Two things McCain should do today (vanity, but substantial [?])

9/11/08 | Daniel J. Phillips

[BibChr]

This has become the first (mirabile dictu) well-run GOP Presidential campaign in recent memory. But I do hope they're preparing for two major eventualities which could become derailing distractions.

Not long ago, I would have said "well-run GOP Presidential campaign" had become an oxymoron. And I'd never have guessed that I'd be applying the phrase to anything related in any way to John McCain, who was about my 479th pick out of the GOP field. But give the man his due: this has become a well-oiled, disciplined, focused machine. The selection of Palin was a daring act of sheer brilliance.

But now two threats loom, and I dearly hope Team McCain is ready to counter both.

First, I'm increasingly worried that Obama is going to throw Biden under the bus, and beg Hillary! to save him. His ego craves the offices, so he'd have something to write about in his next memoir. Her ego craves power, so she'd do it. The only question is whether Biden's ego would allow it.

So Team McCain must be pro-active. Here's one way:

The key was laid down by another non-favorite of mine, Rudy Giuliani. We all admit he gave a terrific speech at the Convention. In that speech, Giuliani traced out a number of Obama reverse-courses and fliop-flops.

Then he said: "Well, I’ll tell you, if I were Joe Biden, I’d want to get that V.P. thing in writing."

That's it. That's the key. We need to frame this that, if Biden is off the ticket for any reason, it's yet another disastrous Obama flip-flop.

Because never forget: we all love the Biden choice. He's the gift that keeps on giving.

So they have to get signs, slogans, and spokesmen all over the place saying, "Obama's in big trouble. Who is he going to sacrifice now to save himself? Is he going to throw Biden under the bus, and beg Hillary to save him? Is he that desperate, and that aware of his unfitness to serve?"

We need to make that a meme.

Thanks, Rudy.

Second, Team McCain needs to ready further for attacks on Palin's religious faith.

I can be briefer here, because I've written on it elsewhere. First, I laid out the premise, and gave a number of questions that she is almost sure to be asked by bloodthirsty LSM sharks.

Then I added to that list.

Then I gave a two-part detailed suggestion as to how she should think about and approach the situation: Part One; Part Two.

Of course, those are my suggestions, and wiser minds can improve on them.

My point is they need to be ready. Don't do the Huckabee, oh-my-gosh-I-had-no-idea-I'd-get-questions-like-this thing. That'd be a disaster.

[BibChr]

More evidence that the thought of Hillary! replacing Biden isn't so unlikely as I'd wish and others insist.

[BibChr]

In spite of all the assurances that it could “never happen,” it sure keeps looking possible: Biden out, Hillary! in.

[BibChr]

Everyone said "Never happen," but it's still being floated again and again.