by Jill Zuckman
John McCain will take a sentimental journey Sunday back to the place that helped shape his political image as a straight-talking maverick - New Hampshire, home of the first-in-the-nation primary.
As he wraps up the final days of campaigning before Tuesday's Election, the Republican nominee for president will hold a town hall meeting in the old Peterborough Town Hall. Peterborough was the sight of McCain's 100th town hall meeting during the New Hampshire primary, and it was where he held his last town hall meeting during the 2000 primary.
The uniquely New England tradition of meeting at a town hall is McCain's favorite way to campaign, but it became increasingly rare as he delved deeper into the general election with the need to hammer a specific message each day.
In New Hampshire, McCain frequently faced hostile questions from voters as he campaigned there last year. Voters were angry about the war in Iraq and they were skeptical about his position on immigration and his effort to provide illegal immigrants with a path to citizenship.
McCain took their questions, gave his answer, and often asked voters if they wanted to follow up or asked them if he had addressed their concerns. But the town hall tradition he had come to love didn't translate as well outside of New Hampshire. A Minnesota town hall forum in October went awry when angry voters told McCain he needed to get tough with Sen. Barack Obama in unpleasant terms.
New Hampshire, with its four electoral votes, could tip the election if the results are close. President Bush, who is extremely unpopular in the state, won in 2000. Sen. John Kerry beat Bush in 2004 by 1.4 percent.
Comments
So let me understand.
Is Jill a reporter or a McCain Spokesperson? Just read her last postings. Mc's resolve, Mcs sentimental journey to NH. These are even better than the press releases from the campaign.
just sayin' (as someone in that campaign would say)
Posted by: ja | November 1, 2008 9:45 AM