McCain's Manager Has It Backwards

In remarks to some reporters, McCain's manager Rick Davis said:

"We've got to get the Republican Party excited about his candidacy," Davis said of McCain. "I think that’s one of the things that is probably more important for us to do than contrast with any of the Democrats. We have to show them that there’s a chance to succeed."

As I have previously argued, I think Davis has that exactly backwards. McCain should be drawing clear contrasts with Obama, and begin painting him as the left-winger he is. It is an article of faith among conservatives -- and it also happens to be true -- that when the GOP candidate runs an ideological campaign, touts unifying conservative ideas, and defines the Dem as a liberal, we win.

McCain will generate much more optimism and excitement among conservatives and the broader GOP coalition by clearly signaling that this will be his general election strategy. Show us right-wingers how he can win by taking on Obama/Hillary, and at least some of us will begin to get excited about his chances of beating the long odds in November.