IMHO, it’s time to be concerned, but it’s not time to head for the lifeboats. 0bama has benefited greatly from the (false) perception that the bailout is due to “Bush-McCain policies.” He also held it together in the first debate, enough that coming in second didn’t hurt him.
And yet, for all that, it’s only a 5-6 point gap nationally, and closer that that in some of the battleground states that are now leaning 0bama. It won’t be easy, but those numbers can be moved, IMHO. I think the following 3 things are key:
-McCain’s got to drive home the truth behind the Fannie/Freddie mess and the nature of the bailout. Bill Clinton has given him a helping hand by pointing out Congressional Democrats blocked reforms during his own administration. McCain needs to run with that.
-McCain also has to start nailing 0bama on the specifics of his spending plans. There’s plenty of material there than can and should scare the dickens out of the taxpayers. Exposing the sham of 0bama’s “middle-class tax cut” alone ought to swing some voters.
-Finally, McCain needs to redouble his efforts to attack on the energy issue, and Sarah Palin needs to be the tip of the spear. She’s got more experience and knowledge on this issue than anyone else on either ticket.
I don’t disagree with any of you guys. But it appears CO and NM will flip from red to blue. Obie’s had a steady 4 or 5pt lead for some time. Then McCain must keep VA and flip a state with at least 5 EVs. If he can’t hold VA, he’s got no chance. Obie’s only up by 2 there, so it’s in play, but he’ll still need the additional 5 EVs. He still needs to flip a state.
I agree with you but he just can’t say anyting bad about his Democrats friends and how they have blocked reforms.