McCain Campaign Breaks Down, Shakes Up

Senator John McCain's campaign announced a reorganization yesterday that the pundits are calling a "shake-up," but which the campaign insists is business as usual. From The New York Times:
WASHINGTON - Senator John McCain's presidential campaign has gone through its second shake-up in a year. Responding to Republican concerns that his candidacy was faltering, Mr. McCain put a veteran of President Bush's 2004 campaign in charge of day-to-day operations, and stepped away from a plan to have the campaign run by 11 regional managers, Mr. McCain's aides said Wednesday.

The elevation of Steve Schmidt - who worked closely with Karl Rove - at Mr. McCain's headquarters represented a sharp diminishment of the responsibilities of Rick Davis, who has been Mr. McCain's campaign manager since the last shake-up nearly a year ago.
The McCain campaign said, through a spokesman, that they are simply rearranging the deck chairs...sorry, no, they put a cigar in the campaign's mouth and said, "I love it when a plan comes together."

The Times, and everyone else, are being extremely generous to the McCain campaign. In order for something to be shaken up, it has to first be in a non-shaking state. McCain's campaign has been trembling like an extra-innings Jenga game since the Democrats ended their primary fight.

It wasn't that great before that, either, but no-one was looking. It reminds me of a cartoon that Jim Bouton described in Ball Four, where a forlorn kid, dragging his bat and glove, tells his dad, "I had a no-hitter going until the big kids got out of school."

From that first night of the general election, McCain was clearly outclassed, drawing ridicule for his poorly-staged, barf-colored victory speech.

As far as campaign staff, McCain has had consistent problems, jettisoning senior advisers because of their lobbying ties, having one resign because he didn't want to oppose Barack Obama, and keeping others that he probably shouldn't. Charlie Black, who posits a McCain catastrophe bounce from a terrorist attack, comes to mind.

Add to that the fact that McCain is taking a beating from Obama on most key issues, and it is no wonder that they have seized on Wesley Clark's comments as a way to shift the conversation to McCain's military service, his only remaining positive. Even there, forming a Truth Squad populated by a member of Swift Boat Veterans for Truth has sapped much of the political advantage that could've been gained, and demanding that Barack Obama "cut loose" a guy who is not even connected to the campaign just reeks of desperation.

McCain and the GOP are right to be worried. Even with a perfect campaign, they faced an uphill fight against any Democrat this year. Against a formidable politician like Barack Obama, they could break several Richter scales shaking up McCain's beleaguered operation, and still not make a dent.

Recent Comments

(Page 1 of 3)

Latest Elections News Headlines

    No current headlines. Please try again later.

    Political Machine Photo Galleries

    Candidates' Favorite TV Shows
    Democrats Debate in Las Vegas
    Laura's Trip to Middle East
    Political Sex Scandals
    The Not-So Traditional 2008 Candidates
    Al Gore's Ups and Downs
    Spokespersons!
    Candidate Spouses

    Politics Video

    Will.I.Am on Obama's Internet Empire

    Will.I.Am on Obama's Internet Empire

    Will.I.Am ponders on how Obama and the internet have changed politics forever. (Oct. 3)
    Mo Rocca 180: Dolly vs. Abe

    Mo Rocca 180: Dolly vs. Abe

    Dolly Parton or Abe Lincoln? You must choose!
    Reid: Presidential Politics Harming Bailout Plan

    Reid: Presidential Politics Harming Bailout Plan

    Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Friday that the time has come for presidential politics to leave the negotiating table as lawmakers work to reach an agreement on a financial bailout plan. (Sept. 26)
    Dems Blame McCain for Bailout Deal Breakdown

    Dems Blame McCain for Bailout Deal Breakdown

    Sen. John McCain's self-portrait as a bold leader willing to set politics aside to save an endangered financial bailout plan took a pounding Thursday from top Democrats and even some fellow Republicans. (Sept. 25)
    Street Team '08: Pigskin Politics

    Street Team '08: Pigskin Politics

    A football game is the last place you'd expect to find political proselytizing, but this year Democrats are ready to make a hail mary pass in Idaho. Produced by Brian Rich of Idaho for MTV's Choose or Lose Streat Team '08 at chooseorlose.com. (Sept. 25)
    « See More Politics Video
    Register to Vote with Declare Yourself

    Declare Yourself is a campaign that encourages young Americans to register and vote.

    REGISTER TO VOTE NOW AT:
    www.declareyourself.org