor, Mitt Romney, saying that while McCain's views might differ from theirs, his "honesty has served him well." How important newspaper endorsements are these days is very much an open question.
Here’s my question to you: How much will endorsements from Sen. Joe Lieberman, the Des Moines Register and the Boston Globe help John McCain’s campaign?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Lee from Delray Beach, Florida writes:
Jack, As a lifelong Democrat who voted for Al Gore, the thought that I might have put a back-stabbing opportunist like Joe Lieberman only a heart beat away from the presidency makes my flesh crawl. I despise everything this administration has done, but Joe Lieberman is nothing but a George W. Bush with no conscience, and a whiney voice.
Susan from Encino, California writes:
I take seriously the endorsements by our major newspapers, and their reasons for the endorsements. Those mean a lot more to me then any celebrity endorsements (Oprah included). I liked very much what you just read on air about John McCain. While we may not always agree with him, you can't disagree that he's an honest man, and stays true to his feelings. I'm a moderate liberal Democrat, but those traits I have always and will continue to, admire in John McCain.
Susan writes:
Joe Lieberman and John McCain are irrelevant. They can endorse each other ‘til the cows come home. The 2008 election will usher in a new era led by progressive attitudes and a vibrant new leadership in the White House and Congress. Lieberman and McCain are dinosaurs from the old political aristocracy who deserve a pat on the back for their service and a fond farewell.
James from Centreville, Virginia writes:
Senator McCain's endorsements will help him because the blurring of political party support works to counter the runaway partisanship which began with Gingrich in 1994. McCain's base will be from both Democrats and Republicans of the moderate persuasion.
John from San Fransisco, California writes:
Jack, The days when "endorsements" meant something are gone. It's clear the media is NOT independent, so newspaper endorsements are just political endorsements. And, we all know, being endorsed by other corrupt politicians is meaningless. These fools are stroking their own egos and the mainstream media laps it up. Check to see who the voters are endorsing ... with their wallets.
W.B from Las Vegas, Nevada writes:
An endorsement from the "Lieberweasel"? That should be the kiss of death for John "Amnesty" McCain. I'm waiting for their "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb. Bomb, Bomb Iran" duet.
Maybe Jack will read yours tomorrow.