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Who Wins the Flip-Flop Primary?

Romney and McCain spar over mind-changing label

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 5, 2008 3:20 PM CST

(Newser) – John McCain and Mitt Romney are calling each other flip-floppers in new online ads that mimic a cutting anti-John Kerry 2004 campaign commercial, the Post’s Michael Dobbs reports. The ads copy its use of the "Blue Danube" Waltz to mock each other's changing views on tax cuts—but the record shows that both hopefuls have vacillated on a range of issues key to GOP voters.

Romney has made shifts on abortion, gay rights, and gun control, but McCain prides himself as forthright—and might be vulnerable if his about-faces on taxes, the religious right, and immigration were better known to supporters. Some watchers say Mitt’s changes put his core convictions on the line, but Mac has fought harder to disguise his switches.

Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney speaks at the West Virginia GOP Presidential Convention Breakfast Meet and Greet February 5, 2008 in Charleston, West Virginia. Presidential candidates from both parties hope voters in the Super Tuesday primary will support them. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney speaks at the West Virginia GOP Presidential Convention Breakfast Meet and Greet February 5, 2008 in Charleston, West Virginia....   (Getty Images)
McCain and Romney duel via attack-ads on which of the two is the true Flip-Flopper.
McCain and Romney duel via attack-ads on which of the two is the true "Flip-Flopper."   (AP Composite)
Republican presidential candidate and Senator John McCain (R-AZ) looks on during a campaign appearance at Rockefeller Plaza February 5, 2008 in New York City. McCain is facing off with rival contender Mitt Romney on the biggest 'Super Tuesday' in American history. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Republican presidential candidate and Senator John McCain (R-AZ) looks on during a campaign appearance at Rockefeller Plaza February 5, 2008 in New York City. McCain is facing off with rival contender...   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Web Ad: Mittsurfing   (JohnMcCaindotcom (YouTube))
McCain appears in "Waltz"   (GovMittRomney (YouTube))
Historical Campaign Ad: Windsurfing (Bush-Cheney '04)   (Maviglio (YouTube))

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