McCain-Palin to Stick Together on The Campaign Trail
Laura Meckler reports on the presidential race.
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Sarah Palin appears with John McCain during a campaign rally at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., on Tuesday. (AP)
The McCain campaign is so pleased with campaign events featuring John McCain and Sarah Palin that advisers plan to keep the running mates together more often through Election Day.
“The question is: how often will they be apart?” a senior adviser said when asked how often they will be together.
Traditionally, presidential campaigns split the two candidates up so they can cover more territory as each candidate generates local news coverage in the cities he or she visits. But together, the GOP ticket has generated tremendous excitement–fueled largely by Palin’s popularity. (The latest WSJ/NBC News poll shows how she’s helped the ticket.) A senior aide noted that McCain, who has never been viewed as a great speaker, is more energized and sharper on the stump with Palin with him. Thousands of cheering fans don’t hurt either.
Today’s rally in Fairfax, Va., attracted 23,000 people, the campaign said, citing a fire marshal estimate. That’s a new record. McCain’s events before Palin joined the ticket were considered large at 2,300 people.
There’s also some concern that without Palin, McCain’s crowds will dim. She breaks off from him this afternoon to return to Alaska for a few days. During that stretch, McCain has no rallies planned. |
