A Nasty Chill Sets in: Bush and McCain's Bipartisan Bromance Turns Sour

Strategic Insights -

Tensions are running high between Governor George W. Bush and Senator John McCain, as their once-friendly rivalry for the Republican presidential nomination has turned into a bitter and personal feud. With Mr. McCain having emerged as a real threat to Mr. Bush's claim to the nomination, the air between the two men has grown cold, and the negative campaigning has reached new heights.

Key Takeaways:

  • The tone of the Republican primary has turned increasingly negative, with both campaigns unleashing a barrage of negative ads and personal attacks on each other.
  • Mr. Bush has accused Mr. McCain of being a hypocrite and a liar, while Mr. McCain has accused Mr. Bush of being desperate and twisting the truth like President Clinton.
  • The campaigns have resorted to using personal attacks and insinuations, with the McCain campaign accusing the Bush campaign of conducting "push polls" with loaded questions.
  • The feud has reached new heights, with both campaigns engaging in a war of words and negative advertising.
  • Former Education Secretary William J. Bennett has expressed concerns about the tone of the campaign, warning that it could damage the Republican Party's chances in the general election.
  • A recent poll in South Carolina has shown that both Mr. Bush and Mr. McCain have high favorable ratings among voters in the state, making it a crucial battleground in the primary.

Statistics:

  • A recent poll in South Carolina has shown that 62% of voters have a favorable opinion of Mr. Bush, while 55% have a favorable opinion of Mr. McCain.
  • The South Carolina primary is now considered a crucial battleground, with both campaigns pouring resources into the state in an effort to win.
  • The campaigns have spent over $10 million on negative ads in South Carolina, with both sides accusing the other of running the dirtiest ads.

Sources:

*"The New York Times," February 14, 2000.

  • Scott Reed, quoted in "The New York Times," February 14, 2000.
  • William J. Bennett, quoted in "The New York Times," February 14, 2000.
  • Rick Davis, quoted in "The New York Times," February 14, 2000.
  • Karen P. Hughes, quoted in "The New York Times," February 14, 2000.
  • Karl Rove, quoted in "The New York Times," February 14, 2000.