Do Democrats Fear John McCain?

Do Democrats fear John McCain? According to the latest web commercial from the John McCain commercial, the answer is overwhelmingly, "yes." In the commercial, found at JohnMcCain.com, individuals see a series of quotes from individuals expressing who Democrats fear most in this election. Without exception, the answer is Senator McCain.

In my friendships and business relationships, I get a similar response. The prospect of a McCain candidacy keeps the Democrats up at night, I am told.

I'm not buying it. Sure, he will likely make the Democrats life difficult when he talks about national defense and terrorism. As a former POW and veteran, and heroic in many respects, he will be tough to tackle on those issues. Furthermore, he has been consistently right on the war from the beginning and the Democrats have become remarkably quiet about it in recent weeks. Why? Because Americans seem to be interested in winning again rather than merely getting out in a hurry.

However, on numerous other issues, there is a little difference between him and the Democrats. He has been terribly inconsistent on taxes, soft on spending issues, and has flip-flopped on immigration. My view is, if you have a choice between a Democrat or a Democrat impersonator, you will choose the original article.

I can't help but think that there is a little bit of reverse psychology in the quotes by these Democrat leaders in this commercial. Would they sincerely express who they really fear or would they give the impression they fear one in the effort to get the GOP to choose that candidate? My gut tells me that the latter is the case. By the way, those Republicans e.g., Robert Novak) who are saying the same thing in the ad are merely quoting what Democrats are telling them. The Democrats want McCain because he will likely do a poor job to motivate the Republican base that are so crucial in getting someone elected.

I believe that the Democrats fear Mitt Romney the most. Why? He has the important Governor credential that has been the most common characteristic of every successful Presidential candidate since the 1970s. In fact, only one candidate since Carter hasn't had that credential -- George H.W. Bush -- who sat from the lofty position of sitting Vice President. He has proven that he can win in one of the toughest states for Republicans in the country. This is no small accomplishment. Furthermore, McCain is on the brink of financial ruin. Romney has plenty of cash to sail smoothly into the general election. Romney, who does have his own flip flop problems, has the strongest favorable positions on the issues that motivate the Republican faithful. This will be crucial come November.

I am not sure any of these Republicans are worthy to cause the Democrats to be fearful. But if there is one, it isn't McCain.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.