On Friday, I gave you 20 reasons not to like John McCain.  In doing some research on the likely Republican nominee, I discovered that his policies aren’t all that bad.  Here are some of his strong points:

His voting record is Pro-life.  McCain is not the perfect abortion candidate.  But he’s closer to a Republican than a Democrat.  He makes exceptions for rape and incest (the most idiotic idea in the history of the country, up there with slavery and the income tax).  NARAL gives him a 0% rating – that’s a good thing for Pro-Lifers.  He opposes partial-birth abortion (no-brainer) and tends to vote against any federal funding for abortions.  The NRLC rates him a 75%, which is apparently a mixed record.

Strong on national security.  Remember when this was a key issue for Republicans? Apparently immigration and campaign finance reform have become more important.  McCain wasn’t the only Republican for the Surge – but he was certainly one of them.  He will follow bin Laden into the gates of Hell.  Bomb bomb bomb Iran.

Not so bad on taxes.  Though McCain made a blunder with conservatives in talking about a “tax cut for the wealthy” when Bush proposed tax cuts, he was for Reagan’s tax cuts in the 80’s.  He says Bush’s favored the rich but wants to keep them.  Strong voting record on individual tax cuts:  repeal Alternative minimum tax, permanently repeal the death tax, voted to retain and extending capital gains tax cuts, eliminate the marriage penalty, phase out the estate tax. Wants taxes flatter and simpler.  Doesn’t sound too bad.

Good on welfare.  Not a huge issue, but a consistent one:  he wants welfare recipients to work 40 hours a week.

Healthcare.  McCain is no healthcare liberal.  He’s against a universal mandate for coverage, wants to give tax credits for healthcare, and emphasizes the strength of health savings accounts.  He’s weak on cigarettes (regulation of nicotine, wants cigarette tax), but seems to understand personal responsibility is important.  Generally in favor of rebates and tax credits; not a strong advocate for Medicare.

Is McCain perfect?  No; but I don’t think he’s the death of America, either.  It’s hard to find a candidate without a weakness, and I’m not prepared to say I won’t vote for McCain.