The American Spectator

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Campaign Crawlers

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"We knew that the Democrats were trying to support a date for withdrawal, a date for surrender, and we went back and we took them on, and we beat them," McCain thundered. "And if they had set that date for surrender my friends, Al Qaeda would be telling the world that they defeated the United States of America. That will never happen on my watch."

WHILE EACH CANDIDATE did venture onto the other's turf, they did so only briefly, and quickly shifted the focus back to the area on which they felt most comfortable.

For instance, Romney mentioned his support for expanding the military, but only in the context of explaining that we need a strong economy to support it.

McCain expressed support for green technologies and innovation, and said, "The strength of America is to let American businesses have their way, get the government out of their way." But then he quickly began talking about how "brave young Americans who are willing to serve this country will get my outstanding support and my leadership."

While, if pressed, Romney and McCain would no doubt emphasize that both issues are important, it has become clear in which arena each of them feels comfortable.

As Floridians head to the polls today, they could determine whether national security or the economy becomes the dominant issue for the Republicans in 2008.

topics:
Trade, John McCain, Business, Islam, Military, Iraq, NATO, Immigration