He's Got Rick Davis Eyes
John McCain's campaign released a late afternoon statement from newly appointed campaign manager Rick Davis. Davis: "This campaign has always been about John McCain and his vision for reducing federal spending, defending traditional values, and winning the war against Islamic extremists. Today we are moving forward with John's optimistic vision for our country's future."
In the wake of the inside the beltway campaign shakeup at McCain HQ, plans are still set to travel to Concord, NH this Friday (the 13th, of all days) for an address on "Iraq and the War Against Islamic Extremism." Campaign spokesperson Danny Diaz expressed confidence that today's shakeup will not affect outside the beltway voters. Diaz: "Senator McCain is the most prepared and best equipped candidate to move the country forward. He will continue to address the important issues confronting the American people and lay out a plan for keeping America safe and prosperous."
Will the shakeup in the upper echelons of the campaign staff continue to extend out to the key states? Following last week's dismal fundraising news, the NH team, state dir. Mike Barnett and ex-nat'l pol. dir turned NH McCain consultant Mike Dennehy, was still intact. Will they stand by the newly Mavericked McCain when he comes to NH this weekend sans his former leadership team?
More so, as McCain soldiers on in his defense of President Bush's strategy in Iraq this week, will he be able to effectively communicate a message of hope and progress while his '08 army suffers its own internal breakdowns? [AMY DUDLEY]