McCain Makes Pointed Pitch to Women; Dems Skeptical

John McCain is fine-tuning his pitch to women, and while Democrats voice doubt the Republican can find a female following, they’re nevertheless gearing up to make sure it doesn’t happen, the Washington Post reports. McCain sees opportunity in disappointed Hillary Clinton backers, and top adviser Carly Fiorina today begins barnstorming women's events in swing states.

McCain will say his positions on equal pay, abortion, and contraception are less important than those on health care, climate change, and the economy, but women’s-rights groups are advertising the Republican’s disdain of Roe v. Wade. Top Dems say there’s nothing to worry about, and are relieved that polls since Clinton’s departure show Obama gaining among women. (More John McCain stories.)