McCain in the GE: Two paths, both lead to a loss

[margotb822]

I voted for Edwards in the primary, so after he suspended his campaign, I moved my focus to the GE. I am definitely voting Democratic, so I am thinking in terms of defeating the Republican candidate. CNN just called the R nomination for McCain, so that is who we'll be running against. Personally, I believe that Obama will be the Dem nominee (but that's not what this post is about).

The way I see it, McCain has two tasks, but he can only do one. Unfortunately, he needs to do both to win. McCain needs to wrap up the conservative support of his nomination (and almost 30% of conservatives don't support him), but he also needs to play to the independents, which Obama has attracted marvelously. There's no way he can be conservative enough and independent enough to win the GE. And he has made so many statements trying to win conservative votes in the primary that it will be too easy to cast him as a "flip flopper" when he tries to pander to independents. Additionally, McCain represents the politics as usual that Republicans love, while independents have been turning out for a message focused on change and hope.

No one can climb two mountains at once, especially McCain.

[Historic NY]

1. McCain = Bush light............

As much as he tries he can't run away for embracing * and that is the losing card if the Dems play it right, no * 3rd term.

[Nitrogenica]

2. The righties at work today: It depends on who's his running mate

weather they will vote for him or stay home.

Fine candidate huh.

[DeeDeeNY]

3. But he will have a new endorsement tomorrow!

[Ilsa]

8. Yeah, having the Chimperor out on the trail with McCain

is gonna be so much fun! The Rethuglicans will all tlak about how tremendous Air Force One is, but not remember a thing about Johnny.

[adigal]

9. Yup - get the cameras ready! and the videos!

We will use all of them in the general election!

[Olney Blue]

4. We have to fight with everything we have against McCain.

[bowens43]

5. If Hillary is the nominee, McCain doesn't have to do anything, he wins.

[Divine Discontent]

6. right on! eom

[Johonny]

7. all he needs is Tweety types to vote

Listening to the rethug talkers on MSNBC they are talking like McCain is the srtongest republican ever, ever to run for president. I guess if those people only vote he wins.

[KharmaTrain]

10. Spot On...Well Said

I have not endorsed a candidate in the silly season and have kept my focus on the local races where Democratic gains look very good this year and that's another tide working against Grandpa.

Grandpa doesn't have the real fight in him...and its showing. His battle to win the nomination was more by default than by his strength. And he still hasn't sealed the deal with that 30%...who will be a rear-guard at him if he dares to venture from the far right mantra. His appeal to independents and moderates will be shot the moment he sucks up to booooshie and I suspect overall GOOP turnout will be lower...far less church busses will be filled. Whatever support he gets will be a mile wide and an inch thick.

I'm also very confident about the Democratic party this year. The large turnouts in the primaries shows how many more people are involved and if they came out to vote once, I suspect they'll be around to seal the deal in November. There's also a lot of exciting down-ticket races that will also help the party this year...with so many open seats its gonna generate its own excitement.

The corporate media will attempt to frame things like a horserace...a popularity contest. They need that "tension" to draw ratings and have "influence".