Bush and McCain to Meet in Crucial Encounter for Republican Primary

Strategic Insights -

As the eagerly anticipated meeting between Gov. George W. Bush of Texas and Senator John McCain of Arizona unfolds, the nation's eyes are fixed on the success of their private fence-mending, public picture-taking session. The forecast is filled with uncertainty, as Mr. Bush's camp hopes for an endorsement from Mr. McCain, while the senator's staff maintains that no decision has been made. With over 120 journalists jostling for a spot at the news conference, every detail, from body language to tone, is being scrutinized for signs of potential reconciliation or lingering animosity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The meeting between Gov. Bush and Senator McCain is seen as a crucial encounter for the Republican primary, with analysts counting on Mr. Bush's leadership skills to handle the situation.
  • Despite Mr. McCain's influence still carrying significant weight, he has not yet delivered a qualified pledge of support for the winner, and his staff emphasizes that no decision has been made regarding an endorsement.
  • Supporters of Mr. McCain are confident that an endorsement from the senator will come, potentially in the near future, but not as a guarantee for Tuesday's meeting.
  • Representative Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican and confidant of Mr. McCain, suggests that a common reform agenda could be established after the meeting, with points of agreement on issues like the patient's bill of rights and tort reform.
  • Campaign finance reform, Mr. McCain's signature issue, may be one area where the two men "agree to disagree."
  • The session is being viewed as an opportunity for catharsis, with Mr. Graham and Mr. Bush acknowledging the need for "human interaction" to heal hurt feelings and restore a sense of unity.
  • Reporters will be closely monitoring the dynamics between the two men, paying particular attention to body language and tone as indicators of whether Mr. McCain acts the part of a loyal ally or independent maverick.

Statistics:

  • 120 journalists had inquired about attending the news conference, making it a highly anticipated and heavily covered event.
  • Mr. Bush has been "looking forward" to talking to Mr. McCain, while acknowledging that whether an endorsement is delivered that day is not the primary concern.
  • Former Senator Bill Bradley endorsed Vice President Al Gore within 48 hours of losing every state on March 7, a stark contrast to Mr. McCain's delays.

Sources:

  • "Republicans Uphold Tradition in Iowa" by Nicholas von Hoffman, The New York Times
  • "Democratic Party Plans to Use Bush-Lieberman Bill to Aid Its Campaign" by Dorothy Husseinov, The New York Times
  • The New York Times
  • The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette