Radar Online reports that things aren’t so hunky-dory in McCain’s camp

John McCain’s Obama-esque remarks about our “wasted” resources in Iraq weren’t the only comments that landed him in hot water after a recent appearance on Late Night with David Letterman. Many of his staff were blindsided by his campaign announcement. And several aides were so outraged that they’ve quit, say Republican insiders.

“They’re imploding—he had a game plan that had him announcing much later in the year,” one top Republican aide tells Radar, adding that the campaign is “in serious trouble … Romney’s plan and Rudy’s jump in the polls caused him to scrap his plans completely. When you do that, and you’re not prepared for it, the staff goes crazy. Some of his coordinators in different states were pulling their hair out!”

Another insider, a guru to the conservative movement, says that McCain himself is growing increasingly desperate in the wake of his downward slide in the polls—a slip hastened by his steadfast support of the very man who savaged him and his family during the 2000 election, George W. Bush, and the president’s unpopular plan for troop surge in Iraq. “One of the top aides to the Republican leadership told me that McCain has lost so much support, he’s simply beside himself. He’s wringing his hands. Things are sinking fast—in two or three weeks, we’ll know if there is any recovery.”

It didn’t help any that McCain was the one leading Republican candidate who skipped last weekend’s Conservative Political Action Conference. In CPAC’s straw poll on Saturday, McCain came in fifth place—behind Sam Brownback. When the results were announced, attendees booed at the mention of his name.

In an interview with KDKA TV News out of Pittsburgh, PA and an interview with The Politico my former boss and Senator Rick Santorum said the following on John McCain, signing onto the ABM(Anybody But McCain) idea:

Different sides of the candidate spectrum – but good and gracious foes.

Patrick Hynes (from the McCain camp is sitting right next to me at Bloggers Row). Patrick Ruffini (Giuliani) is sitting down the way.

Rudy, Giuliani, and Romney.

Only one difference. I don’t get paid to do this. Which gives me just a little more freedom.

The Boston Globe’s Scott Hellman loves to swing at Romney. Any tidbit he can find about the man, the campaign, and the race is grist for his mill. So when some outside consultant hands him a PPT deck laying out a supposed roadmap for Governor Romney’s campaign… he calls for a mop and salivates. OK.. That was a bit over-dramatic… but you get the point.

So first thing to note… this is NOT the campaign’s roadmap. It’s doubtful the Governor ever saw it. This type of analysis comes in unsolicited all the time. It’s silly to think that Spencer Zwick has this laminated in his coat vest.

So what does the PowerPoint say? Well, from what the Globe reports on… it doesn’t say a whole lot more than what we already knew.

The article details a few of Romney’s strengths and weaknesses (“His hair looks too perfect”) but otherwise offers very few original insights into the 2008 race. Here’s one tidbit:

A page titled “Primal Code for Brand Romney” said that Romney should define himself as a foil to Bay State Democrats such as Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John Kerry and former governor Michael Dukakis.

Not a bad strategy. If I were cherry picking I’d take that with me. But we knew this back in 1994.

So how about the competition? The document is pretty spot on:

MCCAIN:
McCain is described as a war hero and maverick with a compelling narrative and a reputation for wit, authenticity, and straight talk. But he’s also seen as “too Washington,” “too close to [Democratic] Left,” an “uncertain, erratic, unreliable leader in uncertain times.” “Does he fit The Big Chair?” the document asks. The plan calls McCain, 70, a “mature brand” and raises questions about whether he could handle the rigors of leading the free world.

GIULIANI:
Giuliani is called an outside-the-Beltway rock star and truth teller who earned the nation’s trust for his leadership of New York City’s response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. But he is described as a one-dimensional Lone Ranger whose social views — he supports abortion rights and civil unions for gay couples — could destroy the “GOP brand.” “We can’t disqualify Dems like Hillary on social issues ever again” if Giuliani is the nominee, the document states.

ON ROMNEY AGAIN:
The case for Romney, according to the plan, is this: “Mitt Romney, tested, intelligent, get-it-done, turnaround CEO Governor and strong leader from outside Washington, is a better candidate than McCain & Giuliani to ensure that America’s strength is maintained so we can meet a new generation of global challenges.”
…
In addition, the document provides a Romney roadmap for the early primaries, suggesting that he hopes to emerge as a credible “alternative to frontrunner” in Iowa, win New Hampshire, show strength in South Carolina, and be dominant in states, such as Michigan, that are eyeing early primary dates. The plan suggests Romney make full use of new media to reach voters, from feeding videos to YouTube to perhaps creating his own radio programming.

Most of this is low-grade stuff that my dog could write. From the pathetic graphics in the deck (OK – I’m a snob when it comes to PPT graphics) my dog probably did write it.

I think it pales in comparison to the rope-a-dope strategy (which I think has some cred) and doesn’t address the pending implosion of Giuliani over social issues.

In short, congrat Scott Helman…. you bought your guide to the 2007-2008 Fantasy Football season in February.

PRESS RELEASE

Senator Warner Joins Supporters Of John McCain

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Senator John McCain’s presidential exploratory committee today announced that Virginia’s senior senator, John Warner, will support the Arizona Senator should he decide to seek the presidency.

Senator Warner, now serving in his 5th term in the U.S. Senate, has spent the greater portion of his career working with our military, beginning at age 17 enlisting in the U.S. Navy during the last year of World War II, later as a U.S. Marine officer during the Korean War, and then during the Vietnam War serving as Under Secretary and Secretary of the Navy.

During his service as Secretary of Navy, Secretary Warner learned about McCain’s distinguished career, and upon his return from Vietnam, the two met and established their long friendship and professional association.

“America’s next President will be challenged by a range of diplomatic and security issues of unprecedented complexity largely due to growing, worldwide, terrorist threats. Senator McCain’s long experience with, and understanding of, our military coupled with his proven, unquestioned courage and leadership, provide him with the essential qualifications for our next President,” said Senator Warner. “America’s prosperity and personal freedoms at home must be protected from threats beyond our shores. Security will be the primary issue in the forthcoming Presidential campaign. I consider it a privilege to join the McCain team.”

Senator John McCain said that he was honored to have the support of such a distinguished public servant. “Senator Warner has served his country with honor, courage, and commitment,” said Senator McCain. “His support means a great deal to me as a person, fellow Senator, and veteran. I look forward to his advice and counsel.”