Sen. John McCain couldn’t become President of the United States so his next impossible mission is even more daunting: Reshape the Republican Party in his own image.
Politico reports McCain is working behind the scenes to remake the GOP.
His vision? A center-right party that appeals to political pragmatists and moderates.
It won’t be easy. Right-wing extremists hijacked the Republican Party many years ago and have a solid hold.
McCain, however, is stubborn and persistent.
Reports Politico:
Fresh from a humbling loss in last year’s presidential election, Sen. John McCain is working behind-the-scenes to reshape the Republican Party in his own center-right image.
McCain is recruiting candidates, raising money for them and hitting the campaign trail on their behalf. He’s taken sides in competitive House, Senate and gubernatorial primaries and introduced his preferred candidates to his top donors.
When the death of Sen. Ted Kennedy created a vacant Senate seat in Massachusetts, McCain went so far as to solicit former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling to run for the seat.
It’s all part of an approach that is at odds with most other recent failed presidential nominees, whose immediate response to defeat was to retreat from the electoral arena. But those familiar with McCain’s thinking say he has expressed serious concern about the direction of the party and is actively seeking out and supporting candidates who can broaden the party’s reach.
In McCain’s case, that means backing conservative pragmatists and moderates.
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