GOP angst grows over John McCain's strategy, prospects for comeback 3 weeks from election By LIZ SIDOTI , Associated Press Last update: October 12, 2008 - 4:45 PM
INDIANAPOLIS - Three weeks before the election, Republicans are growing increasingly concerned about John McCain's ability to mount a comeback, questioning his tactics and even his campaign's main thrust in a White House race increasingly focused on economic turmoil. "He has to make the case that he's different than Bush and better than Obama on the economy," said former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, one of more than a dozen prominent Republicans who in interviews during the past week expressed concern over the course of McCain's bid. "If he doesn't win that case, it's all over, and it's going to be a very bad year for Republicans." Several Republicans, who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid angering McCain, said the campaign should have sought to plant doubts about Obama's associations with 1960s-era radical William Ayers and others months ago, rather than waiting until the campaign's final weeks. Doing so now, they said, makes the 72-year-old McCain come off as angry, grouchy and desperate, playing into Democrats' hands. Rather, these Republicans said, McCain needs to strike a balance in his tone — appearing presidential while also questioning Obama's readiness to serve and judgment to lead. And, several said McCain should close the campaign on an honorable note. "He doesn't need an attack strategy, he needs a comeback strategy," said Alex Castellanos, a longtime national GOP media consultant who worked for McCain primary rival Mitt Romney. The unsolicited advice comes as McCain campaign officials are becoming increasingly discouraged. From junior aides to top advisers, the frustration is palpable. Some argue the media isn't giving McCain a fair shake and are weary of the increasingly problematic environment working against the GOP. Tensions have grown over how hard to go after Obama amid concerns about irreparably damaging McCain's straight-shooter reputation. And the candidate himself, the target of a negative whisper campaign in the 2000 GOP primary, appears conflicted on the campaign trail. He's cheery and smiling during question-and-answer sessions with crowds but becomes visibly annoyed — even surly — when he reads aloud scripted attacks on Obama and Democrats. Despite the polls showing Obama with a lead nationally and challenging for states long in the Republican column, none of the Republicans interviewed said the race was lost. They said McCain can prevail if he presents himself as the optimistic visionary the public wants at deeply worrisome economic times. "He needs to come forward with a serious new plan and announce it in a serious manner," said Scott Reed, who managed Bob Dole's 1996 campaign. "McCain cannot outdo Obama in just expressing outrage over Wall Street greed." The candidates meet Wednesday in their third and final debate; it's McCain's best chance to make a lasting impression. "He has an opportunity to step up and be a forceful leader during these challenging times," said Ron Kaufman, a veteran party operative who also worked for Romney. "McCain got the nomination because that's what his brand is, but somehow it's gotten muddled." Senior advisers insist McCain is trying to be such a leader. They note that his daily speeches are devoted heavily to the economy, including taxes and health care, and that he's been rolling out a series of prescriptions. They complain that McCain's not getting credit for those and argue that the media holds McCain to a higher standard than Obama, who they contend is getting a free pass. Over the past week, McCain also has been assailing Obama's character in speeches and TV ads. They include one that, with little proof, accuses Obama of lying about his association with Ayers and assails Democrats as irresponsible liberals on the economy. Some Republicans want McCain to keep it up, though strike a balance. Michael Steele, the former Maryland lieutenant governor and chairman of the candidate-recruiting organization GOPAC, said McCain must reassure people with a "clear and concise" economic message but also needs to "smack the other guy around a little bit." Associated Press Writer Philip Elliott contributed to this report. http://www.startribune.com/politics/30867484.html Comment on this story | Read all 7 comments | Hide reader comments registerCommentToggle($("commentsControl")); Register or log in to comment if(GetCookie('startribune_user_auth')) { //$("adCommentLoggedIn").style.display = "block"; }else{ $("mainAddCommentLoggedOut").style.display = "block"; } Comments are subject to the site's terms of use and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or approval of the Star Tribune. Readers whose comments violate the terms of use may have their comments removed or all of their content blocked from viewing by other users without notification. Today McCain is opting for a strategy of appearing reasonable, just a strategy; Palin is using inflammatory smear tactics. A few weeks ago the strategy was to lie: Recall his characterization of Barack's tax plan, compare with the Parade report: http://www.parade.com/news/intelligence-report/archive/how-much-would-you-pay-taxes.html posted by glenbc on Oct 12, 08 at 4:07 pm | 6 of 6 people liked this comment. Today McCain is opting for a strategy of appearing reasonable, just a strategy; Palin is using inflammatory smear tactics. A few weeks ago the strategy was to lie: Recall his characterization of Barack's tax plan, compare with the Parade report: http://www.parade.com/news/intelligence-report/archive/how-much-would-you-pay-taxes.html posted by glenbc on Oct 12, 08 at 4:10 pm | 2 of 2 people liked this comment. Mitt Romney should have been the GOP Nominee posted by rubybird74 on Oct 12, 08 at 4:53 pm | 2 of 3 people liked this comment. Should have gone after Obama sooner?? That's all McCain has done the past several weeks. One of his problems is that he has a running mate that is not credible. Another problem is that people are tired of all the character assassinations and smear tactics. The other problem McCain has is his support for Bush. posted by jpayant on Oct 12, 08 at 5:16 pm | Palin was a huge mistake to be called a VP candidate. Her language, I suppose, is to convince that she is one of the common people. She isn't. I will scream if I hear another "you betcha", "doggone it", "Joe Six Pack and "hockey Mom" among others. She is queen of hate and I would prefer not to have her represent our country. I fault John McCain. Where is his brain. I haven't heard a coherent thought from him about anything. The only things that I get clear from him is that he supports Bush and the Bush policies. He had changed his mind so many times on the economy that I have absolutely no idea of what he wants to do about it. I would think that the GOP is shaking in their boots!! I watch MSNBC and when a GOP advisor and etc. gets on to say his thoughts or give an answer, all I see is a very tight smile like they are clenching their teeth, or they continually butt in on the Dem. speakers like they are afraid of what they will say. Where is the old John McCain? The old John McCain would never have suffered Palin's smear tactics. Doesn't he remember when he was running. If he doesn't, then I believe that he fast facing senility. Maybe not now--but soon and when it happens, Palin will take over. I sincerely wish that if they get in, I could afford to move back to the country of my forefathers. posted by goldenwren on Oct 12, 08 at 5:22 pm --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "WebTV Dawgs/Dittos" group. 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