And finally — and perhaps most importantly — McCain will rely on
free media to an unprecedented degree to get out his message in a
fashion that aims to not only minimize his financial disadvantage but
also drive a triangulated contrast among himself, the Democratic
nominee andPresident Bush.
McCain advisers acknowledge they have little choice but to seek free
entry into the media marketplace, as they have no chance of matchingBarack Obama orHillary Rodham Clinton
in a dollar-for-dollar ad war, given that the Arizona senator’s
fundraising totals pale in comparison to both his prospective opponents
and the Bush-Cheney political machine.But aides also hope they can turn necessity into virtue and argue
that by facing tough questions from reporters on his bus each day and
potentially even tougher ones from audience members at frequent town
hall meetings, McCain will demonstrate how he’s different from two
politicians who are far less accessible.
Right. I can’t imagine why he’d think that strategy would pay off. Maybe he should have a barbecue, invite some reporters over, treat them like pals. That might help, too.
Seriously, this whole story has this breathless, Blanche DuBois attitude about it, the whole “Ooh, he’s such a brave, strong man, running such a scary, unorthodox campaign … can he pull it off? Tune in tomorrow to find out!” soap opera feel. Couple that with the typical “McCain will rely on the media, of which I am in no way a part, even as I report on McCain” dodge, and you have like a perfect storm of the political press. Blech.
A.