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COLUMNISTS
TODAY'S STORIES
13.05.2008
McCain's Nader Problem

Dana Milbank writes up Bob Barr's presidential campaign announcement today. Looks like the former impeachment manager and Georgia Rep. will seek the Libertarian Party nomination.

First Read speculates that it could turn Georgia into a battleground state. I guess that's the most likely place you'd see an impact. Though, depending on how much money and attention Barr receives, he could also hurt McCain among western libertarian types in Colorado and Nevada.

Update: Frank Foer pokes his head in my door with this deal-sweetening thought: Doesn't this bolster the case for picking former Georgia Senator Sam Nunn as a running mate? Nunn was already on a lot of short lists because of his national security bona fides and his southern, white man cred. Now, with Barr in the race, and an overwhelming black vote likely, Nunn conceivably brings a state along with him.

--Noam Scheiber

Posted: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 11:05 AM with 8 comment(s)

Comments

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liberal reformer said:

I doubt that Bob Barr will leave even a leaf scar on this election. So, people, what do you think Ron Paul is going to do?  He may not endorse McCain and may have developed such a taste for campaigning that he will carry it over into the general election and run as an independent. Now, that would be interesting.

May 13, 2008 11:30 AM

ackyri said:

Where's Ross Perot when you need him?

May 13, 2008 12:50 PM

marcellusw101 said:

Just for the record, I live in Georgia and people HATE Barr here. Even rock-ribbed conservatives. He was ridden out of office on a rail by one of the most conservative constituencies in the state. Paul doesn't get much traction here either. Too much of a nutter. FWIW...

May 13, 2008 1:17 PM

stgla said:

NH is already trending blue, but McCain is popular there.  A strong independent libertarian (even one with a drawl) could help put it in Obama's column.

May 13, 2008 1:45 PM

cspencef said:

I was wondering how long it would take for this to appear.  At least one source suggests that Barr might have to overcome Mike Gravel for the Libertarian nomination.  Now should somebody tempt Ron Paul to throw his hat into that particular ring, the LIbertarian convention could become must-see tv...

May 13, 2008 2:17 PM

rriley said:

Sam Nunn will be 70 years old on Election Day.  Major negative.

May 13, 2008 3:33 PM

liberal reformer said:

Rriley: By your logic, if 70 is a major negative in a veep candidate, then 72 would be a metamajor negative in a presidential candidate.

May 13, 2008 4:21 PM

AlanSP said:

The three GA polls this year have been remarkably consistent, all showing McCain beating Obama about 53-40.  www.pollster.com/08-GA-Pres-GE-MvO.php

Barr might lessen McCain's margin, but unless the state of the race changes in a pretty big way (and maybe it might), Barr wouldn't make nearly enough of a difference to swing the state to Obama.

May 13, 2008 4:41 PM