Frank: Romney Will Say Anything to Win

Campaign aims to do the opposite of McCain

(NEWSER) - Team Romney’s rule of thumb: Do the opposite of everything John McCain did in 2008, or so reports Politico in a look at the campaign's strategy. The approach applies broadly, say advisers—focus hugely on the economy, fully engage in fundraising, integrate early with the Republican National Committee—but comes most into play in the search for a VP. The campaign doesn’t want to end up with its own version of Sarah Palin, so it is going to great lengths to avoid anyone who could be seen as unprepared. The goal, according to one official: Go with an "incredibly boring white guy." More»

Aides say Mitt was mocking himself, got laughs

(NEWSER) - Discussing unemployment at a Florida coffee shop, Mitt Romney said he felt the pain of his jobless listeners: “I should tell my story, I’m also unemployed,” he said, according to the New York Times . "I'm networking," he added. “I have my sight on a particular job.” Romney and his small audience laughed at the banter, but Democrats jumped on the comment, sending supporters the Times piece with the note “Out of touch much…" Romney aides, however, say he was just being self-deprecating, ABC News reports. (Romney also raised eyebrows recently with another joke in which he pretended to get goosed in a photo with women. ABC has the video .) More»

John McCain, you are not Mr Popularity. Michael Steele, neither are you.

(NEWSER) - Republicans hoping to ride the Tea Party wave this year and beyond might end up soaked. Politico surveyed leaders of the movement nationally, and found that almost every single prominent Republican was on the Tea Party's bad list. The party whipping boy? 2008 GOP nominee John McCain, underscoring the disconnect between the two sides. Click through the gallery for also-rans. More»

(NEWSER) - The Boston Phoenix drew up its “Unsexiest Men” list in March, but the election season produced some new contenders, while others earned a reprieve.

• John Edwards: The perennial Dem also-ran wasn't on the first list, but his very public dalliance earns him a spot after a recount of sorts.
• Mike Huckabee: Though on the earlier list, the "sweet-natured creationist" receives a pardon for his success as a TV host.

Picking Palin locked in base, but others might've drawn voters McCain really needs

(NEWSER) - Given the damage Sarah Palin has done to John McCain’s chances, Steve Kornacki, in the New York Observer, joins Republicans in wondering about the also-rans. Tom Ridge, Joe Lieberman, and Mitt Romney were unpalatable, either personally to the candidate or politically to the party. The first two would have drawn “middle-of-the road voters whose support he has steadily lost this fall— thanks in no small part to Palin.” More»