Well, Ron Reagan Jr was a child celebrity of a successful candidate, as were a couple of other of the kids.

No one is coming to mind for unsuccessful, but the GOP has to work with what it has;>

The sons of the loser of the 1992 election became more famous.

Meghan McCain in 2012!
They could do a lot worse ...
And "someone" finds the current Republican/conservative-media crowd "creepy" indeed and is promoting her as the better way before it really is too late.

BTW, if I'm "frist", whatever happened to Bill Frist anyway?

Well, she is the young, attractive, blonde daughter of a famous person. I think that pretty much fits within the parameters of being a celebrity in this country.

Ron Jr. is a good analogy. Meghan is getting attention because the daughter of a GOP-candidate-turned-rightwing-nut has the good sense to slam the rightwing nuts. Good for her!

You must not read tbogg much.

Apparently, McCain had a BBQ at his Sedona ranch where he invited all of the reporters. His daughter got to meet all of these reporters. And she blogged about it.

Now, how happy do you think these reporters were when she blogged how much fun it was to hang out with them?

She's an up and coming spokesperson for the party of no ideas. And she doesn't defy its core definition.

So is Michael Reagan, for that matter.

Chelsea Clinton could easily have become an insta-celebrity-pundit-whatever had she chosen that.

Considering that a) that Meghan is wielding her celebrity for largely benevolent ends, and b) a shockingly high percentage of professional opinionators are no more qualified for their jobs than Meghan is, I have no problem at all with her new career.

It's every man, woman, father, mother, son and daughter for themselves in the GOP Funhouse! Who will be next to claim the stage? Will Ronald Reagan Jr. come out of hiding? Maybe Marvin Bush will leave the Bush-Arabian Compound in Kuwait and sweep to glory as the new top conservative Republican.

It's the Go Away Revolution.

I can think of at least three reasons why one would want to do this

1) To be rich
2) To be famous
3) To be powerful

She already is 1) and 2). Probably she has some future political aspirations, similar to her father.

It's all about building up a brand, just like her father before her.

Meghan McCain is the mantel holder of sane views among the potential future leaders of the Republican party. Hers is a fresh face even if her name has been around a bit. Grumpy old men like Rove, Gingrich and McConnell should embrace her viewpoints and her willingness to stay with the party of no, but do you think those old men have any sense left? -Kevo

Uh, who on Earth are Steve Benen or Matt Yglesias?

I mean, seriously, INTERNET BLOGGERS complaining about someone else's undeserved notoriety? It's especially odd to hear this from MattY, given that I believe he's publicly acknowledged that part of his status in the blogosphere is soley due to the fact he started doing it before other people.

Mike

Actually, She and radio talker Laura Ingraham had it out just a few weeks ago, Meghan also did a vlog post during the last campaign where reporters were seen chowing down BBQ at one of the McCain ranches.
Yeah, there was a very interesting version of this story posted at the NY Daily News where McCain was photographed with a concerned expression and a photo of Karl Rove, obviously middle-aged with a big belly and thinning hair, talking cheerfully on a cell phone. The whole setup looked like Rove was stalking McCain. But you're right, the "charge" that Rove is subscribed to her Twitter feed has to be the most unthreatening thing I can think of.

Ron Reagan Jr. was pretty prominent. Michael Reagan is a minor radio talk show host. Patti Davis was on the cover of Playboy. George H.W. Bush's sons were pretty promininent. Both Bush and Reagan were unsuccessful the first time they ran for President.

I think it's the rule, not the exception, for gregarious children of politicians to seek some kind of spotlight. Nancy Pelosi's daughter (Alexandra?) makes films. Trading in on the 'rents name is as American as John Quincy Adams.

Rather than ask "Who is Megan McCain?" perhaps the question should be "why is she getting the attention?" Perhaps becuase there is no one else on that side of the aisle who appears to be even vaguely sane or civilized

That's just it, though. She's not an up-and-coming spokesperson for the GOP. Her views aren't representative of the current standard Republican platform and she doesn't seem to be doing anything tangible to reform the party, given that her primary practical political experience has been working for her father, a man who's not particularly popular in the GOP either. Maybe she represents some future reconfiguration of the party, but putting herself out there gives Republicans a more moderate face than they actually deserve.

It's easy when the sibling is trashing the GOP in general or even better conservatives in particular. The MSM loves it when such children reject their parents "incorrect political positions." The fact that the child may be a babbling idiot who can't articulate a coherent thought or line of reasoning like Ms. McCain appears to be is of no concern. But then again, she learned at the feet of a RINO master, her father. So it appear that it's true that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. LOL

Let's not ignore the elephant in the room here.

She's the political world's Paris Hilton.

Yes, it's sort of bizarre. Not only has she somehow acquired some kind of political celebrity status: but it isn't even apparent what policies she supports, beyond arguing with the wingnuts. And frankly, we Democrats can do that just fine without her.

I even went off and read her blog to see if I could find out where she stands. This is the closest she comes to setting out her position:

"I am concerned about the environment. I love to wear black. I think government is best when it stays out of people’s lives and business as much as possible. I love punk rock. I believe in a strong national defense. I have a tattoo. I believe government should always be efficient and accountable. I have lots of gay friends. And yes, I am a Republican."

And that just seems baffling. If you care about the environment, you want government to be efficient and accountable, and you have lots of gay friends, then how the hell can you be a Republican after 8 years of GW Bush ??

She's a militarist like her dad. She doesn't seem to have any interest in, or knowledge of, economic policy - again, like her dad.

But I guess it says something about the vacuity of the modern Republican party that you can be viewed as a prominent Republican when you don't actually have strong agreement with any Republican policies. It isn't a governing party any more, it's purely tribal.

This is a plot by the McCain family so he can successfully run for reelection in 2010 and possibly for President in 2012. His advisors think that the public will think that because his daughter appears moderate, he is also. Meanwhile, he can appeal to the far-right.

As for her celebrity, like MVPOnline writes above.

I want to hear from tagg Romney! Also little biff, boff, twee and whoops Romney.

Aimai

Adlai Stevenson III? (and IV?)

Hubert Humphrey III? (and IV?)

Would Eleanor Mondale fit into this category?

Are you looking for the children of Republicans who gained undeserved celebrity? How about George W. Bush?

I think a better comparison is with Jonah Goldberg. After his mother earned all the notoriety for her role in the Lewinski fiasco, all of a sudden, Jonah started appearing on political talk shows as a political "expert." (I remember him appearing often on the old Geraldo show that was on CNBC at the time). For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why anyone would want to hear what he had to say, and I still can't.

I don't have a problem with her. She has opinions (don't we all) and people seem to be willing to pay her to express those opinions. If Joe the Plumber or Ann Coulter can do it, why not Meghan? She seem a helluva lot more sensible than either of those two!

I'm just trying to figure out if I think she is hot or not.

Actually, the only person I can think of who mostly meets Steve's criteria was not a son or daughter, and not overtly political.

That would by Olympia Dukakis. Michael Dukakis lost big time. Olympia is/was never overtly political, as far as I know, but by some of her interviews and the roles she has chosen (Mrs. Madrigal in the Tales of the City series, anyone??), she has been forthright and out there for her political cause(s).

I probably spelled Dukakis wrong, so my bad. It's all Greek to me. ;)

[ducking and running for cover]

Ms McCain is a media personality, she has a book deal and contributes to the Daily Beast. And for better or worse she and those of her generation are the future of the Republica party. Michael Steele could use a little guidance from the likes of her right now.

She is actually easy to like. Previously she was much more reserved and shy. Now she is coming out. From the beginning I think she was for Obama. I remember rumblings of that nature at the beginning of the campaign. Then suddenly she became an independent. Just recently she has roared herself as republican.

She is emblematic of todays voting youth that helped put Obama in office. She is giving voice to a lot of republicans.

She doesn't appear to be a babbling idiot. I think you probably just don't like her position on issues so you choose to insult her, eh Chicounsel.

I suppose in today's GOP you are a RINO if you aren't a bigot.

Actually the more pertinent question is, Why is Meghan McCain a Republican?

Given what the party is right now, and where it is, I can't understand why somebody with McCain's views would even bother taking on the GOP brand. To the rank-and-file she is the essential RINO.

One would think that Meghan would take a hard look at Ron Reagan and Patti Davis and see the writing on the wall.

if chicounsel says or thinks she's bad then she must be wonderful,smart,sane and relevant.

I don't have a problem with Meghan McCain either, at least not so far. She's not running for anything so she's not required to take concrete positions on anything she doesn't feel like talking about.

If she becomes a candidate for something then the issues can be addressed at the time but for now, if she wants to have her say then for heaven's sake let the girl talk. She may be the daughter of a prominent Republican but she obviously has a mind of her own and I agree with her completely when it comes to how creepy Rove and Cheney are.

And she's definitely a babe, which is always a plus in my book.

If Joe the Plumber or Ann Coulter can do it, why not Meghan?

I think you could argue that Meghan McCain has earned her place far more than JtP has. She has at least been maintaining a blog and doing PR appearances, and she worked on her father's campaign.

It's slightly more unusual for a failed politician's offspring to make a go of it, but it's very common for children of successful ones to go into the family business.

First, throwing out som sons of politicians who broke out as well: Al Gore, Evan Bayh, George H W Bush.

I grew up in Ohio, where anyone named "Taft" running for office was guaranteed to win.

What separates Ms McCain from others who entered the family business (politics) is that generally they don't step out onto the national stage until they are in their mid-40's.

Frankly, I feel that if her dust-up with Laura Ingraham hadn't turned catty, she would not have gotten the initial attention.

That said, she has now placed herself in the spotlight for scrutiny. If she wants to be taken seriously, let her comments and ideas be scrutinized. Let's show her liberals can raise objections or question her views without mentioning cellulite!

When was the last time a son or daughter of an unsuccessful presidential candidate managed to achieve this kind of status as a political celebrity?

Well, technically, Chelsea Clinton would qualify here, although I realize she is also the daughter of a successful presidential candidate...

@joejoejoe - I believe Pelosi's daughter not only traded on the celebrity, she became a superdelegate for the Democratic Party. Now *that's* creepy, in my book.

Meghan McCain is no more or no less a qualified political commentator than say Ann Coulter or even George "No Denim" Will.

She used he political name recognition to open the door and good for her to stand-up to the neaderthals who run the GOP.

But, once you show up on TV as a political talking head, you are fair game. Bristol Palin has high name recognition for her various tabloid life escapades, but she isn't really fair game. Let her be. McCain is now a legit target.

If someone actually took time to study the matter, probably 50% of successful presidential candidates had offspring that took advantage of it politically. Don't know about unsuccessful candidates, but with the modern increase in media there are more chances to take advantage of it.

Maybe CNN will give her a show. She can champion the moderate repub side in the battle for the nonexistant soul of the republican party, which will start a war with FOX. Good for ratings.

When was the last time a son or daughter of an unsuccessful presidential candidate managed to achieve this kind of status as a political celebrity?

John Sununu; Mitt Romney; Andrew Cuomo;

GiggsisGod & Gandalf:

I believe that the excerpt from Ms. McCain's blog that was provided by Richard Cownie in his post of 4:32 PM speaks for itself and proves my point.

A string of random sentences that have nothing to do with each other. Actually, she may be more articulate than your typical liberal since she didn't use any vulgarity or call for the killing of her political opponents.

If you want to claim her for your side, be my guest, so long as you take her father as part of the deal. It would be worth letting the Dems have 60+ Senators if it meant the defeat of McCain in the primary.

A string of random sentences that have nothing to do with each other.
Posted by: Chicounsel

Sounds like a lot of your stuff, dunce. Of course, you were homeschooled by baboons, so that would explain it. And you still haven't told us whether the gumball machine you got that "law degree" from set you back five cents or twenty-five.

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain is Meghan McCain's battlecry. Don't be fooled by the wizard, trying to put a young, fresh spin on Republicanism.

She may be the face on the view, and she may have mildly insulting things to say about the barons of modern conservatism, but it's nothing more than a charade to lure in votes.

The same old white guys with money will be running the GOP whether Meghan is on television or not.

All she is attempting is what Steele has failed at. She's a fucking ad campaign.

Patti Davis was on the cover of Playboy

Not just on the cover, if memory serves.

She's young, blonde, and white. Of course we want to hear her political opinions!

:-P

Of course we want to hear her political opinions!

Does she have any?

I find Meghan McCain's candor to be refreshing. One question remains, though: Are there any moderate-to-liberal Republicans left to emulate her example? If not, her future in GOP politics is limited, at best.

And better a dishy blond guest-hosting the View than what the scion of GHW Bush did.

She's the political world's Paris Hilton.

Bingo. Plus, the other pretty lady didn't work out so good.

Pampered, unemployed and largely skill-free daughter + family vendetta against the religious wackos whose asses they spent the entire campaign kissing + family propensity to blame others for John's mistakes + belief that the McCain wing can still be the phoenix in the GOP's ashes + pretty face and great rack + lack of self-consciousness (even when warranted) = right-wing political celebrity.

the answer to your question is George W Bush.

Chuck Cushman wins the thread. Owns the thread.

Why the exposure? she's the spawn of a famous person, and she's doing something quite unpredictable and noteworthy in dissing the GOP and denizens thereof. Plus she's young and blonde. And she had a blog that got some play during the campaign. I do believe all of that is more than adequate to make her at least a C-list celebrity, without any additional trimming. So to speak.

Barry Goldwater Jr. was my Congressman when I was a teenager. You can't be much more of a loser's kid than that.

Why are you so obsessed with "The Page".
This is the most superficial outlet out there
on the web (even Drudge is more substantive).

I keep wondering how low Mark Halperin and the Times
are willing to go just to maximize the number of clicks The Page gets.

When the history of political reporting deterioration is written, Mark will have a special
chapter devored to his baby, The Page.

So the best advice for all of us: Just ignore them. Only this may force them to provide content above the level of six years old kids.

**Yglesias asked the other day, "I can't help but wonder to myself who on earth is Meghan McCain?"**

There was a time when I asked myself the same thing about this Yglesias guy.

Oh, and that Benen guy too.

She's a twitter celeb. Which you should know since you are bent on tweeting - a daffier thing I cannot imagine you wanting to do. Here is the perfect reason to abandon twitter: It is the province of the Megan McCains of our political world. You are getting yourself the political equivalent of a trailer in Appalachia. With its own bumper sticker maker.

"But then again, she learned at the feet of a RINO master, her father."

Keep the faith, CC. With "principles" like yours, you can get the Republican brand down to 15% approval.

Keep on truckin', brother.

Anybody who tells Laura Ingraham to kiss her "fat ass" can't be all bad.

I remember Karenna Gore getting a bit of airplay post-2000.

Cutting against the grain of the Republican establishment, willing to badmouth the GOP hierarchy, dancing to her own tune, it all sounds so ... so ...mavericky!

I see the McCain political brand lives on. The "maverick" torch has been passed.

First, lay off that John Quincy Adams meme. He was the smartest son of the smartest married couple in Revolutionary America. His second term would have spared this country the Trail of Tears.

As for Meaghan,it's more like a family business. She had no childhood, no crazy teen years without the threat of ending up on Page One for a toke at a party, showing as a surrogate at party events since she had a drivers' licence. She saw her father's only real chance at the Presidency shot down by the need to placate the FoxNews/nutcase wing of the party with Palin.

Yeah, she's a goof, and yeah, her party needs her a lot more than the aging harpys like Ingraham and Coulter, busily scaring off the 18 to 35 demo.

Going to agree with Steve Paradis - actually if the Meghan McCain's of the Republican Party spoke up a bit more we might have a viable two party system again in 30 years or so. I think that would be a lot better than the "one party is unfathomably insane" deal we've got now..

Meghan will do anything for attention. She's got that new book contract she has to make sure she does not have to return the advance on. She's a know-nothing RINO out for her own good. That's fine, but don't pretend like you are doing it for the greater good. Because you are not.