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Mac's Messy Message Worries GOP

Party leaders worry about inconsistent messages on Obama, economy

By Jess Kilby, Newser User

Posted Oct 12, 2008 11:27 AM CDT

(Newser) – Republican leaders are beginning to worry that John McCain will lose the election unless he can be more consistent about both the financial crisis and Barack Obama, reports the New York Times. Strategists are also voicing renewed concerns about Sarah Palin, after the Alaska Legislature released a report last week concluding that she abused her power while governor of the state.

The campaign has also been damaged by attack ads that leave swing voters cold, plus news of angry anti-Obama mobs at GOP rallies, observers say. Republicans are also worried that a tanking McCain will bring down other candidates in the party. But former rival Mitt Romney cautioned against counting McCain out too soon. “He has ground to make up,” Romney said. “But he makes up ground in a big hurry.”

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John McCain speaks at a rally in Davenport, Iowa, yesterday. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

John McCain speaks at a rally in Davenport, Iowa, yesterday. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

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I think you’re seeing a turning point. You’re starting to feel real frustration because we are running out of time. Our message, the campaign’s message, isn’t connecting.
- Saul Anuzis, Republican Party chairman in Michigan

This is a year where everything that could go in Obama’s favor is going in Obama’s favor. Everything that could go against McCain is against him. It’s absolutely the worst kind of perfect storm.
- John C. Danforth, former senator

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Mac's Messy Message Worries GOP