McCain vs. Thompson: Differences are subtle

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AZcentral.com has this story:

They're rivals for the White House now, but during eight years in the Senate together, Republican presidential hopefuls Fred Thompson and John McCain were close allies.

An Arizona Republic analysis of Senate votes found that Thompson and McCain were on the same side in 83 percent of the approximately 2,500 roll-call votes taken from 1995 to 2003, when Thompson represented Tennessee. They have cast votes the same way on many hot-button issues in the 2008 GOP campaign so far, including authorization of the Iraq war and on immigration and border-security proposals.

Both men trail former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani in national polls of GOP voters. Still, Thompson has gotten a warmer reception than McCain from many conservative Republicans. And their similar voting history underscores what many analysts and activists say: McCain's campaign troubles have less to do with his record than his style.

On 13 votes involving immigration or border security, Thompson and McCain voted identically. They are on opposite sides now, though. McCain's outspoken support this summer of legislation that would have let most illegal immigrants stay in the country legally has emerged as the issue that could cost him most with conservatives. Thompson opposed the legislation.

How convenient! It's easy for Thompson to oppose this legislation now. He supported illegals earlier, but opposes vehemently when it stirs national passions. Not a tough political move.

For sure, McCain is good at enraging conservatives. Conservatives don't know about too many of Fred's "bad" votes, though very similar to McCain's. Ole Fred's just much easier to forgive than John. His manner, demeanor, and all-important drawl aid him in this regard.

If you look closely, this image has a younger Fred immediately behind and to the right of Senator McCain. Fred now regrets the McCain-Feingold baggage that nearly had his own name attached to it.