John McCain biggest problem is not John McCain, it is George Bush. Well it also John McCain who, despite how much he claims it to be otherwise is nothing more than a third Bush term. Now this is not news to the Kossacks, but my point is that this meme must be hammered away night and day until it doesn't just become true in fact but becomes true in perception. Below the fold is the simple formula to help push the message.
The more McCain is associated with W, the more it is ingrained in people's minds the more he will struggle. It is a box he cannot escape from. Over and over again, repeat the meme.
McCain = Bush McCain = Bush McCain = Bush McCain = Bush McCain = Bush McCain = Bush McCain = Bush McCain = Bush McCain = Bush McCain = Bush McCain = Bush
The formula might look something like this
(I + W + R + M) x P = B3
Where
I = Issues:
McCain agrees with Bush, especially on the "transcendent issues":
=================================================
W = Iraq War
"McCain: ‘No one has supported President Bush on Iraq more than I have.’"
I would have started the Iraq War regardless of WMD
and a compilation
R = voting record
Then there are these numbers from the Congressional Quarterly
PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT Year Support Oppose 2008 100% 0% 2007 95% 5% 2006 89% 11% 2005 77% 23% 2004 92% 8% 2003 91% 9% 2002 90% 10% 2001 91% 9% Note: 2008 through May 15, 2008
M = Miscellaneous catchall
Throw whatever you can in here:
Offshore Oil Drilling; Healthcare; GI Bill; Rose-colored glasses economy and so on.
================================================= Now the key of course, multiply this by
28.4%
And what do we get
B3 = Bush's third term
Or better...
Yes We Can
SPREAD THE WORD!!!