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McCain Adviser Won't Stay if Obama is Dem Nominee

In a surprising twist, Mark McKinnon - chief media adviser to Senator John McCain - told Michele Norris on All Things Considered that he won't stay with the McCain campaign if Sen. Barack Obama is the Democratic nominee.

Mark McKinnon with then Gov. Bush in 2000

In this photo from 2000, then Gov. George W. Bush (R) gets some direction from Mark McKinnon (L) during a dress rehearsal at the Republican National Convention.

STEPHEN JAFFE/AFP/Getty Images

McKinnon, who helped George W. Bush beat back McCain's challenge in 2000, said that McCain would have his support 100 percent if he is the GOP nnominee, but he would be uneasy about facing Obama in an election because of the use of the kind of attack tactics that inevitable come to the fore in a general election.

"I met Barack Obama, I read his book, I like him a great deal. I disagree with him on very fundamental issues. But I think, as I said, I think it would a great race for the country. I would simply be uncomfortable being in a campaign that would be inevitably attacking Barack Obama. I think it would be uncomfortable for me, and I think it would be bad for the McCain campaign."

McKinnon, who also said that the plan since last summer's nadir for McCain had always been to just "stay in the game," also talked about the challenges still facing the McCain camp, especially with conservative Republicans.

 

Comments (Send a comment)

Why are Republicans so supportive of Obama? It all seems very strange. From conservative news outlets to the competitions own advisors. Is it genuine or a political ploy?

Sent by Anna | 10:44 AM ET | 02-14-2008

Makes me think that he has been in some meetings already that have made his skin crawl. What kind of character assassinations do they have up their sleeves?

Fear vs Hope - who should win?

Sent by Joyce | 10:57 AM ET | 02-14-2008

I think this guy should stay. If the McCain campaign wants to take it to Obama for his lack of experience, lack of policies laid out and annunciated. Obama will be an easy target with substance vs character assassinations. At some point he's going to have move beyond his circular stump speech of "hope" to real substance, that's when McKinnon could do America a service and ensure Obama's policies are rooted out for a fair evaluation by the electorate.

Sent by Dan Mosqueda | 11:27 AM ET | 02-14-2008

I can't see the GOP throwing their support behind Obama in some sort of reverse-psychological ploy because they would rather face him than Hillary. All the indicators in opinion polls suggest McCain vs. Hillary would be better for the GOP. Perhaps there really is genuine admiration for Obama on the right side of the aisle.

Sent by Jared | 11:34 AM ET | 02-14-2008

But he has no problems attacking Clinton?

Sent by shel | 11:46 AM ET | 02-14-2008

Just remember what happened when Slick Willy went negative on Obama before South Carolina. It backfired in a major way. In fact, were it not for that huge blunder, Clinton might still be the front runner. McKinnon knows what he is up against if Obama is the nominee and wants no part of it. It also reinforces the fact that the GOP has been planning, hoping and gearing up for Hillary as their Nov opponent. Obama has thrown a wrench into their plans.

Sent by Theo | 11:56 AM ET | 02-14-2008

I admire this guy's decency and conscience. Unlike Clintons, it appeared they will do anything just win, even they can't win the real votes, they will push superdelegates and try to change rules on MI and FL, even they know, that may make most people lose faith for the democratic party, but they don't care.

Sent by Tracy | 12:00 PM ET | 02-14-2008

It is refreshing somewhat that there seems to be a paradigm shift from strict allegiance to any particular party and people looking across the isle to align with best interests and moral reform.

Sent by Chasda | 12:01 PM ET | 02-14-2008

This is stuff of legend, a McCain adviser and one of the top Republican strategists know it, perhaps Obama could become the President if he runs as an independent because it is clear that Obama is a movement for CHANGE that America badly needs. Get it Dems and do not toy with what you have.

Sent by Tizzy | 12:38 PM ET | 02-14-2008

Okay, let's stop the Obama 'love feast' can he do more than inspire us? Is that what we are looking for? What has Hillary done to any of you? And what is the meat on the bones of the issues? I am feed-up with the insane comments about personalities, what about qualifications and abilities? Isn't it clear that Hillary is the best candidate for our country. Think people, we have a huge mess on our plates. We need practical solutions thatpeople and start attacking problems! work for everybody. Like the gentleman who will not attack Obama, let's stop attacking

Sent by Twain | 12:47 PM ET | 02-14-2008

I was watching the MSNBC morning program yesterday morning. When one of the guest panelist a women mentioned that an email from one the Clinton campaign (Mr. Pen) stated that she Hillary nolonger wanted to go after the African American votes to get behind her, from this point on she will concentrate only whites and hispanics vote. This is a race card she is playing from this point on. I believe this is not the way to show potential supporters that she can bring people together and it also shows how devisive this is for the entire campaing. It is my opion that she be held accountable for this statement from her camp spokesman. She now must show what remaining black voters or supporters she has to remain by her side. I certainly would not support any candidate that allows anyone from their organizationto make such remarks and make them public. This a true mistake on her part. Thank you for letting me share my opion today.

Sent by David Clay | 12:56 PM ET | 02-14-2008

Obama is all style and no substance. His, "Yes, we can" over and over makes me wonder: Yes we can ...what? When do voters get to ask him questions? When do voters hear his proposed programs?What are the words between the chants?
Hillary has defined proposals, sharp policy statements and years of experience in foreign policy, health care and the economy. Its time for a professional woman in the White House -Sen. Clinton is ready and will be a great leader for America.

Sent by Donna Day | 1:02 PM ET | 02-14-2008

McKinnon should be fired. This election is not and should not be about anyone's race. It should be about who is best to lead this nation. Obama says nothing substantive and has precious little experience. If he was white Hillary would have left him in the dust. Too many people are afraid if they question his expereicne they'll sound racist. Hogwash. His record should be examined closely and often regardless of his skin color which we were all taught by Dr. King to beleive should be irrelevant. So let's look at the content of Obama's character and his voting record and what exactly he believes. McCain may not be that bad. At least we know what he stands for.

Sent by Daniel W. Roberts | 1:36 PM ET | 02-14-2008

I question Hillary's experience. She was the first lady for eight years. Not the president. Our current president did not serve on the national stage until he became President. George Bush's experience was the Gov. of Texas. I should also point out that Bill Clinton came to the national stage after being the Gov. of Arkansas. Barack Obama served six years in his state senate and has served in the US Senate. If you make the argument for national experience should you not only question the two Presidents that I mentioned. For those people who do not understand why prominant republicans and educated adults of all races repect Barack read the Audacity of Hope. In the book, which was written in 2006 he lays out a pretty good case as to why he should run this country. We all long for the days that Bill Clinton ran this country. Hillary is not Bill. In her own right, I do not know where she really stands. One day she tells me she stands for this and another day she stands for something else. Give me a break! I would rather go with someone who has "Stayed the Course" and remained consistent on ALL issues!

Sent by Sean Thompson | 2:19 PM ET | 02-14-2008

Who actually thinks any candidate is honorable or uncorrupted in the common senses of those qualities?

These are powerful people trying to get and maintain more power in the most powerful empire the world has ever known.

Don't trust any of them.

Sent by Jason Huntington | 2:21 PM ET | 02-14-2008

I see little difference between McCain and Bush. Both were jet jockeys, united in their support for the "War" and big business. Obama's call for "change" seems to be more fundamental than simply, "Mo' of the same". Both Hillary and McCain are "Mo' of the same," and I think the vast majority of We the People are fed up. McKinnon shows great insight when he choses to cut and run.

Sent by David Green | 2:46 PM ET | 02-14-2008

Some of the Senator Clinton's supporters don't understand the significance of Senator Obama's hope and change message. It isn't an empty slogan. In actuality his policies aren't really that different that Senator Clinton's and has laid them out in great detail. Just visit each of their websites for details or review the debates. The change he is talking about is the tone and retoric of the current political environment. How can you get your policies inacted if you can't engage and pursuade your opposition? You must be able to respect those who hold different opinions from yours. The next president won't have a super majority so they must be prepared to build coalitions and reject the devisive politics of the past. Senator Obama has proven with past work that this is just the kind of leader he is.

Sent by Catherine Cocanougher | 2:50 PM ET | 02-14-2008

Hillary's experience in what? Please could someone explain what kind of experience she has in running the country? All I know of her is that she was the first lady for eight years. Not the president.

Sent by Motomabe | 2:09 AM ET | 02-15-2008

She had legislative experience as well, for a few more years than Senator Obama, but I don't know how much more qualifying that is . . .

Sent by Jim L. | 5:54 PM ET | 02-16-2008

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