"In travels, McCain attempts to frame campaign issues; Itinerary at odds with his political needs, analysts say" by Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times | June 30, 2008
LOS ANGELES - Even more puzzling to observers is McCain's emphasis on national security and foreign affairs at a time when domestic matters have surged to the fore of voter concerns.
"You can't shoehorn in an issue the American people aren't focused on everyday at their kitchen table," said Matthew Dowd, who ran President Bush's 2004 reelection campaign, which centered on fighting terrorism at a time when Sept. 11, 2001, was far more resonant.
You GOT THAT, Americans?!
9/11 doesn't RESONATE with you anymore!
Like Rumsfeld said, maybe you NEED a "TERROR" attack, America!
Strategists for the Arizona senator believe a big asset is his image as a strong leader who will keep America safe. Even with a mortgage crisis, rising unemployment, and soaring gas prices, that attribute matters a good deal.
So when McCain sits down with foreign leaders to talk about terrorism, the thinking goes, it helps voters envision him as commander in chief. When he travels to Colombia and Mexico, it highlights his record as a free trader and his moderation on immigration and, perhaps, garners favorable publicity in the Hispanic community back home.
Nope!
But that strategy has drawn consternation from some fellow Republicans. There is, after all, the cautionary lesson of 1992, when President George H.W. Bush lost his reelection bid. One big reason was that voters believed Bush was less attuned to their economic pain than his more domestic-minded opponent, Governor Bill Clinton of Arkansas.
Like it mattered and matters; they are ALL N.W.O candidates!
Surveys indicate that economic issues again top the political agenda, with many voters saying Obama would do a better job addressing healthcare, record gas prices, even taxes - usually a GOP strong suit - than McCain.
Part of Obama's advantage might be the image of Democrats as the more compassionate party.
Your kidding, right?
With the PRESIDENT of LIFE over here in George W. Bush?!
You know, the culture of life president who brings nothing but death and disaster with him?
The biggest part might be guilt by association. Many blame President Bush for the tough economic times and assume McCain will continue his policies, with the same results.
Won't he?
I'm so tired of the cock-suck press and its disinforming whoring!
Whatever the reason, analysts say, those underlying attitudes make it all the more important for McCain to shift the debate. "If people are voting on economics, they're going to vote Democratic," said Floyd Ciruli, a nonpartisan pollster in Colorado, a state both candidates are targeting. "To win, Republicans have to focus this election on national security."
And WHAT BETTER WAY to do that than let a little "Al-CIA-Duh" operation slip through, 'eh?
McCain's greatest political strength has always been his reputation as someone willing to go his own way when principle demands.
Look at them continue to promote the myth! Sickening!
He started running for president in 2008 as a conventional candidate and faltered. He reverted to a more freewheeling form and rallied to win the GOP nomination.
Talk about REWRITING HISTORY!
I guess the RIGGED ELECTIONS helped, too, huh?
For good or ill, McCain is clearly determined to wage a different sort of general election campaign, even if it leads him far from the well-trod path, or away from the issues voters say they care most about.
And even if it gets him BLOWN OUT in NOVEMBER!
The American people are going to look at this guy and think "He's OUT of TOUCH with ME and MINE!"
Unless....
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