What's Next For John McCain?

GOP Presidential Hopeful Must Jump-Start Campaign

(CBS/AP)  GOP presidential hopeful John McCain faces the formidable task of rebuilding his sputtering campaign following the forced resignation of two top aides.

McCain’s campaign manager and top adviser, along with two other top aides, left the Arizona senator's campaign on Tuesday, one week after reporting second-quarter fundraising that came in far below expectations.

At the very moment McCain was laying out his case for perseverance in Iraq, reports CBS News political correspondent Jeff Greenfield, two top campaign aides, manager Terry Nelson and chief strategist John Weaver, announced they were leaving the campaign immediately, a result of staff tensions fueled by campaign cash woes.

One official said Nelson resigned as campaign manager for the Republican presidential candidate and Weaver stepped down from his post of chief strategist.

Following the two out the door were political director Rob Jesmer and deputy campaign manager Reed Galen, officials said.

Nelson had previously worked for President Bush's 2004 re-election campaign while Weaver has been a longtime friend and adviser to the Arizona senator.

McCain hired Nelson more than a year ago to start laying the foundation for the senator's long-expected second presidential run. Weaver has been with McCain for at least 10 years.

Rick Davis, a longtime aide to McCain, will take over the campaign. One McCain aide told CBS News that Mark Salter, a longtime adviser known as McCain's alter-ego after helping the senator write several books, was staying with the campaign on a pro bono basis.

McCain must now convince campaign donors that he remains a serious contender for the GOP nomination and fashion a strategy that will enable him to climb out of a deep political hole created by his stance on two key issues: Iraq and immigration.

McCain's strong support for President Bush's position on both matters has spelled trouble for the one-time GOP maverick. McCain continues to back a strong U.S. presence in Iraq at the very time voters wanted the troops brought home. And his support for Bush's sweeping immigration reform legislation has proved extremely unpopular with the GOP's bedrock conservative voters.

Some political observers believe McCain needs to skillfully back away from his position on both issues if he is to remain a viable candidate for the White House.

As word of the staff changes became public, McCain was on the Senate floor defending the troop buildup in Iraq and contending that reinforcements had only just been put in place. He made his sixth trip to Iraq last week.

"Make no mistake. Violence in Baghdad remains at unacceptably high levels," but the United States and Iraq seem to be "moving in the right direction," McCain said. "The progress our military has made should encourage us."

At the Capitol, McCain said he would "of course" remain in the presidential race, and disputed the idea that the staff changes marked a major shakeup that reflects his campaign's recent troubles.

"People are free to make their own assessments. I think we're doing fine," McCain said. "I'm very happy with the campaign the way it is."

The shakeup is only the latest change made to boost McCain’s presidential hopes, which have fallen precipitously since early this year, when he was seen as the Republican front-runner and the choice of the party’s establishment.

Since then, he has reported lackluster fundraising in two consecutive quarters and seen his poll numbers fall, both nationally and in key early-voting states, especially after McCain stuck by a failed immigration bill that incensed much of the conservative Republican voting base.

Last week, Nelson announced he would decline a salary to help the campaign save money after reporting that it had raised $11.2 million in the second quarter of 2007, placing him behind both Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney. McCain also reporting having only $2 million on hand. The announcment was followed by cutbacks in staff salaries and layoffs throughout McCain's organization.

The campaign is still considering accepting federal matching funds for the campaign, even though that would subject McCain to spending restrictions that would not apply to his opponents.

Earlier this year, McCain said he would not compete in this August’s straw poll in Ames, Iowa, which is usually seen as a key barometer of who is leading the Republican field. Romney is the only top-tier Republican candidate committed to the poll.

McCain’s woes come as former Sen. Fred Thompson of Tennessee is about to enter the race. Thompson is expected to strongly compete for the support of the conservative voters McCain and Romney have been courting.

[rushlimpdrug]

McCain
McGone
- the candidate that enjoys shopping in Iraq.
note to McCaine - get a watch, it's time to stop running.

[adian1-2009]

Only his God, if he is honest when he says he is a Christian --it is hard for me to believe that if you are a Christian you would be supporting the killing of the innocent elderly, children, women, our American soldiers, etc., in Iraq-- can salvage his candidacy. We, the people down here upon this Good Earth, do not think that a pseudo-hero war lover should ascend to the Presidency. I say his God, because he must have his own.

[feelfree1]

Re: "John McCain%u2019s campaign manager and top adviser have left the Republican's ailing presidential campaign"

Like flies abandoning a dung heap...

[brianp55]

McCain is history, primarily because of his support for Iraq and that assinine immigration bill, which he attempted to force on voters against their will. He is out of touch and too old. He'll NEVER get the nomination. Retire.

[smooth881]

John McCain, your campaign is TOAST!!! Let it go.

[tucano2]

McCain, like Will's "Hamlet", is a man who cannot make up his mind. A Tragedy.

[drummer94]

Give back all the contributions, senator, and hold on to your own dough. Good suggestions for all repubs because with only 30% of your own constituents supporting any of you, it will spare us the deluge of ads next year.

[SIDNEYWILLIAMSMD]

Chalk up the end of McCain to the McCain-Kennedy immigration bill, and the McCain Goldfine campaigne finance nonreform bills. One was dead on arrival, the other was just plain stupid.

[harp1963]

Dear John,

You blew your chance at winning the Presidency with your continued support of the mentally ill lunatic we currently call our President and his white collar criminal administration.

[wayneacp-2009]

A lot of "toast" remarks. He may be...time will tell.

My only thought is that this man is an American hero. He's stuck to some very unpopular positions not to pander to the American public, but out of principle and conviction.

Considering what he's gone through, I doubt that he's at all perplexed if he were to hear some of the comments here, but I still admire the man for being a true patriot.

Beyond all the partisan stuff, I suppose I am naively drawn to someone who will do what he thinks is right, despite what the polls may say.

You go, John!!!

[vastr-wcon]

The death-throws of the campaign of Stroll-through-Baghdad, Loony McCain are GREAT ENTERTAINMENT. Loony: Please drag out this process as long as possible and please, please make it as enjoyable as the rest of your AMNESTY-loving career finale.

HASTA LA VISTA, BABY!

[michael00121]

Dear John
I'm Supporting You All Day Way It Will Be A Terrible Mistake If We Do A Troop Withdrawl
It Will Be A Tremandus Victory For The Terorists
& We Have To Give Support For The Troops All The Way We Have To Encourage Them To Go Forther Not To Critisize

Thanks

[walt1944-2009]

You would think that a person who supports Emperor Bush on an increasingly unpopular war, opposes Bush's torture bill, then votes for it saying it really isn't a torture bill, and who goes to Bagdad on a shopping spree, says everything there is cool and safe, but says this wearing body armour and protected by 1,000 GI's and 6 Blackhawk heliocopters, would have sense enough to connect the dots and discover that what he has said and done in the past few years hasn't exactly helped his case at all either.

McCain has come across as being as big a "flake" as the Emperor is and expects to win elections from the neo-Nazis, war hawks, and "fruit baskets" who make up the huge 27% approving of the Emperor.

It sounds like its time for "Bagdad John" to retire and start taking some of the mind-bending drugs Rush Limbaugh could proscribe him!

SIG HEIL, BUSH!!

[random_radar]

There once was a man named McCain
Who thought that his talk was quite plain
He was running for president
But the voters were hesitant
Because he inspired disdain

[ov442]

I think McCain has stuck to some of his ideals out of a desire to be elected. Hes been trying now for 10 years to be the Republican Nominee. I think he figured he'd just stick to his guns and everyone would respect that, irregardless of how stupid his ideals were.

[infidel_us]

Johnny,

You're done.....and you're the only one who doesn't realize it. I understand your will to fight, but it is pointless. Why put yourself and us thru it. Give it up and retire with some dignity.

love,

Mrs. McCain

PS - All you other "really, it isn't amnesty" republicans look and see what's happening to Johnny. Same thing is coming your way!

[jimibear]

Good one, random_radar. Here's an effort from me:

There once was a man named McCain
Who gave thinking people a pain
He got stuck in the slammer
By a North Viet Nam-er
And some say it drove him insane.


or

Was John McCain dropped on his head?
I think that he was, since he said
"We can't offer amnesty!
That would be a travesty!
We'll call it 'forgiveness' instead."

[jimibear]

McCain can go shop in Baghdad
To prove that it isn't so bad
But his jacket for flak
Better cover his back
Or he might get fragged by some lad.

[lochlan-2009]

GOP, You havn't got a chance in hell. It's scary to think we have no choice but to put all the power in the hands of one party (the Dems.) especially after seeing what the repubs. did over the last several years. But we can't reward you with another term for treason (actually, you should be executed China style). You have to go.

[jimibear]

"Dear John
I'm Supporting You All Day Way It Will Be A Terrible Mistake If We Do A Troop Withdrawl
It Will Be A Tremandus Victory For The Terorists
& We Have To Give Support For The Troops All The Way We Have To Encourage Them To Go Forther Not To Critisize

Thanks
Posted by Michael00121 at 01:29 PM : Jul 10, 2007"

Do I really need to say anything? I think this post proves very clearly that this child got left behind.

No, grammar and spelling are not everything, and everyone makes typos. But when your post in a written medium demonstrates that you lack even third grade writing skills, that pretty much invalidates your point, in my opinion.

[pureevil666-2009]

The Muslimoids are training armies to swim across the ocean on dolphins with dirty bombs strapped to their backs. You do not want to fight the Muslimoids when there are 1 billion of them coming to your town and forcing you to eat a donair, forcing your kids to eat humus. Instead of letting them kill us i propose we all kill ourselves. Mass American suicide is the only solution, Go team !

[pureevil666-2009]

The Muslimoids are training armies to swim across the ocean on dolphins with dirty bombs strapped to their backs. You do not want to fight the Muslimoids when there are 1 billion of them coming to your town and forcing you to eat a donair, forcing your kids to eat humus. Instead of letting them kill us i propose we all kill ourselves. Mass American suicide is the only solution, Go team !

[pureevil666-2009]

The Muslimoids are training armies to swim across the ocean on dolphins with dirty bombs strapped to their backs. You do not want to fight the Muslimoids when there are 1 billion of them coming to your town and forcing you to eat a donair, forcing your kids to eat humus. Instead of letting them kill us i propose we all kill ourselves. Mass American suicide is the only solution, Go team !

[jsilver2th]

Some jobs for the new staff:

Find new way to spell IRAQ- for example if we renamed it Nazi Germany maybe people would like to keep our sons and daughters there to be slaughtered for big oil...

[rushlimpdrug]

Dear John
I'm also suporteen yu al da waee. yu makem al weesh day had suporteen yu. I go now two see if da messen acommlished.
tank u barry mush

[roger_inkart]

Johnny tried to play both sides of the fence, but instead slipped and racked his nuts.

What independents might have supported you were lost when you steadfastly supported the president's flawed strategy in Iraq. What conservatives might have supported you were lost when you supported the immigration reform. What democrats who might have supported you were lost when you started smooching Falwell's a$$.

In short, you played your hand poorly and unwisely. Goodbye.

[randalds]

John McCain is senile or at the beginning stage of Alzheimers and if there is anyone near him that really cares about him as a person, they'll pull him aside and gently talk him into retiring completely to his Arizona home while he still has a few shreds of self respect, dignity and reputation left. He is embarrassing himself in front of the whole world and it's becoming even more embarrassing to watch him. Are they going to wait until he wets himself in front of a camera before they take him home and out of the public's eye?

[Syndicate]

I love the way everyone *** about the war dead. How dare we sacrifice 3,600 soilders for the freedom of 40 million Iraqis. But no one complains about those killed on our highways. What are we up to now? 200,000 dead since the begining of the war. I'm not sure if these posters are that stupid or just that cold hearted. I guess 200,000 dead from car accidents doesn't really advance the liberal agenda since it helps keep the deaths in Iraq in perpesctive. So they don't talk about it. They say things like poor family had to sacrifice their soilder son. But what about the family that looses a child for nothing. No sympathy? just no political award to buy your sympathy with. So people if your going to *** about people dying then *** about all of them not the ones whos death advance your political cause.

[zootallures2]

Maybe some more National Geographics propaganda against orangutans will help...LMAO! John McCain is for the hierachial monkeys...ha ha ha you are nuts! Maybe he's losing because you are outragiously pathetic! Maybe another "star" studded rock show? With a Monkeys reunion? Are orangutans with al-Qeada?

[hhkeller]

Senator McCain is a feeble man.
The Senator should have stood up to Bush but instead he provided him cover for his war crimes.
Senator McCain grand stands to be President while the CIA tortures, the NSA spies on Americans and the DOJ ruins our constitution.
Retirement is the only option for someone with zero backbone.

[pureevil666-2009]

Senator McCain is a war monger. That alone makes him a leading candidate to lead the USA. Why is everyone turning on him ?

Go John Go !

John basically hates everyone and everything. Hes a big ball of hate. If he wins your next 4 years will be most interesting.

Plus his outrageous turkey neck needs to be studied.

[tuckerndfw]

Senator McCain,

Thank you for your brave and honorable service.

It is unfortunate that you tied your fortunes to a falling star, but you did and that cannot be corrected.

Whether or not you would be a better president than George Bush will never be known. You have no realistic chance of becoming president. Your support for the disaster in Iraq sealed your fate.

Do yourself and everyone else a favor and withdraw from the campaign with dignity. You are only making a fool of yourself. That is a fate you do not deserve.

Sincerely.

[wadyaknow]

"love the way everyone *** about the war dead. How dare we sacrifice 3,600 soilders for the freedom of 40 million Iraqis. But no one complains about those killed on our highways. What are we up to now? 200,000 dead since the begining of the war. I'm not sure if these posters are that stupid or just that cold hearted. I guess 200,000 dead from car accidents doesn't really advance the liberal agenda"

I've heard this drivel on Nazi radio and can't believe people can be SO stupid. What freedon are you talking about? The freedom to have a mullah control you? We are fighting for Daddy!
If we were fighting for freedom why not go for China instead? And to compare deaths from accidents to intentionally sending kids to their deaths is amazingly stupid. Don't forget the 10s of thousands of horrific injuries and the over 600,000 dead iraquis. Now go fight for freedom on your own dime.

[gunownerdan]

Bring HOPE to America!
Ron Paul.
ronpaul2008.com

[pureevil666-2009]

You have the freedom to do what we tell you and believe what we tell you.

If John McCain got a hold of some of you Liberal punks, he would mess you up. I saw him bite a reporters nose off once.

Apparently Jon used to train with Chris Benoit, and McCain is the real rabid wolverine.

[randalds]

Change his diaper and then take him home.

[marcodele]

Rain Man might as well drop out of the race. He was going to have Vitter as a running mate anyway.

[infidel_us]

There once was a man named McCain
Who gave thinking people a pain
He got stuck in the slammer
By a North Viet Nam-er
And some say it drove him insane.


or

Was John McCain dropped on his head?
I think that he was, since he said
"We can't offer amnesty!
That would be a travesty!
We'll call it 'forgiveness' instead."
Posted by jimibear at 02:02 PM : Jul 10, 2007

Did you make those up???? If you did, you just rose to stratus on my respect meter. EXCELLENT work! Truly excellent!!!! My hat's off to you, sir.

[mercer_rd]

jimibear said:"Do I really need to say anything? I think this post proves very clearly that this child got left behind.
No, grammar and spelling are not everything, and everyone makes typos. But when your post in a written medium demonstrates that you lack even third grade writing skills, that pretty much invalidates your point, in my opinion."
Posted by jimibear at 02:08 PM : Jul 10, 2007

Yes, perhaps there should be some warning to those who wish to voice an opinion, that they are monitored by the grammer police. This is my second language how many can you speak? JERK

[lorinkundert]

At the end of the day there is only one word to sum up McCain, Loser.

[zertrat]

Snake in the grass, that McCain.

Once the monkeys catch on, his cover is blown for good.

[mercer_rd]

Yeah, McCain is a loser, The Clintons have a proven record.

[barbaraf4]

It is sad that McCain, who was a real hero, has come to this point. He is a victim of his own ambition.

Down the road a few years, I see him as another pathetic Ted Kennedy type.

[hwk_i67]

Nelson said. %u201CI believe John McCain is the most experienced and prepared candidate to represent the Republican Party and defeat the Democratic nominee next year.%u201D

Not "I believe John McCain will lead America to greater prosperity" or some such drivel, but "Defeat the Democratic nominee." Pretty much somes up politics in America anymore. It's just about beating the other guy and forget what's good for America.

[bill1fj]

John: I once was for you. But then you sold out the legal citizens of this country by trying to give amnesty to 20 million illegal aliens. These illegals have taken jobs from legal citizens. They drive down the wages of those legal citizens that do have jobs. They commit crimes by using false and illegal identification and social security cards.
You should be ashamed of your self.
Retire and withdraw.
YOU lost this race.
THank You

[tibu987]

So long Johnny, don't let the door hit you in the a$$.

One down and many more to go in both parties.

How about someone to represent all the people of the U.S., someone who can see further than their partisan cronies.

But please, not another Bush..............

[frb01]

Get real people, if you want to bash McCain the candidate, that is one thing. This man spent years in a POW camp, I wonder how many other Americans would be up to doing that. Just like Bob Dole, may have not liked his personality, but never questioned his patriotism. The election is 16 months away, self annointing nominees without a vote being cast is stupid.

[susieq_13]

You still have my vote McCain.

[omega39-2009]

Shades of the Katherine Harris campaign last year.

[mizpah63]

Assumption #1: No politician is worth electing.
Assumption #2: It is in the best interest of
America to elect no one.
Assumption #3: Our form of democracy requires
that we elect someone from time to
time.
Conclusion: Elect only those candidates who are
the most likely to do the least
damage.