McCain Campaign, in Relaunch, Seeks Tighter Message Focus

Wall Street Journal ^ | 5 July 2008 (9:11 EST 7/4 Post) | ELIZABETH HOLMES and LAURA MECKLER

[shrinkermd]

John McCain will spend the coming week talking about the economy, but the Republican presidential candidate isn't expected to say anything new. Rather, he will repackage proposals he has already outlined -- ones the campaign fears nobody heard.

"We don't think we've made the case eloquently," Doug Holtz-Eakin, the campaign's policy director, said.

The goal is to put out a consistent message each day that can penetrate voters' minds. The ability to control a certain story line through a 24-hour news cycle is seen as one element of a successful modern political campaign and, so far, Sen. Obama has been seen as better at sticking to his chosen theme for a day than has Sen. McCain. The Illinois senator did seem to stumble Thursday, however, with comments suggesting he was moving away from his promise to pull troops out of Iraq -- forcing him to hold a second news conference after a rare admission from the candidate that "I was not clear enough."

The McCain makeover involves a complex task: How to control a politician best known for ask-anything town-hall meetings and long, rambling conversations with reporters on his campaign bus -- and, now, on his campaign plane, dubbed the Straight Talk Express

[Bahbah]

"We don't think we've made the case eloquently," Doug Holtz-Eakin, the campaign's policy director, said.

If they are going to rely on Holtz-Eakin, they had better pack it in right now.

[goldstategop]

Its not the message, its the messenger. You have to decide John - who you are. Then you have a story worth relating to the American people. No one doubted the great Ronaldus Magnus and where he stood. Why does John McCain think he hasn't been heard by the American people? Sheesh.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[EternalVigilance]

in Relaunch

Well, at least if it explodes, there won't be any conservatives hurt, since there aren't any aboard.

[gorush]

That’s right John, find the right magical words that will make me forget everything I know about you.

[goldstategop]

Like its about style instead of substance. When a campaign is in trouble, it all begins and ends with the candidate. No one else can make you into a good candidate. Either you are or you aren't. Its not the staff.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[mdittmar]

The goal is to put out a consistent message each day that can penetrate voters' minds.

Seems the voters are putting out a consistent message each day,that is penetrating these two elected Senators minds.

Happy Independence Day.

[no dems]

if it (Relaunch) explodes, there won't be any conservatives hurt, since there aren't any aboard.

Oooooooh. You bad dog! (LOL!)

[LibFreeOrDie]

Well, for starters, they could drop the “climate change” ad:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuRHRRYHKIY

[Mojave]

He could make all his talking points Spanish.

[Rudder]

The goal is to put out a consistent message each day that can penetrate voters' minds.

Ironically, this article didn't further that goal.

And just what is his message?

[bray]

Here’s a hint Yaaawn. Drill, Drill, Drill.

Pray for W and Our Troops

[johnthebaptistmoore]

Maybe John McCain could either take some Viagra or eat some watermelon or both, if he really wants to “relaunch” himself.

[EternalVigilance]

Woof!

[jagusafr]

Beat me to it - repackaging to better make the case just tells me he and his handlers are more concerned with “winning people over” than with standing up and taking a conservative position because, I dunno...IT’S THE RIGHT THING TO DO?!?!?!?!?!

Colonel, USAFR

[Paladin2]

Here's my message:

I'm a maverick too.

[JoanneSD]

Exactly, if Juan would just concentrate on drilling here that would be the only talking point he would need

[calcowgirl]

He could make all his talking points Spanish.

New Ad: "Our Values

[Marcella]

“Rather, he will repackage proposals he has already outlined — ones the campaign fears nobody heard. “We don’t think we’ve made the case eloquently,” Doug Holtz-Eakin, the campaign’s policy director, said.”

No matter how he packages his liberal message, it’s still liberal and real conservatives have heard it for years and rejected him for it. When he says he will put Democrats in his cabinet, maybe he will get Democrat votes. A guess at his cabinet members: Hillary to head health care, Lieberman for secretary of state, Al Gore for the environment.

[SoConPubbie]

Exactly, if Juan would just concentrate on drilling here that would be the only talking point he would need

Actually, he also has to drop his Amnesty plans, if he would do that, he would be a shoe-in, he would get a sizeable portion of the Democrats and Conservatives would actually be on board then as well.

Too bad he doesn't have enough brains to figure this out.