Wheels falling off McCain Campaign (R.I.P)

[Perky]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- John McCain's campaign manager, chief strategist and other senior aides quit Tuesday, the second major staff shake-up in a week for the Republican presidential candidate who trails his rivals in money and polls.

In a statement, the Arizona senator said Terry Nelson and John Weaver offered their resignations, "which I accepted with regret and deep gratitude for their dedication, hard work and friendship."

Nelson, a veteran of President Bush's successful 2004 re-election effort, said he stepped down as campaign manager and Weaver, a longtime aide who ran McCain's failed 2000 presidential bid, said he left his post of chief strategist. Both resignations were effective immediately.

Following the two out the door were political director Rob Jesmer and deputy campaign manager Reed Galen, officials said.

At the Capitol, McCain said he would "of course" remain in the presidential race, and disputed the idea that the staff changes marked a major shake-up that reflects his campaign's recent troubles.

[Ron Green]

1. The Maverick turns into a Pinto.

:nuke:

[The_Casual_Observer]

2. Couldn't happen to a nice asshole.

[Lex]

3. Hope it was a really good hug, John.

[Dr.Phool]

4. Now he can ask Hillary or who ever our nominee is

If he can be their VP. And just like he did with Kerry, tell everyone, "But, I was their first choice".

[wuushew]

5. We should all be hoping McCain stays in as long as possible

his platform is the weakest of the main tier Republicans and stands the best chance of going down in the general. Getting out early just leaves Bush's golden child Mitt more money for the general. I don't want any of W's wishes granted in any way.

[Perky]

6. Very atsute

At this point even Hillarty could beat McCain in the General.

[OnceUponTimeOnTheNet]

7. Used, abused, and now kicked to the curb.

It's not a very nice WH nowadays, is it John McCain.

[gatorboy]

8. And yet CNN felt the need to go to him live earlier today.

The MSM still have their crush. :eyes:

[knight_of_the_star]

9. Heeeeere's Johnny!

Oh wait I guess not.

[Tesha]

10. He, "of course", is lying.

> At the Capitol, McCain said he would "of course" remain in
> the presidential race, and disputed the idea that the staff
> changes marked a major shake-up that reflects his campaign's
> recent troubles.

McCain, "of course", is lying. But that is, "of course"
the Republican's chief stock-in-trade.

Tesha

[Dukkha]

11. wow it's almost like he abandoned his support base

by pandering to the Jesus freak loonies and other agents of intolerance.

[Alexander]

12. Supporting the war isn't popular. Watch out for Chuck Hagel.

McCain will shrivel up and Hagel will run, taking a lot of support.

Need evidence?

McCain is behind Ron Paul in cash on hand. Ron Paul, the only Republican advocating an end to the Iraq War.

[Tesha]

13. When his campaign dies, send him a Purple Heart Band-Aide.

This is my personal hot button with McCain. I spoke to
him while that bullshit was going on (re: Kerry) and he
mumbled something about how it was a disgrace and then
did exactly nothing about it. (I had suggested that if
he felt so strongly about it, he should publicly dis-
avow that offensive smear.)



Tesha