Here's Why Neocons Can't Be Trusted

Fred Barnes lists three things McCain must do to win---guess what's not on the list?

That's right---"Throw a bone to conservatives."

Neocons like Barnes can't do simple math.

The Democrat presidential candidate can count on gathering about 40% of the vote, just on the basis of hardcore liberal Democrats. The Republican can normally count on about 45% of the vote just on the basis of conservatives (while self-identification runs about 3-1 in favor of conservatives, liberals do a better job, ahem, "manufacturing" votes on Election Day. Many liberals also lie and claim to be "moderates."). That leaves about 15% which swings from side to side and ultimately decides the election.

Is 45% a greater or lesser percentage than 15%?

Right---it's 3 times greater.

It's thus 3 times as important for McCain to make nice with conservatives as it is to suck up to "independents".

If McCain listens to Barnes, Kristol, Frum, and Hewitt, he'll be lucky to get 15% on the 1st Tuesday in November.