On The Eve Of The General McCain Is Lagging
by J Ro, Sat May 24, 2008
from MyDD
Every once in a while, I like to put things in perspective.
John McCain has had three months to run unopposed. Since locking up the Republican nomination in February, he's been free to tour the country, pander to his base, and fundraise without much media scrutiny. But as the primary wraps up and the media gets its nose out of the Democratic fight, it's becoming painfully clear McCain hasn't made a lot of the time that was given to him.
Since February, John McCain has been doing two main things: making speeches and raising money. He hasn't been particularly good at either of them.
He's made numerous "big" policy speeches - on topics such as the economy, foreign policy, and the environment - and taken a few choreographed "tours" around the country - his environmental tour, his "forgotten places" tour. By and large, these media events have been received with mixed reviews. His economic proposals have been ridiculed as being half-baked. And his town halls and speeches have been met with hostile crowds.
Overall, McCain has done little of what he was supposed to be doing:
* McCain's fundraising numbers for April were slightly over half of Obama's: $18 million to $31 million.
* In the uncontested Republican primaries, McCain has been subject to a significant protest vote from dissatisfied GOP voters.
* McCain's tracking poll numbers haven't improved against Obama, even without opposition.
There are other troubling indicators, too.
* Over the last week, the vaulted McCain brand has taken a big hit. McCain has had to fire high-profile lobbyists from key positions in his campaign, and is currently re-vetting his entire staff. More resignations are likely.
* McCain has had to reject two pastors who's endorsements he sought, bringing into question his judgement and pissing off religious conservatives.
* It looks like McCain will have a spoiler on the right in the form of libertarian Bob Barr.
* And, as Todd Beeton points out, the sitting Republican President and the Republican nominee can't fill a stadium for a fundraiser in McCain's home town!
(Continued here, with hotlinks.)
from MyDD
Every once in a while, I like to put things in perspective.
John McCain has had three months to run unopposed. Since locking up the Republican nomination in February, he's been free to tour the country, pander to his base, and fundraise without much media scrutiny. But as the primary wraps up and the media gets its nose out of the Democratic fight, it's becoming painfully clear McCain hasn't made a lot of the time that was given to him.
Since February, John McCain has been doing two main things: making speeches and raising money. He hasn't been particularly good at either of them.
He's made numerous "big" policy speeches - on topics such as the economy, foreign policy, and the environment - and taken a few choreographed "tours" around the country - his environmental tour, his "forgotten places" tour. By and large, these media events have been received with mixed reviews. His economic proposals have been ridiculed as being half-baked. And his town halls and speeches have been met with hostile crowds.
Overall, McCain has done little of what he was supposed to be doing:
* McCain's fundraising numbers for April were slightly over half of Obama's: $18 million to $31 million.
* In the uncontested Republican primaries, McCain has been subject to a significant protest vote from dissatisfied GOP voters.
* McCain's tracking poll numbers haven't improved against Obama, even without opposition.
There are other troubling indicators, too.
* Over the last week, the vaulted McCain brand has taken a big hit. McCain has had to fire high-profile lobbyists from key positions in his campaign, and is currently re-vetting his entire staff. More resignations are likely.
* McCain has had to reject two pastors who's endorsements he sought, bringing into question his judgement and pissing off religious conservatives.
* It looks like McCain will have a spoiler on the right in the form of libertarian Bob Barr.
* And, as Todd Beeton points out, the sitting Republican President and the Republican nominee can't fill a stadium for a fundraiser in McCain's home town!
(Continued here, with hotlinks.)
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