McCain 2008

Obama, McCain Mix It Up on Nuclear Policy

Chicago Tribune  |  May 27, 08 6:43 PM CDT

(Newser) - John McCain called for a new nuclear arms pact with Russia and said the US should show more "broad-minded internationalism" to reduce weapons around the world. McCain seemed to distance himself from President Bush's policies, and he took a veiled swipe at Barack Obama for the notion that sitting down with "hostile governments" is all that's necessary to rein in nuclear programs, the Chicago Tribune reports. More »

McCain Can't Afford, Literally, to Ignore Bush

Bloomberg  |  May 27, 08 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. More »

It's Every Man for Himself in the Senate GOP

Politico  |  May 27, 08 12:49 PM CDT

(Newser) - Skittish Senate Republicans are ignoring attempts at leadership from George Bush and John McCain and forging their own paths with an eye toward reelection. Twenty-five GOP senators defied would-be party leaders and crossed the aisle to vote for Jim Webb's new GI Bill, the Politico reports. "The Senate has already basically decided to disregard Bush,” says a GOP aide. More »

Obama Woos Key Western Swing States

Politico  |  May 27, 08 12:15 PM CDT

(Newser) - Barack Obama is touring the Mountain West, Politico reports, territory advisers believe could be crucial in the general election. At stake are Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada, states George Bush won by small margins in 2004—and in which the GOP has since lost popularity, especially on immigration and among Hispanics. More »

Obama's Campaign Manager Denies Being a Lobbyist

Newsweek  |  May 27, 08 11:47 AM CDT

(Newser) - As John McCain struggles to purge his campaign staff of lobbyists, Barack Obama’s campaign manager is denying he fits the bill, too. "I've never lobbied anybody in my life," says David Axelrod, who is the senior partner at a consulting firm that has done what Newsweek calls "creative lobbying," in the form of ad campaigns for companies seeking to influence legislative decisions. More »

McCain: Obama Should Tour Iraq

Associated Press  |  May 27, 08 7:50 AM CDT

(Newser) - John McCain hammered at Barack Obama's Iraq credentials yesterday, knocking the Democrat in an AP interview for not having set foot in the country since 2006—and proposing a joint trip so that he could "educate Senator Obama." Obama hasn't witnessed firsthand the benefits of the troop surge, McCain noted, and “has no experience or knowledge or judgment about Iraq and he has wanted to surrender for a long time." More »

Mac, Obama Clash at Memorial Day Rallies

Bloomberg  |  May 26, 08 6:45 PM CDT

(Newser) - Barack Obama and John McCain dueled at Memorial Day rallies in New Mexico today, Bloomberg reports. Obama restated his support for a new veterans bill, while McCain said an alternate plan would better reward those who reenlist. "Our bill has a sliding scale," he said, that "increases benefits according to the veteran's length of service." More »

Come On, Her RFK Gaffe's Not So Bad

Politico  |  May 25, 08 7:53 PM CDT

(Newser) - Why have reporters turned Hillary Clinton's RFK flub into a huge story? To generate online hits with more political gossip, John Harris writes in Politico. Sure, it's hot news to hear about, but if you watch the remark on video, it's "deflating," Harris writes—it's just a calm, analytical statement made deep into a 20-minute conversation. More »

GOP in Shock Over McCain's Campaign

New York Times  |  May 25, 08 6:46 PM CDT

(Newser) - GOP leaders fear that John McCain's campaign has hit the skids, the New York Times reports. A flurry of staff resignations, a hobbled national crew, and doubts about McCain's ability to capitalize on Democrats' troubles all add to the mix. Not to mention that McCain's drive is nowhere near the efficiency of President Bush's 2004 re-election bid. More »

McCain's 'Real Age' Is 63

Newsweek  |  May 25, 08 2:22 PM CDT

(Newser) - McCain may be 71.8 years old on paper, but his biological age is a youthful 63.7, according to the physician who wrote You: The Owner's Manual. Dr. Michael Roizen made the estimate based on McCain's recently-released medical records (though some details on the candidate's dietary and exercise habits were missing). Only kink? One year in the Oval Office ages its inhabitant 2 biological years. More »

Libertarian's Run May Raise Barr for McCain

Economist  |  May 24, 08 4:57 PM CDT

(Newser) - Many Americans don't know Bob Barr, but they may become familiar with him as John McCain’s Ralph Nader in the 2008 election, the Economist reports. The former GOP lawmaker is seeking the Libertarian Party’s presidential nomination, and his viability shows that McCain still has work to do to win over Republican voters. More »

Could McCain Win Big?

Politico  |  May 24, 08 12:00 PM CDT

(Newser) - Despite the odds stacked against Republicans, GOP analysts are cautiously saying that John McCain will not only win, but he might do so by a comfortable margin, Politico reports. When Obama’s specific and geographical weaknesses are played against McCain’s strengths, the result adds up to a win of up to 50 electoral votes, more than President Bush's 35-vote win in 2004. More »

Poll Highlights Obama's Race Dilemma <