I participated in the bloggers' conference call with Senator John McCain late yesterday afternoon, but haven't had a chance to transcribe my notes on the questions. Good thing for you, because I noticed that Betsy Newmark already did a better job than I would have. (The blogger she missed at the end was from eyeon08.com - I didn't get the name either).
Instead, let me relate my general impressions. My first conference call with McCain was just after his campaign shake-up when first-quarter fundraising fell far short of expectations. At the time, he sounded determined, but also tired and disheartened (which was understandable), and I doubted he would last in the race very long. Running for President is tough work, and demands 100% for long hours every day.
The difference in the man recently, and particularly in yesterday afternoon's call, is dramatic. Senator McCain sounds younger and fully energized. He exudes a passion which seemed to be missing earlier. If the fire had fizzled this spring, it's burning now.
His support, after declining sharply and then languishing for months, has finally begun to tick up again in the recent major polls. It's too early to say it's a trend without being confirmed in succeeding weeks, but when several outfits agree on your direction they are usually on target.
McCain's road to the nomination remains a steep uphill climb, and he must be considered a dark horse to win at this point. Fundraising is still difficult. But it was premature of me to write him off earlier. The Senator has alienated large segments of the base over the years with several of his stances on domestic issues, and many will not forgive him. If Iraq is to be the central issue of the campaign, though, and at this point nothing else comes close, it is also McCain's strongest issue.
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2008 Presidential Race, McCain, Media, Primaries, Republican
Tags: bloggers, McCain, presidential campaign, primaries, Republicans
