Rick Davis (McCain mgr.) says the election is not about the issues

[jezebel]

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/09/mccain_manager_this_election_i.html


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McCain Manager: 'This Election is Not About Issues'
Rick Davis, campaign manager for John McCain's presidential bid, insisted that the presidential race will be decided more over personalities than issues during an interview with Post editors this morning.

"This election is not about issues," said Davis. "This election is about a composite view of what people take away from these candidates."

Davis added that issues will no doubt play a major role in the decisions undecided voters will make but that they won't ultimately be conclusive. He added that the campaign has "ultimate faith" in the idea that the more voters get to know McCain and Barack Obama, the better the Republican nominee will do.

Davis generally dismissed the controversies surrounding McCain's vice presidential pick -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin -- as a media creation but did acknowledge that her acceptance speech, which seems likely to come tomorrow, is critically important to defining who she is to the American public.


As for the speech itself, Davis said a generic, "masculine" speech was being prepared before the pick was made and, now that Palin is the choice, she is adapting the speech to her own needs and personality.

Davis demurred when asked when Palin will sit for interviews with major news organizations, pointing out that now would not be the right time given the "combative" attitude the media has seemingly adopted toward Palin. Pressed on the issue, Davis insisted that "we allot a lot more access in our campaign than any campaign in modern political history....we'll get around to it."

On the general election playing field, Davis alleged that Obama had tried -- and failed -- to expand the political map, and that 11 or 12 states (and maybe as many as 13) would be truly competitive. He added that campaign operatives are feeling better than they did a month ago about Iowa and Minnesota and believe their prospects have not dimmed in any competitive state during that time.

Davis did admit, however, the challenges of running for president as a Republican in this political atmosphere.

"We are in the worst Republican environment since Nixon in 1972," said Davis. "We take that seriously. We get the joke."

[Tansy_Gold]

1. NOT ABOUT THE FUCKING ISSUES??????????????

THIS AIN'T A STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTION!!!!!!!!!!


:wtf:

[blondeatlast]

2. So she's going head to head with Biden--and they are afraid to let her face the m$m?

I PRAY she stays in the race; this will be easily the Best. Campaign. Ever.

[Alter Ego]

3. Dear Senator Obama.

Take this quote, Barack. Take it--and use it to destroy your enemies.

Go with the Gods, Barack. Go forth--in the name of the Founding Fathers.

[Hestia]

4. There's another that Obama's campaign needs to jump on with

emergency care health insurance

[Kerrytravelers]

5. It is never about the issues for the RNC. If it was, they would never win anything.

They rely on wedge issues. And that is exactly why McCain selected this Palin lady. Wedge issues. But thankfully, Obama is the kind od candidate that can overcome this and go on to win.

[TwilightGardener]

10. Exactly--if elections were decided on issues, Dems would win every time.

And America wouldn't be saddled with the "Beer With" Pretzeldent for eight years.

[caledesi]

6. Issues? Let's instead use distraction! NT

[TheDonkey]

7. Is it possible for a campaign to jump the shark 12 or 13 times within a week's time?

[zulchzulu]

8. Thanks for the ammo for yet another GREAT Obama ad, Davis!

Not about the issues... yes, you have made that pretty obvious.

[AlCzervik]

9. that would be a good Ad.

[Tansy_Gold]

11. Kick to get this back on the front page

If it isn't about the issues, and if it *IS* about the personalities, then Sarah Palin AND HER FAMILY are absolutely fair game.

Or are we just to make it a simple beauty pageant? :puke: Well, sorry, this feminist will STILL vote Obama/Biden as a HELLUVA lot better lookin' than McCain/Pain.


Tansy Gold, still shakin' her head and muttering sheesh. . . . . .

[jberryhill]

12. Cool. When's the Swimsuit Competition?

[Forkboy]

13. They have to say that. They suck on the issues.