With the Republican Nomination locked up for John McCain and his cross-party rivals duking it out, one would think that the GOP campaign staff would focus on raising money, finding a vice-president, and establishing a foundation of support.
Then again, if “one” were clever, they would be fanning the flames of the Democratic nomination race, pushing for Clinton to stay in as long as she can (or outright win, if that’s still possible) so they can continue to wear each other down.
While there is no way to be sure what is going on in the deepest bowels of the McCain camp, it can be assumed that a trusted handful of people are doing what they can to keep the Clinton-factor alive and well. Images leaked, memos publicized, voters contacted, all in the name of promoting Clinton as the better Democratic candidate.
McCain is on better footing against Clinton if she is able to pull off a miracle. While he has plenty of ammo against her, Obama is the anti-McCain. He is youthful, vibrant, and exceptionally well spoken. He pulls in the vote of the 20- and 30-somethings. Clinton does as well, but not nearly to the degree that Obama will in a head-to-head battle with McCain.
Then, there is the mudslinging aspect. Hillary and Bill are masters of mud, slinging it with such skill and precision that it’s a wonder how Bob Dole and George H.W. Bush even survived the onslaught. The problem they are having now is Obama lacks the experience that helps to accumulate mud. While Hillary was putting together a nice resume of lies and deniable sniper attacks, Obama was still in political grade school.
Where there’s a Clinton, there’s a way, and as long as the GOP can keep her active, she’ll be tossing a kitchen sink (full of knives) at the enigma that is Barack Obama. That is the McCain campaigns best ally – to stay squeaky clean for as long as possible while Clinton and Clinton work their voodoo on Obama.
In the end, it will be Obama versus McCain, but for now, some people behind the scenes are ready with the adrenaline shots to the heart for Clinton. The paddles are in hand and juiced up. They’ll keep it alive as long as they can.
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Related: Al Gore: Milking Non-Commitment for Everything its Got
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J 04.02.08 at 6:37 pm
The two of them are doing a great job on their own. I don’t think John McCain needs to fan any flames.
Marty in Wheaton 04.02.08 at 7:44 pm
I don’t see one thing in the article indicating that anyone in the McCain camp has done anything!! This is nothing but speculation pretending to be news. Come on, guys. We can do better than this!
JD Rucker 04.02.08 at 8:12 pm
@J – They are slowly getting better along with each other. Last month, it looked like it would get ugly. This month, well… it’s better.
@Marty — It is absolutely, positively speculation. There are no facts to go with, no evidence that it’s true. On the other hand, it’s also common sense to thing that (A) the McCain campaign benefits from a longer, uglier feud, and (B) While surely indirectly, you have to admit that the speculation is one that is not only conceivable, but very likely. Until someone produces a tape or document or other smoking gun, we can do little more than speculate. With that said, I stand by the question, “Is McCain…?” I assume by your response, you believe the answer is “No.”
Ben Doller 04.03.08 at 5:26 am
Quite an interesting prognosis.
I wonder what happens if Hillary wins the election.
No one seems to count on her, but remember that the rich guys like to elect their own presidents. So I assume that Hillary is well ahead.
Louis Vuitton Replica 04.03.08 at 5:48 am
I agree with J above, The two of them are doing a great job on their own. I don’t think John McCain needs to fan any flames…
RichInBoise 04.03.08 at 5:06 pm
There’s evidence of leaks from McCain, and now that Karl Rove has signed on as a “consultant” – which only Salon.com caught – the old dirty crosses and disavowels are in full swing. J, MartyinWheaton, JD Rucker, wake up and look closer. I’d go further . . . whose payroll are you on?