McCain and the GOP Base

I saw this story linked over at The Drudge Report. Apparently John McCain's mother Roberta was on C-SPAN recently where she expressed the opinion that her son was not getting support from the base of the Republican Party. Gee Mrs. McCain, why do you think that is? Could it be because he compromised with filibustering Democrats who were blocking votes on federal judicial nominees? Could it be because he co-sponsored McCain-Feingold, a bill designed to limit political speech? Could it be that he's been consistently weak on border security and supports amnesty for illegal aliens?

Mrs. McCain appears to be bewildered by the lack of support.

Well, everything they’ve done and said. … Now I’m really popping off, but he worked like a dog to get Bush re-elected. …He’s backed Bush in everything except Rumsfeld. Have you heard other senators and congressmen backing Bush over eight years? Find me it–give me a name. I’ve not seen any public recognition of the work that he’s done for the Republican party.

(A transcript of the interview is available here.)

He backed "Bush." Which Bush would that be? Would that be the Bush who didn't appear to have the stomach to fight for his judicial nominees? Would that be the Bush who is weak on border security and favors a "guest worker" program that amounts to amnesty for illegal aliens? Would that be the Bush who signed the McCain-Feingold bill into law?

If John McCain wants the support of the Republican base, he's going to have to show some support for the Republican base. It's a two-way street, and he'd better figure that out before he crashes.