“Murder/Suicide” is a term that entered the political lexicon in 2004′s Iowa Caucuses, when Dick Gephardt gratitously attacked Howard Dean and Dean responded in kind, commiting the cardinal sin of singling out one opponent for attack in a multicandidate field and leaving voters to flock to the sunny, optimistic Kerry and Edwards Iowa campaigns.
Is the same dynamic developing between McCain and Romney? Marc Ambinder and Jonathan Martin explore.
Gov. Romney said what many of us were thinking and went after McCain for the “torture” fiasco. In doing so, what was a proxy war broke out into the open. Granted — it’s pretty small beans compared to the vicious stuff that’s coming, but the time January 2008 rolls around, their campaign teams are going to HATE each other, and it’s going to lead to some pretty nasty attacks in both directions.
Regular readers of this blog will know that in addition to my sincere admiration for Mayor Giuliani, nothing gets me riled up more than the prospect of Senator McCain slipping away with the nomination. But on the official level, Mayor Giuliani and Senator McCain get along fine. Their staffs are cordial, from what I hear. I can’t imagine being in Mayor Giuliani’s inner circle and NOT thinking of this past week as anything but a massive opportunity — but it doesn’t pay to directly attack McCain when others will do it for you. (And besides, McCain’s 10-15% support among core primary voters could be what wins us the nomination once he collapses.)
Imagine this scenario heading into Iowa. Romney attacks McCain. McCain attacks Romney. And then there’s Rudy, waiting in the wings, staying above the fray, sweeping up the voters tired of the nasty attack politics, winning Iowa and cruising to the nomination.
September 19th, 2006 at 8:49 pm
I also think it’s very smart of Rudy not to take sides in the “Bush v. McCain” feud that’s still going on 6 years later. Romney is clearly positioning himself on the “Bush” side, but Rudy needs to attempt to transcend the whole debate and remain acceptable to all Republicans. There will be plenty of time to develop policy initiatives; right now Rudy should continue to work for GOP candidates in November and prepare to launch his bid shortly after.
September 19th, 2006 at 9:24 pm
There are a number of posts, which speculate on the impending doom or implosion of the yet to be announced John McCain campaign. Speculation is all that we have, however some distortions are occuring. Throughout our history , there have been times when the President and his adminstration have been wrong. I have voted for George Bush, unlike him I served in Vietnam and completed 20 years of military service.. and along the way developed a belief that sometimes men of priciple must be elected.
The HBO documentary ” Goldwater on Goldwater” speaks to this issue.. It also shows that James Carville has very little principle and Barry Goldwater did.. LYndon Johnson well he was a liar…
My favourite three republican potential candidates are McCain, Romney and Rudy G…
No one will I consider and I feel that the vice presidential each person would make is essential
to to our Country’s success in 2008 and beyond.
The torture issue is one that we cannot allow to divide republicans .. I feel as McCain does the adminstration is right on this issue.. The talking heads need controversial issues to boost ratings.. I am sadden that george Romney would attempt to make this a wedge issue.. Equally when Rudy G announces ( which I still doubt he wil) his position on this issue, must be clear.
I cannot forsee a scenario where the nominee would not come from McCain, Romney, Rudy G and Newt.. The rest of the field will disappear in the corn rows of Iowa..
These four have the stature, record, support and financial backing to go past Iowa and New Hampshire.
The main concern I have now is that each of us researches the candidates. As a conservaive, each candidate has a position that I disagree with.. Also I know there will be issues in the future I will disagree with them on.
America and republicans need to nominate and elect the person who best reflects their views.One who has honor, integrity and the character to be president.. To me that is 1. John McCain 2, Mitt Romney 3. Rudy G
September 19th, 2006 at 9:26 pm
there is a typo meant to type ” not right on this issue
September 20th, 2006 at 9:37 am
DaveG:“…[I]t’s very smart of Rudy not to take sides in the “Bush v. McCain†feud that’s still going on 6 years later. … Rudy needs to attempt to transcend the whole debate and remain acceptable to all Republicans.”
While there is merit in that approach, Rudy plays a dangerous game by following it. Can he afford to be seen as willing and/or eager to compromise on National Security for the good of his party and/or his personal ambition? If Giuliani wishes to be “acceptable to all sides”, does not that run the risk of being seen as a bit “John Kerry-ish”?
This is supposed to be his strong suit. It is what he is supposed to be able to trump Romney on. If Romney manages to establish solid National Security bone fides, and Giuliani is seen as going even a little squishy on it, just what is left for Giuliani to claim superiority over Romney on?
As I said, a dangerous game.
January 14th, 2007 at 12:48 am
[...] Race 4 2008’s Rudyblogger has also touched on the possibility of Rudy emerging from the “McCain-Romney Murder/Suicide” in Iowa. [...]