Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

November 22, 2008 12:08:55 PM CST

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

With GOP Adrift, McCain Does Left-Right Shimmy

Posted Jun 17, 08 10:44 AM CDT in Politics 

(Newser) – John McCain seems to be doing a sidestep between left and right while Barack Obama waltzes toward the center, Dana Milbank writes in the Washington Post. On issues like energy policy, the GOP candidate lurches between riling the right and enraging greenies. Apparently feeling nostalgic, Milbank writes, "McCain's route has had more turns than a Macarena."

Poll numbers show why McCain keeps veering: Nearly half of liberals are "very enthusiastic" about Obama's candidacy, but just 13% of conservatives are that excited about McCain. "Pulled between the need to appeal to independent voters and the need to placate the still-suspicious Republican base," Milibank writes, "McCain has been stutter-stepping his way to the GOP convention."

Source Washington Post

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • As McCain Falls, NH Senator Faces Trouble

    Oct 22, 08 8:13 AM CDT
    As McCain Falls, NH Senator Faces Trouble One of this year's most bitterly contested Senate races is in New Hampshire, where the Republican John Sununu is facing a rematch with Jeanne Shaheen, whom he defeated in 2002. In the famously independent Granite State, Sununu was counting on the popularity of John McCain to propel him to victory. But as the top of the GOP ticket has faltered, Sununu is now facing an uphill battle to retain his seat, reports the New York Times.
    More »

  • These Hot-Button Issues Need Pressing in Last Debate

    Oct 14, 08 3:19 PM CDT
    These Hot-Button Issues Need Pressing in Last Debate There's just one debate to go, and a surprising number of "hot buttons have gone unpressed," writes John J. Pitney, Jr. in the National Review. A search of the previous debates' transcripts turned up plenty of topics that demand a visit:

    • Abortion: “So far, nobody has even uttered the word in the debates,” despite the sharp contrast between the candidates.
    More »

  • In '08, It's the Issues, Stupid

    Oct 6, 08 9:41 AM CDT
    In '08, It's the Issues, Stupid Despite the accepted wisdom that “superficialities” win American elections, “substance is in this year,” writes Michael Tomasky in the Guardian. Just look at the public response to the debates and the financial crisis: Without zingers or folksy winks, Barack Obama and Joe Biden won the debates in “literally every poll I've seen,” Tomasky notes. And Obama’s policy-driven response to Wall Street turmoil gave him a surge in the polls.
    More »

  • Obama Cracks Open Lead on Economic Fears

    Sep 24, 08 4:31 AM CDT
    Obama Cracks Open Lead on Economic Fears Wall Street's worries are working in Barack Obama's favor, according to a new Washington Post/ABC News poll. The candidate has opened up his first clear lead of the race against John McCain, 52% to 43%, with much of the boost coming from voters who see him as more capable of dealing with the economic woes facing the nation.
    More »

  • McCain Fumbles for Right Tone on Economy

    Sep 17, 08 5:35 AM CDT
    McCain Fumbles for Right Tone on Economy John McCain struck his latest discordant note on Monday when he described the economy's fundamentals as "strong" even as the financial system shuddered under hammer blows. McCain swiftly backpedaled, calling America's workers its fundamentals, but the issue highlights the candidate's struggle to overcome Democratic charges that he's out of touch on the economy, reports the New York Times.
    More »

Reporters raise their hands as Republican presidential candidate John McCain takes questions during a media availability in Boston, Thursday, June 12, 2008.   (AP Photo/LM Otero)
John McCain carries a cup of coffee as he walks into his campaign headquarters in the Crystal City section of Arlington, Va., Sunday, June 15, 2008.   (AP Photo/LM Otero)
John McCain., waves to supporters as he walks into the Federal Hall National Memorial for a town hall-style campaign event in New York City, Thursday, June 12, 2008.   (AP Photo/LM Otero)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 7)

Tags

John McCain • campaign issues • independent voters • conservative vote


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other Politics Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »