Sen. John McCain’s touting his 10-point Border Security Plan–a familiar right-wing wish list of ways to militarize the border–in a campaign ad that presents him as just the kind of stalwart border vigilante who could win over angry constituents come Election Day. The ad features the senator in the rugged terrain of Nogales, alongside his clean-shaven brother in arms Sheriff Paul Babeu of Pinal County (who is apparently running a little PR campaign of his own, complete with eponymous golf tournament). Transcript from CBS:
"Drug and human smuggling, home invasions, murder," McCain says as the spot opens. He is seen walking with Babeu, seemingly next to a border fence. "We’re outmanned," Babeu responds. "Of all the illegals in America, more than half come through Arizona."
After rehashing failed plans for a combined state-federal immigration crackdown, McCain touts a new top priority in the GOP immigration reform agenda: "complete the danged fence." The "danged" is the new part. Playing the fence card is a tried-and-true GOP one-off when trying to prove one’s right-wing bona fides.