Let's see. Why don't we check out this morning's "Today"?
NBC REPORTER CHIP REID: He's been falling steadily in the NBC/Wall Street Journal poll from 29% in December to 24 in March and last month just 14%. His unwavering support of the Iraq war is unpopular with moderate Republicans and he insists he won't change his position for political purposes.
Reid did go on to mention McCain's support for "immigration reform" [read amnesty] as another issue hurting his campaign. But anyone who thinks McCain's support for our Iraq policy [a position shared by the frontrunners] is his main problem with GOP primary voters is as out of touch with the Republican base as only the MSM can be.
View video here.
Fortunately, in the succeeding segment veteran GOP consultant Ed Rollins injected a much-needed dose of reality. Excerpts from Rollins comments, speaking with "Today" co-host Matt Lauer.
REPUBLICAN COMMENTATOR ED ROLLINS: I think at the end of the day John's campaign is suffering because John is not projecting as a good candidate . . . John has basically not been able to catch fire. There was a great misperception that he was going to be the frontrunner because he was the alternative in 2000. He wasn't a great candidate in 2000, he lost nine of the thirteen primaries on Super Tuesday, he got his message mixed up, he's not clearly articulated what it is, and there's no political base out there for him today . . . He's too closely identified with Democrats for a lot of hardcore [Republicans], with Senator Kennedy, with Senator Kerry -- talked with him about being a vice-presidential candidate. The political base, the Republican political base, don't trust John McCain.
Precisely.
Contact Mark at mark@gunhill.net
