Campaign Manager, Top Staffer Leave McCain Campaign
First, it was money troubles. Next, it was staff cuts. Now, Sen. John McCain’s campaign implosion reaches the top:
John McCain’s campaign manager and chief strategist are gone from their leadership roles, a major staff shake-up for the struggling Republican presidential candidate who is all but broke and trails in opinion polls.
In statements, Terry Nelson, a veteran of President Bush’s successful 2004 re-election effort, said he resigned as campaign manager effective immediately and John Weaver said he stepped down from his post of chief strategist on Tuesday. But other officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid discussing private conversations, said Nelson was fired.
Michelle Malkin links to a U.S. News rumor that McCain advisors urge him to resign from the Senate and campaign full-time. That didn’t work out too well for Bob Dole in 1996, and being in the Senate isn’t hurting Sens. Clinton and Obama. Leaving the Senate wouldn’t endear him with conservative voters. By leaving the Senate McCain wouldn’t be able to fight for his top issue, the Iraq War. The damage has been done with the conservative base over his immigration bill. I can’t see how he could be disliked by the base more.
I feel sorry for McCain. I don’t question his sincerity on issues like campaign finance, the war, and immigration reform. While I disagree with many of his positions I know McCain backs them because he thinks they’re what’s best for the country. A politician holding firm for what he believes is inspiring. His recent actions add to his impressive biography. I won’t be supporting McCain anytime soon, but he does have some of my respect.
“McCain Shakes Up Staff” [via Hot Air]
UPDATE: Patrick Ruffini who knows more about the participants more than me sees this as the symptom of McCain’s poor management skills and a flawed front-runner strategy.
Michael P.F. van der Galiën sees this as McCain living in the past.
Ed Morrissey notes Arizona has a Democratic governor. If McCain resigned a Democrat could probably replace him. That wouldn’t help him win over Republicans.
