Opinion: Cover Art
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An increasing number of articles are appearing on John McCain’s sinking political fortunes, stories that examine just how improbable his bid for the Republican presidential nomination has become. But really, all one needs to do to understand his problems is gaze upon the new cover of the National Review magazine.
The Arizona senator, looking slightly conspiratorial, is leaning forward, in conversation with a sitting --- and clearly delighted --- Ted Kennedy. And here’s the headline (the conceit being that these are McCain’s words): ‘Let’s say it’s not an amnesty.’
The subhead: ‘And other immigration-bill howlers.’
Not so long ago, it seemed the Rudy Giuliani, with his liberal record on abortion and other social issues, would test whether there was any room in the GOP presidential race for a contender whose views clashed from those held dear by the conservative bloc. The National Review, again, cut to the chase with a cover last summer that featured Rudy in drag (he donned women’s clothes several years ago for a skit at a roast put on by the New York press corps).
But it now seems clear that McCain, with his advocacy of an immigration measure that earns unceasing condemnation from the conservative chorus, is providing a much more dramatic exploration of how far a White House candidate can stray from the Republican baseline and expect to stay in the game.
McCain’s grit, as well as his campaign skills, are not to be discounted. And he still has plenty of admirers. Last Friday, he was the subject of a laudatory Op-Ed piece by Michael Gerson, President Bush’s one-time chief speechwriter. Indeed, earlier this year, even the National Review gave him his due with a cover story titled: ‘The Case for McCain.’
Of course, that was before the immigration debate heated up. And if, as many anticipate, McCain underperforms in the second quarter money chase that comes to an end Saturday, the cloud hovering over his campaign will grow significantly darker.
Expect more comments like this one in a recent McClatchy Newspapers story: “McCain’s campaign has sunk like a rock,” said Larry Sabato, the director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. “Fundamentally, Republicans do not trust him and they don’t like him. When you don’t like someone or trust someone, you’re not going to nominate him for president.”
-- Don Frederick