The American Spectator

Print Email

Text Size

The Spectacle Blog

On his money problems , Politico qutoes McCain: " 'We haven't ruled it out,' he said of taking public dollars. 'There has been an up-tick in fundraising, but is there enough of an up-tick?' he asked. Reviewing his overall position, McCain said, 'We're by no means in great shape [but] we have seen some progress.''' On the question as to whether to compete in Iowa where he now comes in fifth in single digits in most polls or put all his chips on NH, there seems to be little logic to his persistent efforts to woo Iowa caucus goers. Even if he were to come in third or fourth it is hard to see how that would benefit him in NH which is his most realistic chance for a breakthrough.

And as for NH, Andrew Cline explains the political climate : "On the national and local level, the GOP has alienated many native Granite Staters. These voters are generally fiscally conservative, but socially moderate to liberal. They started leaving the party as early as 1964, when Barry Goldwater topped the Republican presidential ticket. But when George W. Bush and the Republican Congress made Bill Clinton's spending look responsible, they started leaving in droves. Some are registering Democrat. But most are registering as 'unaffiliated' voters." Sounds like a problematic environment for Romney and his new found social conservative agenda. And an opportunity for both McCain and Rudy.

UPDATE: And the new Ron Paul ad-- appealing to the anti-war, anti-slick professional politician, anti- big government independent voters.

topics:
Bill Clinton, Environment