Good point. The economic collapse was the main reason. That said, the image of the guy from the whites only country club beating out the black guy isn’t exactly good. Maybe they could work out a joint chairmanship. They could say it’s an example if working together and forging new ties. Something like a power sahring agreement.
I do think McCain being a RINO hurt him, although it probably also helped him in that he picked up more moderate and dem support than someone else would have.
In the end, though, the economy was what did it.
The bad economy was what won it for Reagain in 80 over Carter and its what lost it for us this time. And the figures form 08 were much, much worse than they were in 80 when Carter lost.
Not so. Jimmy had a 10.1% unemployment and a 23.5% prime rate. I expect these numbers to be eclipsed by Obozo.
There is nothing in post election data showing McCain picked up more votes from independents and moderates than 0. McCain's nomination lost over 11 million votes in conservatives who stayed home and in write-ins, and losses to 3rd party candidates Barr and Baldwin.
I worked on the McCain campaign and the argument that he pulled Ind and Dems in any useful margin are a commonly held fallacy.