That image contrast reinforces the “generational” divide that separates the candidates. While Obama attracted an enthusiastic crowd of more than 200,000 in Berlin, McCain’s handlers had their guy swing by a German restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. Pathetic.
Stone, who once worked for President Nixon, predicts the GOP may face a Goldwater-like blowout in the impending election unless McCain gets his act together. He says even states of the Old Confederacy like Mississippi may be in play in November due to an aggressive registration drive conducted by the Democrats. Those new voters will trigger a “structural change” in political dynamics in this country that will not sit well with Republicans, Stone told an audience at 5W Public Relations this morning.
McCain’s only hope is to recover the “maverick” image that was attractive to moderates. Even that may be tough because that voting bloc “hates” the war and the current President. Both have been embraced by McCain.
Stone, who is known for his hardball tactics, said there is nothing wrong with “negative” or “comparative” advertising as long as it is rooted in the truth. A negative ad that works is well-sourced and never deals with personal attacks. The public is smart enough to identify a “smear” job, according to Stone.
Stone credits former Presidential candidate Howard Dean for figuring out how to use the Internet to activate a political base and raise money. Obama has followed Dean’s lead, while the GOP lags. Stone says the GOP has a lot of catching-up to do.
The consultant is tired of candidates apologizing for the actions of supporters. Both Obama and McCain, in Stone’s view, bungled their own pastor problems. Stone would have counseled each to say, “Pastor Wright (or Pastor Hagee) Supports Me. I Don’t Support Him.” Case closed.
Hats off to 5W CEO Ronn Torossian for the fine program.