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Skipper04 said 02/23, 07:54 AM
What will hurt McCain as a result of this so-called scandal is not its claim to a lack of moral fiber on his part, but rather the fact that he did have such close ties to Washington lobbyists and that he did appear to be doing favors for Iseman's clients. The prevalent theme in this election seems to be that voters want change. It's not only the wind behind Obama's sails, but a large reason why McCain has done as well as he has. This along with all the money that he has taken from lobbyists is likely to turn voters off. It also gives them a glimpse behind John McCain the politician. It makes him look like a shady, Washinton-insider. Also, McCain often lambasts Obama for his rhetoric, saying that it amounts to empty promises. This turns the tables on him, because he often calls himself a maverick and straight-talker. Now people are going to start looking behind his words though. Also, having the support of people like Limbaugh and Ingrahim will help him shore up support amongst conservatives. But he was likely to have their votes anyway. And actually, having the support of those two won't help him win the support of the the all-important moderates and independents

Skipper04 said 02/24, 02:04 AM
i argee that McCain has a lot of support based on his character, but when going up with the likes of Obama i doubt that will be enough. I should have been more clear but when i say moderate i really mean independent. I think you are overestimating McCain's appeal to what you call "the democratic moderate". If they really identify themselves with the democrats, then they are certainly not going to turn their back on the "Obama movement", even though he is much less moderate than McCain. What Obama has going on here transcends politics in some ways. It goes beyond the issues. At first it looked like McCain might be able to match him on that appeal. But with the revelations of his close ties to lobbyists i don't think he does anymore. This might help him energize the republican base, but look at the number of votes in the democratic primaries. Their base is already mobilized and energetic. So even if both party's bases roll out the votes from within, the question then becomes who is going to win the independent vote. Again, i think that when they are given the choice between a change-candidate and a Washington-insider they'll go with the change, and thats how this hurts McCa

Skipper04 said 02/26, 06:42 AM
well, so do I. but i still think you're overestimating his appeal. Any conservative that was against McCain (and there weren't many who weren't already going to vote for him in a general election) was against him on principle and that's not going to change with a character appeal on his part. No he most certainly will not get many Democratic moderates on his side, especially not with his stance on Iraq. The fact that he almost changed parties is ancient history to most in this general election and no democrat is going to go McCain over the current nominee. Let's remember he also supports Bush's tax cuts. People hate the special interests and their candidates. If you look at the polls and results of the primaries, your statement about people who want a washington insider is just false.