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December 2, 2008 9:41:45 AM CST

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How Democrats Will Go After McCain

Posted Feb 8, 08 7:46 PM CST in Politics 

(Newser) – Democrats are sharpening their aim and targeting John McCain. The big issue, strategists tell Politico, will be McCain's admission that he's not strong on the economy. They also plan to portray him as a warmonger, delicately bring up his age, and point out the various domestic areas, from tax cuts to abortion to immigration, where he's shifted position somewhat to appease conservatives.

That could damage his reputation as a straight shooter. "Go right after his strengths," said a former adviser to Al Gore. "Take the Straight Talk Express and push it off the rails." Easier said than done. Just ask Mitt Romney, Rush Limbaugh, and other foiled opponents. Howard Dean, meanwhile, says McCain is "promising nothing more than a third Bush term.”

Source Politico

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Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., speaks at Tulane University in New Orleans, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)   (Associated Press)
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., speaks at the Baltimore County Republicans Lincoln Day dinner in Halethorpe, Md. Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)   (Associated Press)
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., addresses supporters at a rally at Pier 30 in Seattle, Wa., Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)   (Associated Press)
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., acknowledges the crowd after being introduced during a GOP dinner Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008, in Halethorpe, Md. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)   (Associated Press)
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