The torture imperative

K-Lo helpfully informs us precisely what's wrong with McCain.

To Senator McCain, congratulations. But he has not got this thing wrapped up by any stretch. It’s less than a year since he tried to push a disastrous immigration bill into law — one as manipulative as any pork-laden appropriations bill — with vigorous opposition from talk radio, conservative bloggers, think tanks, and the grassroots. I don’t see how such a man wins the Republican nomination. I’m second to none in praising him on his surge leadership. But on a whole host of issues — including water boarding, tax cuts, and the freedom of speech — he’s not one of us. Rush Limbaugh has emphatically stated that McCain is not a conservative — and he has more than a few listeners with similar instincts. McCain’s not going to be handed this nomination. Conservatives suspect that he’s a recipe for heartache. Sure, they may not be enthused about anyone else in a united way, but I still can’t imagine that they’ll settle for McCain.

Has torture as a requirement become a central plank for the GOP's party platform? Lincoln would be so proud.

Via Hilzoy.

The vermin-like Ron Paul aside, is there a more misunderstood man in American politics? Maverick McCain is considered "ok" by too many liberals, and unacceptable by conservatives? McCain is a consistent conservative vote and has been for his entire career.

But he opposes torture and favors sane immigration policies. Unfit for the conservatism of National Review. Great.

Personally, I'm for K-Lo's love object. I want Romney to win the nomination if for no other reason than to watch his head snap as he suddenly re-embraces his centrist views on healthcare, gun control, and immigration.