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?
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