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April 18, 2008

McCain aides describe general election strategy

Posted: April 18th, 2008 11:30 AM ET

McCain aids describe their general election strategy

(CNN) - As the Democratic primary battle stretches long into spring, John McCain’s campaign said Friday it has already set up its general election structure.

The staff has grown from 100 to 150, the polling team has been set up, and a new speechwriter has been hired, campaign manager Rick Davis told reporters in a briefing that included top McCain advisers. The size of the campaign’s media operation has also tripled.

The presumptive nominee now also has a "Victory Chair" in every state in charge of local fundraising. The goal: to convince supporters to contribute as much as $70,000 to his White House run through donations to his campaign, to the national party and to special committees set up to help get out the vote efforts in a handful of key swing states.

McCain’s campaign, which has been outpaced in the fundraising race by both his Democratic opponents, raised $15 million in March and has $10 million in the bank. This week, it reached the 200,000-donor mark.

Davis said new regional campaign managers had joined the staff, and that different plans had been crafted to deal with Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton candidacies.

“We have no preference” between the two, said senior strategist Charlie Black. “I'm not sure that one is easier than the other.”

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • John McCain

14 Comments | Permalink


kathy		April 18th, 2008 4:37 pm ET I have always voted dem. and i am a strong hillary supporter. But McCain will be my 2nd choice. This has nothing to due with not uniting the democratic party actually i could care less. Obama would never be an option for me. At least i dont have to worry about Obamas new world order . I encourage others that feel the same as I , not to just to get mad and not vote, vote McCain and cancel out an Obama vote. That is what my family has decided to do.

joaquin		April 18th, 2008 4:32 pm ET Well, only rich people donates to McCain because they now that if McCain wins just like during this 8 years with Bush, they will get richer. obama 08 !!

Stacy Clarks, TX		April 18th, 2008 4:29 pm ET BRING IT ON MCBUSH!!! OBAMA TO THE WHITE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Farrell, Houston, Tx		April 18th, 2008 4:26 pm ET I'd want to see John McCain's medical records before I'd contribute anything. Plus any financial advisor ask a 71 year old if he has anyone younger to invest in, he's too old.

Andy Dunwoody		April 18th, 2008 4:26 pm ET WHERE IS MC CAIN'S -- LAPEL PEN????? Ah Ha look at the picture sure we start the witch hunt now? We will burn him at 10.

Martha from Ohio		April 18th, 2008 4:22 pm ET Why does John McCain has to go through this> Forgive him Father for he knows not what he is doing.

Now for Obama		April 18th, 2008 4:21 pm ET You have the nerve to call Obama dishonest but you promised to release you Medical Records on April 15th. Guess what....Today is the 18th and we still haven't seen them. YOU ARE THE TRUE LIAR! Obama all the way!!!

AZM		April 18th, 2008 4:17 pm ET HP Boston... You should run for office... That is one of the most honest and correct statements I've seen on this board... but who am I kidding... that would make you a terrible politician! LOL

AZM		April 18th, 2008 4:11 pm ET The stategy should be to prepare yourself for the endless mud slinging you will recieve from Obama... or Hillary (which I doubt). Both have become experts in the field of how low can you go politics... I guess that's the "Change and Unity" campaign they've been preaching...

HP Boston		April 18th, 2008 4:09 pm ET No sweat John, the Dem's have already knocked off Hillary. Obama is a piece of cake, he is easy to rattle in a debate. I would say he will never debate anyone again, he is so afraid. Hillary cleaned his clock with an hour left over!

April in Texas		April 18th, 2008 4:06 pm ET So by your own statement... “We have no preference” between the two, said senior strategist Charlie Black. “I'm not sure that one is easier than the other.” I take that as its going to be really hard to get a republican who's alot like Bush into the Whitehouse.. Thanks for confirming that its time the democrats take over and fix the messes that the replublicans have created... Obama 08

Obama is a GODSEND		April 18th, 2008 4:04 pm ET No Country for Old men (that's you McBush)

Obama for President		April 18th, 2008 4:03 pm ET NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN!

Veterans for Obama		April 18th, 2008 4:03 pm ET Strategy: 1. Keep Grandpa awake 2. Keep Grandpa out of the sun 3. Keep grandpa away from minorities
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