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I don't recall the specific polling, but I remember a definite sense that Dole was not going to win the election. Especially as it got late in the race.
However, unlike McCain, there wasn't, if I remember correctly, anything resembling this incredible desperate flailing about to latch onto any gimmick that might POSSIBLY help. The gimmick VP pick. The gimmick suspension, and now the gimmick fucking around with the bailout accords in order to assume the "fixer/leader" mantle.
I get the impression that, at this point, if Karl Rove told McCain that dressing only in a G-string and walking down Main Street would grab him a few votes in Ohio, he'd do it.
Dole was also an older war veteran with a record of major sacrifice through military service, who was looking at his last and only shot at the brass ring.
What's the difference between Dole and McCain?
Is it the difference between the men? Is McCain's ambition, his hunger for the presidency that much different in nature and degree from Dole's that he wouldn't balk at trading in every last shred of dignity and reputation for a chance at it?
Is it the difference in the Republican Party of the 90's and now? Are they that much more desperate to hang onto power?
Is it because running against the young black candidate means you've always got a shot, no matter what, and drives Obama's candidates to do crazy desperate measures they'd never try against any other candidate?
What? :shrug:
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