(CNN) - Sen. John McCain likes to say he enjoys being the underdog. After all, this is the relentless candidate who somehow managed to capture his party's nomination after the political world left him for dead in the summer of 2007.
But even as he spends the campaign homestretch reminding wary Republicans of his miraculous comeback last year, history suggests it may simply be too late.
Both publicly and privately of course, neither the candidates nor their aides are ready to say the race is over.
On Thursday morning, Sen. Barack Obama warned supporters not to get "cocky," while a few hours later McCain pledged to Pennsylvania voters he would erase Obama's lead by Election Day.
On Thursday, CNN's latest poll of polls showed McCain trailing Obama by 8 points nationwide - a mid-October deficit that only one presidential hopeful has overcome to win the White House in the last 50 years.
From CNN Politics
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THE BIGGEST MISTAKE MCCAIN MADE WS TO PICK PALIN. SHE IS A DISGRACE TO THIS COUNTRY AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.
MCCAIN AND PALIN HAS DRIVEN HATE INTO THIS CAMPAIGN WITH THEIR LIES.
McCain has never been the underdog. He is well known and has been around a long time. He shouldn't try to pretend that he is. We know that Obama has always been the underdog. He is less known and half black, obstacles that would tear down anyone but him. His perserverance and drive have put him where he is and he should be commended! Obama/Biden
It's hard to climb uphill when you can't raise your arms about your head.
Barring anything dramatic, narrowing the gap may be the best McCain can do at this point.
Please read "Make-Believe Maverick" in the latest issue of The Rolling Stone, full article also available online.
McCain have more daddy issues than George W...
the third time will not be the charm. stick a fork in it mccain, you're DONE
Sorry... wont help...I am voting Obama/Biden along with my husband next weeks early voting!! WOOHOO!!! Go Baby Go!!
McCain/Palin need to go back to their rich lives
Watch the Polls on Nov 4th and watch that gap widen even more
McCain is not as factor-
Sarah Palin is the engine-she draws the big crowds-60,000 in Orlando and 35,000 in Virginia last week–
She outdrew Obama by 13 million people in the TV debate-
She outdrew Biden 2:1 in his own home town of Scranton-
Check her out on SNL sat. as she brings them thier highest TV ratings ever-
Sarah Palin 12 & 16
It will be an Obama BIG victory!
Hey
I dont' care if you are a liberal or conservative.
ACORN is dirty and about 90% of us already know this. They are willing to destroy democracy, just so the person that they want to win gets extra votes. Hey we all have skeletons in our closet, and Obama has done many things for ACORN.
Why would real Americans let ACORN and money buy the White House. Yes, Obama has almost 1/2 billion dollars and is flooding the TV, newspapers, magazines, and computer games with false advertisements. We need to send a message to Obama that the White House is not for sale. Not today and not tomorrow. Obama, I don't care how much money you have to spend and lie about McCain and mcCain's record. It won't work. Not now.
No, it will not work. Not this time and not ever.
Obama, I've news for you America is not for sale.
by the way, I've seen the polls for McCain go up a little today. That is good news, but what took so long? Hopefully Obama's ascendency will go into the abyss of descent.
Obama wants to tax not only us good middle of the roaders, but now he wants to tax "Joe the Plumber." Now that is just not the American Way. You just don't tax "Joe the Plumber." You can tax my neighbor and the banker down the road, but you just don't tax "Joe the Plumber!"
I am amazed that Joe's plight is highlighted by no less than "His Eminence," himself. This Chicagoan, on an ego trip has tripped up "major league" by telling Joe he was going to raise Joe's taxes, so that he can give it to the Welfare Queens.
I am amazed. Why would you want to tax anyone during this financial crisis?
This Ticker article says Obama has an 8 point lead-the article directly above it says Obama's lead has dropped to 6 points -both referring to the CNN poll of polls-wake up CNN-
By the way the 6 point lead brings the Bradley effect into play
mccain does not have the energy for an uphill climb! he is looking older by the day and his temper will get him yet. sarah palin can't help our economy or direct us in the two wars we having going on and will disgrace us in public to other world leaders.
she has no substance only fluff and i can't stand to listen to either one. obama is very motivational and is the only one with intelligance to run this country. palin sorrounds herself with SNL camermen and mccain has to plant joe plumbers to boost their ratings. what will they have to do if for some god forsaken reason they get into the whitehouse? we will find ourselves wondering in the wilderness for the next four years!
President Palin, scary its it not.
I cannot stand McCain. I don't even know what to say. He makes me cringe. As a wife of a veteran, his voting record for vets is a darn shame. I am taking November 5th off to either spend the day crying if McCain wins, or resting knowing that our future will be a little brighter with a new direction with Obama.
Elizabeth in Texas-
And yet his campaign is doing robo calls regarding Ayers. Has anyone told him that the as he calls it "washed up terrorist" is not resignating with the voters this year. Can he get the message that the swiftboat has sprung a leak? He and Palin constructed the mountain that was a molehill.
Cnn stop spining game is over for Mccain. I like Mccain as a Senetor not president.
Sorry, but with with all due respect, McCain looked absolutely terrible (physically) during the debates. Would he be a good bet to even survive another four years? Should Americans be taking the chance on a President Palin? I hope McCain lives to be a hundred, but not as president for any of those years. We need change and not warmed-over Geo. Bush.
Would have been so easy for him to win the election,until he decided to select Sarah Palin as his running mate.
McCain should hand his head in shame from the robocalls made on behalf of both him and the RNC. These calls will cost him millions of votes. People do not want to hear the filith and Lies from the Republicans, nor do they want to hear the terroristic threat that the Republican party is making. Make sure you vote, vote , vote!
Senator McCain appeared on Letterman last night and told him he "screwed up" by missing an appearance on his show. If Senator McCain misses a meeting with a second rate leader of an other country, and that leader trashes him, is Senator McCain going to then meet with that leader and kiss his "back side" as well.
The people will make history and it is clear that history will be writen. It is cleat that the page will be turned on the republican administration for a new dawn in America.
A breeze of fresh air will blow on Washington in lest than 3 weeks.
Landslide Obama/Biden 08/12.
Uphill for him to just fall downhill again.
The Media wants this closer then it is. They will report a lot on McCain now to try and get this race closer. Its sad and CNN is falling for it.
McCains the Man! Obama's your mama.
I would hate to wake up on 11/5 with America going into the era of a McCain/Palin administration for 4yrs. It would be horrible!!! I suspect it would be worst than George Bush!!! The prospect of Palin being that close to leading this Country should make everyone no matter what your party affiliation to go vote for Obama!!!
The media organization will do what ever they can to make this a tight race so that, they can have something to talk about. I still don't think any Democrat should think this is a slam dunk cause it's not!! It's time for a change in America. So everyone needs to get out and VOTE!!!
PLEASE. you should stop lying to the people. you are bush2. and the vp pick is very sad. that is making your battle (i use war terms, that seems to be what you understand) that much harder. the woman knows NOTHING and you are very sad.
OBAMA/BIDEN 08
Please tell me, when does a white male presdential candidate running against a black male presidential candidate, become the under dog? Don't believe the hype!!!
You will be the under dog after Sunday's "Meet The Press" if General Colin Powell publically comes out and supports Obama!!
Check and Mate! But we still have to get out and cast our votes for Obama.
Obama/Biden 08
Uh yeah, the rich white liar is the underdog. Come on, this is America. No one is going to believe that.
William Timmons, the Washington lobbyist who John McCain has named to head his presidential transition team, aided an influence effort on behalf of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein to ease international sanctions against his regime. But everyone is up in arms over Ayers?
You clueless people supporting McCain are only hurting everyone in the country except the rich friends McCain and Bush have, and they probably laugh at you behind your back. You complain about Bush and yet McCain is staffed up with so many Bush people it's hard to count them.
Obama 08!
Watching all 3 debates, I ask myself: How in the world did John McCain get nominated?? He is a terrible speaker, does not have the right plan in place to make this a better country, and I would never vote for him. I here people talk about how well McCain did in the last debate and I almost fell out of my seat when I heard this. He did not do a good job and will not do a good job. He's all about negativity towards Obama and doesn't have a sure plan in place. "I'm sorry my friends, but this idiot will not cut it".
It's over and McCain is history. His biggest mistake was in picking boob Palin.
The Washington Post has just come out in support of Obama and cites McCain's appearance collapse and fragile health as some of the issues since they deem Palin totally incapable.
Two other polling web sites have Obama's electoral votes at 352 with him leading in all but one of the toss up states. McCain has regressed back to slander and lies and in the end will likely feel the wrath of the public for his poorly run campaign.
McCain should be facing an uphill battle. Personally, I don't know how this thing is as close as it is. McCain and Palin are finishing off driving the wedge between us that Bush started. I'm wondering if, after all the hatred they've stirred up, we will ever be able to heal. This has been a horror to watch. This is my country they're hurting.
I think Obama's warning is well-founded. It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings and McCain should not be under-estimated.
The polls are going to be like the stock market in these final days. However, I don't expect McCain to make much of any gains than what we are seeing in the CNN poll. McCains numbers will remain 8-6 points down from here out!
It completely angers me that we have turned into a society where paying our fair share of taxes has become such a political issue... especially when our country is crumbling down around our ears.
Pay your taxes folks.... be proud to pay your taxes....be proud to support our country!
He could hardly walk around the level area at the town hall last week. How the heck is he going to climb up hill? I guess Palin will carry him on her back.
McCain's only in this race because the press covers his antics as if they were news. He has repeatedly demonstrated himself to me a better clown than leader.
McCain won't make it even if he were carried by his republican lackies!
No wonder Palin is mad, she's having to push his grocery cart faster uphill...
Has anyone noticed that Joe the plumber has answered more questions from the press than Sarah Palin?
Yes, it is. And given how far behind McSame is in the polls, how can he claw himself out of this one?He uses the same old scare tactics that put him even more behind, so what does he expect?
19 more Days and Change will finally be coming to America.
Admit it and take your medicine and get over it and read the writing on the wall.
Obama/Biden 08/12
Whether it is "too late" for another McCain comeback isn't really the question. The question should be whether McCain SHOULD have another comeback. We know his policies are wrong for the country because we've seen the damage they've done under George Bush.
Does anyone seriously think that the only thing wrong with the last eight years is that we've allowed too many earmarks? Because that's the only difference John McCain has to offer.
The Bradley effect!
Beware of the Bradley effect combined with a host of dirty tricks which will make his election as stunning as the Red Sox come-back win last night.
no
Hopefully, yes!
Don't count Mcdaddy out he's came back from the dead before. I hope this time he stay dead but I'm not counting my chicken before they hatch.
It's not too late for him to come back a little, but remember many states are open for early voting and many of us have already voted Obama.
Time for a nap.
This race was over when he chose Sarah Palin. I don't know why everyone wastes their time talking about it every day. It's obvious that Obama will be our next president. The real news story should be 'How bad will Obama beat McCain' At this point McCain is just trying to prevent an Obama landslide.
John, I think you and the Caribou Barbie should plan on taking a long fishing trip after the election and you can use that time to explain to each other why you lost... Maybe you can invite Karl Rove to join you.
I can only hope it is too late for him to make a comeback. I'm sure John is a decent person, but he is just not the right one to lead this country into the future.
CNN.pls post this.
If you want peace and prosperity,Vote OBAMA:BIDEN
Obama is a zero. McCain has earned the presidency.
Obama is Reagan?? What a joke!!??
Hey Johhny, you're thru!
McCain really did "screwed up"...on more ways than one. I find it utterly disgusting how McCain and Palin are trying to paint Mr. Obama as a terrorist. I do not want this man to become President of the United States, he has no morals or convictions. I would not respect McCain as President of this great land. His tactics are offensive to me as a african-american woman and they will not be forgotten.
MCCAIN CAN'T COME BACK ANYMORE. BECAUSE HE IS BUSH . BUSH IS HE .
MCCAIN,
YOU ARE BUSH !! YOU ARE BUSH !! BUSH (111) ..........
Too late old Johnny boy! Time to pack up the bags.
OBAMA/BIDEN 08
The man is an idiot and creepy. hes the kind of person who if he shook my hand Id feel a need to disinfect myself after it.
I used to support McCain, but he has become too similar to Bush & Rove in his policies, tactics, and staff. There is no way I could vote for McCain now.
Obama/Biden '08
Yes We Can!
This is not the time and John McCain is not the man. If Americans are simple minded enough to vote for McCain, then Joe Six-Pack, Joe the Plumber, and all the other ill-informed Joes will get EXACTLY what they deserve.
Obama won't come clean about his involvement with ACORN. He was a volunteer for them, besides being their lawyer. He didn't tell the truth about Wright. Can Obama be trusted?
If McCain can pull off the negative campaign calling ads then maybe he has a chance. My view is that I don't like automated nothing calling me. I hang up when I don't hear a human voice. Sorry McCain I need a live body not a ghost one calling
I've got two words for Obama supporters: President McCain.
Everyone needs to get out and vote. These polls mean nothing. This is bigger than the two candidates this is a movement. This movement is choosing Barack Obama and Joe Biden. No more McCain
Mr.McCain brought to the public "Joe the plumber". Now we fine out that Joe is not what they say he is.No plumber ,does'nt pay taxes and does'nt have his degree for his job.We need to hear the truth.
I don’t think so
This race not over
I voted yesterday in Ohio and had to wait in line. Everyone there was there for Obama and taking pictures in front of the "Early Voting Here" sign. The excitement was contagious.
Obama/Biden 08"
If McCain will this election....Amercia doom
He is certainly known as the comeback kid in the past but he has disintegrated into a bitter, hateful divisive old man right before our eyes and the selection of the barracuda has shown the dangers in electing him. I will stick with the more qualified and better uniters thank you
In his 2002 biography, Worth the Fighting For, McCain says this about himself:
McCain: “I didn’t decide to run for president to start a national crusade for the political reforms I believed in or to run a campaign as if it were some grand act of patriotism. In truth, I wanted to be president because it had become my ambition to be president. . . . In truth, I’d had the ambition for a long time.”
WAKE UP PEOPLE.
OBAMA/BIDEN! 08/12
AP: Lobbyist Breaks Silence, Denies Affair With McCain
Lobbyist Vicki Iseman, who was the subject of an explosive New York Times story months ago, says she never had a relationship with John McCain.
CAN MCSAME FULLY DISCLOSE HIS TIES WITH LOBBYIST AND VICKI ISEMANN!!!
THERE IS MORE THAT MCSAME IS NOT TELLING – CALL THE JOHN MCSAME CAMPAIGN AT 202-863-8500!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is never over till the voting. Too many idiots voted twice for Bush to think Americans are smart!
Obama/Biden
the race will tighten but the polls mean absolutely nothing! GO VOTE!!! With all the factors and twist in this election, I'd say the margin of error is 6 points either way
OBAMA SUPPORTERS: This is not over! Tell your friends, tell your neighbors, tell your family. WE MUST VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE
McCain has reached the sunset of his run for presidency–a cranky senior citizen seething with resentment over how his glory days are lost in the long shadow cast by youth and change. It is a sad story: a proud and independent man permits a handful of advisers to take his hard-earned reputation and alter it to such an extent that the original is now hard to recognize, nearly invisible behind a curtain of cynical ads and the preposterous pronouncements of a woman whose candidacy is an insult to intelligence–and another election year comes to an end.
WHY NOW McCAIN HAS TO GO WITH PALIN TO ALL THE INTERVIEWS WHERE THEY EXPECT TOUGH QUESTIONS? AMERICANS, WE ARE BEING TREATED LIKE DUMBS, WHY? THINK AND THINK HARD, WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!
If McCain win this election....Amercia doom. The economy will go down and American will not be able to own a house.......Americans when u cast ur vote for Macant. go to home and buy yourself a tent as that will be your home for years to come.
At some point this needs to cease being seen as a "GAME" where a "COMEBACK" is possible.
McCain has been given enough shots at getting a coherent message and compelling plan together ... and he hasn't done it.
This flailling around speaks volumes about the competence of himself and any team he would put together. Our American business is too important for his gambling, TRY EVERY THING approach.
The President needs to be able to prioritize the best options and work down that list. We know from that question in the 2nd debate, when McCain was asked to prioritize programs for spending that he couldn't do it. He can't make a data-driven decision.
I suppose McCain could pull a rabbit out of his hat and win this thing but the American people would lose in the process because McCain can't sustain a lucky win streak for 4 or 8 years.
John McCain CANNOT win!
With our country heading toward a depression after 8 years of inadequate control over Wall Street and with the country pouring more money down the deep hole in Iraq–WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO CONTINUE WITH THESE SAME POLICIES?
No wonder the Nobel Economics Prize Winner just recently picked said the "Republicans are the party of the stupid!"
I don't know about you, but having viewed things as an independent, I'm voting for OBAMA/BIDEN!!
I do not want people to look at me in a year and say, "she is stupid–she voted for the repubs again! Eight years of misery taught her nothing!"
GO OBAMA/BIDEN 08
Given the state of Economy in this country, the age of McCain and Palin, if Obama has the traditional pigmentation of the US presidential candidate, then he will be ahead of the polls by at least 15 points.
The reality is that Obama needs to be at least 8 points ahead of McCain in the national polls to be beat Mccain other wise McCain will win. The Brady-Wilder effect is well and alive in those polls numbers. This is the reason why McCain campaign is still working very hard in Iowa, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire and Wisconsin spite of the polls showing Obama is ahead. Even McCain Camp recognizes it publicly when DeHaime said:” “Every state we are competing in, we feel there is a solid chance of winning… We see it much closer than what we’ve SEEN PUBLICLY”
Can John McCain make a comeback? Let's see. Picture Sara Palin
walking into the oval office to take charge of the this countries affairs,
both foreign and domestic and economic. Get the picture? I thought
so.
Please vote Democrat. (For your own good, not Palin's)