McCain Can't Afford, Literally, to Ignore Bush

'Radioactive' president can raise money, talk to GOP's right wing

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted May 27, 2008 4:22 PM CDT

(Newser) – Though he may be “absolutely radioactive” for Republican candidates (in the words of one GOP legislator), Bloomberg reports, President Bush is no easy hurdle for John McCain, who must build distance with the historically unpopular incumbent while using him to raise money and build conservative bona fides. Hence tonight's fundraiser in Phoenix, closed to the media despite both McCain and Bush being in attendance.

"Any sitting president, even one whose approval rating is in the low 30s, can raise money,'' one GOP strategist said. "McCain has to distance himself from Bush, but he also has to reassure the Republican base—and that means snuggling up.''

President Bush and John McCain. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

President Bush and Republican nominee-in-waiting, Sen. John McCain. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

President Bush and Republican nominee-in-waiting, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., shake hands in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, March 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

This March 5, 2008, file photo shows Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., looking towards President Bush. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)

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McCain Can't Afford, Literally, to Ignore Bush

'Radioactive' president can raise money, talk to GOP's right wing

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John McCain • campaign fundraising • conservative base • George W. Bush

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Mac Will Run With Public Funds

GOP candidate appears to concede he won't be able to catch Dem foe financially

GOP Nod Sure, McCain Hitting Big-Money Trail

Key Bush donors needed to keep pace with Dems' machine

One Hurdle Down, Biggest Yet to Come

GOP nominee still a long way from White House

McCain Aims for Bush Balance

Candidate needs prez on the right, but must pick his battles

Bush: I Woulda Endorsed Obama

Reportedly told a group of Brits he wouldn't vote for McCain, too

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McCain Can't Afford, Literally, to Ignore Bush

'Radioactive' president can raise money, talk to GOP's right wing

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

John McCain • campaign fundraising • conservative base • George W. Bush

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Mac Will Run With Public Funds

GOP candidate appears to concede he won't be able to catch Dem foe financially

GOP Nod Sure, McCain Hitting Big-Money Trail

Key Bush donors needed to keep pace with Dems' machine

One Hurdle Down, Biggest Yet to Come

GOP nominee still a long way from White House

McCain Aims for Bush Balance

Candidate needs prez on the right, but must pick his battles

Bush: I Woulda Endorsed Obama

Reportedly told a group of Brits he wouldn't vote for McCain, too

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?