McCain: worst campaigner ever?

[elvis]

If that happens, Obama will win for sure.

 

[N4mddissent]

McCain was getting lots of praise for his campaign skills in the primaries. He was the big upset guy that managed to surprise everyone. The problem is, I believe, that he sacrificed what was left of his identity as a level headed political moderate to win the primary. But then he was caught in the general election campaign between being the moderate that gave him popularity among independents and keeping the support of the conservative base that was very hesitant to embrace him. In the end I think he tried to do both, which undermined his "straight talk" image and didn't make anyone very happy. As things started to slip he began taking chances like Sarah Palin hoping to regain the titles he identified with: "maverick" and "straight talk", while also gaining ground among disillusioned Hillary supporters. It was a rookie mistake from a veteran politician that started off looking brilliant but quickly headed south. Then, while trying to keep it from going south too hard, the economic crisis hit landing him another blow. He could have saved face, but at this point he seemed to be trying to play the "craft a positive image for yourself" and "craft a negative image of your opponent" type politics. This was contrary to the traditional McCain style of "straight talk" and made him look hypocritical. Since then, McCain has wavered back and forth trying to find the best strategy rather than just sticking to his principles as he should have done in the first place. But the indecision and lack of leadership in running the campaign is the coup de grace for McCain as it winds down.

 

[elvis]

McCain was getting lots of praise for his campaign skills in the primaries. He was the big upset guy that managed to surprise everyone. The problem is, I believe, that he sacrificed what was left of his identity as a level headed political moderate to win the primary. But then he was caught in the general election campaign between being the moderate that gave him popularity among independents and keeping the support of the conservative base that was very hesitant to embrace him. In the end I think he tried to do both, which undermined his "straight talk" image and didn't make anyone very happy. As things started to slip he began taking chances like Sarah Palin hoping to regain the titles he identified with: "maverick" and "straight talk", while also gaining ground among disillusioned Hillary supporters. It was a rookie mistake from a veteran politician that started off looking brilliant but quickly headed south. Then, while trying to keep it from going south too hard, the economic crisis hit landing him another blow. He could have saved face, but at this point he seemed to be trying to play the "craft a positive image for yourself" and "craft a negative image of your opponent" type politics. This was contrary to the traditional McCain style of "straight talk" and made him look hypocritical. Since then, McCain has wavered back and forth trying to find the best strategy rather than just sticking to his principles as he should have done in the first place. But the indecision and lack of leadership in running the campaign is the coup de grace for McCain as it winds down.

So..... is he the worst campaigner ever?

 

[N4mddissent]

No...Without the economic meltdown, he may have been able to make a run, although the choice of Palin is starting to make him more of a candidate for the prize.

 

[xsited1]

I don't know if he's the worst, but he's definitely in the top 5.

Rupert Murdoch offered a dire prediction Wednesday for John McCain's chances in the general election.

He will lose in a landslide, the News Corp. chairman said at a California conference, according to Reuters.

"You have got the Obama phenomenon, Murdoch said. "You have got, undoubtedly, a recession … The average American is really getting hurt financially and that all bodes well for [Obama].

"You have probably the making of a complete phenomenon in this country," Murdoch continued, referring to what he thinks will be an overwhelming victory for the Democratic presidential candidate.

Forgot the link: http://www.weboffate.com/prediction/Murdoch-predicts-McCain-will-lose/7315/

 

[elvis]

McCain has no energy.

 

[N4mddissent]

Also consider, that the economic crisis and Palin's poor performance in interviews were problems that were piled on top of an already difficult situation with an unpopular president from his own party. It was going to be an uphill battle. At the same time, Obama has exhibited one of the most organized and well run Democratic campaigns in years and is a gifted speaker. While McCain has undoubtedly made some poor decisions, I can't help but wonder if they seem more pronounced due to a gifted opponent and initial difficulties just based on party popularity this election year. He would have to run a very good campaign in the face of these obstacles. Running a mediocre one may just seem extraordinarily bad. But here at the end, the wheels do seem to have come off a bit.