Mon. Apr. 21, 2008National Journal's Daily Briefing on Politics

Spotlight

Bridge Building

For those wondering how McCain can break from Bush, look no further than his "Time for Action Tour" which kicks off this a.m. in Selma. The choice of venues isn't typical for a GOP nominee. And that, of course, is the point. If McCain can hold onto his current support from indie voters, thanks to his image as a straight talker and a maverick, Dem attempts to "McBush" him will be tough.

-- McCain's remarks this a.m. empathized with the plight of disadvantaged Americans, but stopped short of treading into populist territory. Can McCain effectively label Dems as tax hikers (as he did 4/20 w/ Stephanopoulos), while defending his position on the Bush tax cuts? Cue the DNC that put up its first ad challenging McCain on his economic views. But is a 3-week cable buy really enough to keep the heat on McCain? Or do other outside groups need to start adding to the fire?

--Not being Bush has some drawbacks. The LA Times notes that fewer than 1/4 of Bush's '04 Pioneers and Rangers have ponied up for McCain. Sure, the RNC's deep coffers can help, but doesn't that mean even less for the struggling NRCC and NRSC?

Quote of the Day

"I'm sure he's very patriotic. But his relationship with Mr. Ayers is open to question.”

— John McCain, on whether he has any doubt that Obama shares his sense of patriotism, “This Week,” ABC, 4/20

Top News

  • It’s All About The Margin

    HRC ahead in latest PA polls. But will the campaigns’ stepped-up attacks affect turn-out assumptions?

  • Can’t Brush This Off

    Obama’s March cash haul gave him 5x’s more C o H than HRC, almost 4x’s more than McCain.

  • Mixed Message

    HRC blasts Obama for calling McCain better than Bush. Meanwhile, she picks up Scaife-owned Pittsburgh Tribune-Review endorsement.

  • No More Begich-Ing

    Dem Anchorage Mayor officially in v. Stevens. Will DSCC's fundraising advantage over NRSC become key factor here?

  • When Early States Attack

    NM GOPers go after Obama's "bitter" comments in radio ad. Will other swing states GOPers follow suit?

 

Today's Frontpage

??? Overlooked ???

AS OHIO GOES...

As some have noted, the OH Dem '08 primary turnout actually exceeded Al Gore's showing in the state... and if PA shows a similar turnout increase relative to Gore's showing, more than 2.54M Dems will cast ballots tomorrow. But due to its closed primary, a more fair contest will be if PA can match OH's '08 showing relative to their '04 primary turnouts. To match that 183% increase, only 1.44M PA Dems would have to show up tomorrow.

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