October 03, 2008
Is John McCain Trying to Win this Election?
If you're like me, you're fit to be tied over McCain's almost complete refusal to engage the Democrats over Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Community Reinvestment Act. The credit crunch and the bailout ought to be hung around the necks of the left-wing Democrats, and instead it gets hung around the necks of Reagan and Gingrich. This is potentially a winning issue for McCain, and yet he almost completely refuses to engage. He bites his tongue and lets the left-wing Dems set the narrative. Even worse, he chimes in with them even though most of what they are saying is complete hooey.
James Pethokoukis explains the mystery thus:
1) It is a complicated argument, and McCain is not good at making complicated arguments, not even about earmarks. (Note, additionally, his lack of defense of the war in Iraq during his debate with Obama. Amazing.)Wonderful. h/t : Michelle.2) There is a racial component to criticism of the Community Reinvestment Act that can make it sound like you are scapegoating minorities for Wall Street's problems.
3) The campaign believes McCain's time is better spent talking about taxes and energy and healthcare. Really.
