What hurt McCain?

[yeartolate]

I think Sarah Palin as well. But probably for different reasons than many.


I think Palin campaigned in a very nasty negative way. I mean ugly. That may rally the Republican base, but it won't impress those undecideds. The base it did rally was the liberal base. I think the more Obama was attacked by Palin, the more motivated to vote the left was.

I do not think she was qualified forthe job, but I think what ruined it for McCain was her nastiness and gross negativity.

 

[Mom2Evie]

It was like the perfect storm.

Well put. I agree that it was a series of factors: Bush, economy, not just Palin but the way she was selected, Iraq, negative tainted ads, etc. I think his the eloquence of Obama and his message of inclusion were just as responsible. I would think that McCain going up against almost any other opponent, even with all the factors listed above might have won.

Let me add that I just watched McCain's concession speech. It was eloquent, benevolent and gracious. He was generous & kind. My heart genuinely went out to him. I do believe that he'll work hard to mend the rift that now exists in our country. I truly believe that if he'd spoken that way, and been so positive throughout the campaign, then we'd be talking about President McCain.

 

[AndyLL]

1) He had to move towards Bush to win the Primary.
2) He picked Palin.
3) Negative campaign.

 

[C.Ann]

If I were to venture a guess, I would say it was probably a combo of Palin and the Bush years..

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

Palin energized the base as much as she cost McCain the moderate/independent swing voters. I was ready to vote for McCain but could not bring myself to vote for McCain/Palin.

 

[LotsOfQuestions]

That's obviously not true. McCain got more than 40% of the vote.

Right. But when the ones who did not vote for McCain were asked why they did not, 60% named Palin.

 

[maymom96]

I think if we say anything we will just be accused of making excuses. So i'll just say congratulations to the Obama supporters.

I voted for Obama. But I am honestly curious on what people think hurt McCain. I was swaying to his side before he announced Palin as his running mate. It really made me questions his decisions and I started to pay more attention to Obama.

 

[shortbun]

Palin and his negative campaigning. He chose advisors who led him down the wrong path in a big way. Should have stayed true to himself 8 years ago. He sold out for another chance at the White House. Bad choice.

 

[dvcgirl]

Palin....Palin....Palin.

The financial markets crashing didn't help....McCain looked erratic in those days.

But Sarah Palin scared off sooooooo many independents and moderates (like me).

Look at the final electoral map.....the Republican party needs to decide who they are.

And Sarah Palin isn't it.

 

[cteddiesgirl]

I think this election was bigger than anything any Republican candidate could have overcome. Too many factors played against the incumbent party retaining control of the Presidency.

I agree, but I think Palin was the last nail in his coffin.

Agreed on both points.

People of this country have looked at their lives over the last 10 years. Most are really doing worse than they did before Bush was elected 8 years ago.

People are tired of it. They all want to prosper. Not just the well off.

 

[SeeDisney]

The association with Bush....

 

[corndog]

Right. But when the ones who did not vote for McCain were asked why they did not, 60% named Palin.

So you're claiming that 60% of Obama's voters would have voted for McCain if he hadn't picked Palin? That doesn't even come close to passing the smell test.

 

[DebbieB]

Bush - the economy mess, the war mess. Just like when Clinton won the first time, people are looking for a new beginning. I think Sarah Palin was a distraction that didn't help.

 

[whjoyjr]

1. Ties to Bush. No way to distance himself. Also, his brain-dead "100 years in Iraq" statement.
2. Ties to the Religious Right.
3. Going negative all of the time. Never heard from him what he WOULD do. For all of the negative spin by the right, Obama's "infomercial" gave specifics.
4. Palin. She acted like a high school cheerleader on the stump, and fanned the flames when the crowd got ugly.

But, most important, he stopped being himself.

 

[AndyLL]

So you're claiming that 60% of Obama's voters would have voted for McCain if he hadn't picked Palin? That doesn't even come close to passing the smell test.

Independents

 

[corndog]

Independents

Is that a declaration?

 

[simpilotswife]

I think what hurt McCain was not really walking the walk. He just could not escape that "voted with Bush 90% of the time" record.

Also complaining about the other guy instead of offering your own ideas for change is not really change....even my 12 yr old could see through that.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I think no matter what, McCain would lose. Didn't matter if he had Palin or anyone else. Obama was just too charismatic, too popular, too good a speaker, and too good-looking to beat. Like it or not, people easily respond to those characteristics. He was truly untouchable, and race only helped not hurt because of the extreme political correctness we have in this country. McCain is an old guy who's been around, nothing to be excited about, regardless of his experience. The pop culture phenomenon of Obama was impossible to beat. He won the popularity contest, right to the ultimate power.

And I believe there are many who voted for Obama who truly think they are going to get large amounts of entitlements from an Obama presidency, with no regard to how the country is suppose to pay for it.

I, for one, loved Palin and hope for more to come from her.

I don't think the next 4 years are going to be anything as positive that so many Obama supporters think it will be.

 

[AndyLL]

Is that a declaration?

Huh?

I think the PP meant that 60% of Independents said they would not vote for McCain because of Palin... not all Obama supporters.

 

[corndog]

Huh?

A declaration of "independents".