John McCain’s Growing George Bush Dilemma Seen In Fundraiser
One of presumptive GOP nominee Senator John McCain’s most sensitive — but important — operations has just gotten a lot more delicate. How can he distance himself from President George Bush to show he isn’t a political extension of Bush (which he needs to do) yet still take advantage of Bush’s support among Republican rank-and-file and fundraising abilities (which he needs to do)?
Today is a day when the delicacy — and potential perils — of this are being seen with all of its agony (political bumps) and ecstasy (McCain could get an infusion of campaign funds):
ABC News’ Sunlen Miller Reports: Senator Obama capitalized on Senator McCain’s closed door meeting with President Bush today to paint the presumptive Republican nominee as a continuation of the Bush administration’s failed policies.
“Today, John McCain is having a different kind of meeting. He’s holding a fundraiser with George Bush behind closed doors in Arizona. No cameras. No reporters,” Obama said in remarks, “And we all know why. Senator McCain doesn’t want to be seen, hat-in-hand, with the President whose failed policies he promises to continue for another four years. But the question for the American people is: do we want to continue George Bush’s policies?”
McCain needs Bush’s help on fundraising, so he’s going to be with him to raise funds. Fair enough. But there could be a political price for this, particularly if Obama jumps on the issue as he has already.
Yet, limiting the press to just use one or two perfunctory photos of the two GOPers and keeping the press from entering the event itself could prove a big long-run mistake: McCain now trying to distance himself will become a major and legitimate political story for the news media. By keeping the press out, editors are going to want to make sure this aspect of the ongoing Campaign 2008 story is covered.
So expect to see not just stories about this fundraiser but more stories about McCain trying to keep a distance from Bush while being close enough to take advantage of Bush political mavens such as Karl Rove and Bush’s still considerable fundraising abilities. Also expect the Democrats to hammer on this issue — since by limiting the press McCain is indicating it’s an issue his campaign feels could be harmful.
5 Responses to “John McCain’s Growing George Bush Dilemma Seen In Fundraiser”
“expect the Democrats to hammer on this issue”
Bush is a liability but not as much as Clinton was to Gore in 2000. Not that Clinton was responsible for Gore's loss; Gore was.
(Clinton was not responsible)
It's funny how just a few years ago McCain was looked on as possibly being a crossover vp for a Dem Pres canadate and now people act like he is Bush's water boy. He stood his ground and butted heads when the admin was very popular and most dems were keeping their heads down. It sure seems like he has earned the belief that he will go his own way and not be a stooge. Now as to that being good………. (his way I mean)
“It sure seems like he has earned the belief that he will go his own way and not be a stooge.”
The facts don't matter to the “Bush clone” crowd.
The real question is how much like the Dems he really is rather than being deliberately controversial toward not only the Bush administration but so many others in his party in order to get the spotlight. It got him into the race this year and he's going to be the GOP nominee. I don't think he'll do that well in the general election, personally.
Well. Well. Barak Obama the trash talker. How does he know whats going on behind closed doors?