ABC’s The Note: “McCain Doubles Down on Immigration” - “McCain’s Gamble”
Senator McCain continued to gather substantial free-media coverage of his support for the immigration package that has caused so much consternation among conservative Republican base voters. McCain made the front page of ABC’s hugely popular “The Note”, with the caption, “McCain’s Gamble: A Challenge to Party Orthodoxy Could Revive the ‘Maverick’ - Or Enrage the Base.”
In a largely friendly piece, The Note’s Rick Klein wrote, among other things:
“For the second time in this young presidential campaign, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., is wrapping himself in an issue where his position runs counter to the polls. But unlike his decision to “double down” in supporting the Iraq war, his move to re-emphasize his support for the immigration bill puts him at odds with much of his party, probably most of it. The most prominent Republican he’s aligning himself with is President Bush — and GOP candidates aren’t exactly rushing to continue his legacy.
So McCain will be a lonely figure on stage at Tuesday’s Republican debate in New Hampshire, though that could be just what he wants. McCain will travel to Miami Monday to deliver a major speech contrasting his position with the non-positions of many of his 2008 rivals. Per a campaign adviser, he plans to hit that theme again at the debate the following day. Most of his fire will be aimed at former governor Mitt Romney, R-Mass., with the McCain camp hoping it can get the “flip-flop” label to stick. (And will we hear again about any lawn-care Guatemalans, senator?)”
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