GOP angst grows over John McCain's strategy, prospects for comeback 3 weeks from election (AP)

[jefferson_dem]

GOP angst grows over John McCain's strategy, prospects for comeback 3 weeks from election

By LIZ SIDOTI , Associated Press

October 12, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS - Three weeks before the election, Republicans are growing increasingly concerned about John McCain's ability to mount a comeback, questioning his tactics and even his campaign's main thrust in a White House race increasingly focused on economic turmoil.

"He has to make the case that he's different than Bush and better than Obama on the economy," said former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, one of more than a dozen prominent Republicans who in interviews during the past week expressed concern over the course of McCain's bid. "If he doesn't win that case, it's all over, and it's going to be a very bad year for Republicans."

Several Republicans, who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid angering McCain, said the campaign should have sought to plant doubts about Obama's associations with 1960s-era radical William Ayers and others months ago, rather than waiting until the campaign's final weeks. Doing so now, they said, makes the 72-year-old McCain come off as angry, grouchy and desperate, playing into Democrats' hands.

Rather, these Republicans said, McCain needs to strike a balance in his tone — appearing presidential while also questioning Obama's readiness to serve and judgment to lead. And, several said McCain should close the campaign on an honorable note.

"He doesn't need an attack strategy, he needs a comeback strategy," said Alex Castellanos, a longtime national GOP media consultant who worked for McCain primary rival Mitt Romney.

The unsolicited advice comes as McCain campaign officials are becoming increasingly discouraged. From junior aides to top advisers, the frustration is palpable. Some argue the media isn't giving McCain a fair shake and are weary of the increasingly problematic environment working against the GOP. Tensions have grown over how hard to go after Obama amid concerns about irreparably damaging McCain's straight-shooter reputation.

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http://www.startribune.com/politics/30867484.html

[TheCowsCameHome]

1. Angst - I love that word

especially when it applies to republicans being upset.

[Unsane]

2. "He has to make the case that he's different than Bush and better than Obama on the economy,"

lol

[MindMatter]

3. The Ayers attack would have been bullshit no matter when they did it

I'm glad McCain is getting all this "helpful advice" from all quarters. It ensures his campaign will not get their act together.

[Blasphemer]

4. I guess he is going to pretend to be McCain '00 for the next three weeks

Too bad he's already shown his true colors.

[holiday]

5. I don't think it was not using Ayers sooner I think it was the palin

pick. The only people who liked it were people who were going to vote for her anyway. So many republicans I know see right thru her and can't stand her.

i understand he wanted someone more to the right, but she is SO far right it scares people