McCain building up support already

After winning the Republican nomination further in advance than the Democratic Party, John McCain is wasting no time building up his support already. But is this a good step since McCain doesn’t have the fundraising? Fox News reported that McCain “Has just $7.9 million cash on hand compared to $33.1 million for Hillary Clinton and $38.8 million for Barack Obama, according to Federal Election Commission filings through Feb. 29.” His contributing numbers are failing and with lack of opponent as of right now, why is he spending this money so quickly?

The spending by McCain is being done most recently on a series of television ads. The Washington Times reported that McCain’s first ad is very positive and allows a “reintroducing himself as a leader, tax-cutter and the man who spent years as a POW in the Vietnam War.” The chance to make himself look so positive ahead of time is a strategic method that could be negative in the long run but I think it is worth it in the end. Also, supporters gained from the ads could maybe provide extra funding to make the future ads bigger and better.

Just yesterday McCain released the first Spanish language general election television ad to be aired in New Mexico. CBS news reported that, “McCain ran Spanish language ads over the radio before January's Florida primary and won the Hispanic vote there.” This new strategy is important in recognition and reaching out to those who matter to the American vote and could significantly change the outcome of the election. This could be a smart move for him in winning over an important minority before their chance to make a choice.

CBS news also reported McCain, “Noted concern about the impression some may have that the Republican Party is anti-Hispanic. “We are the party we think, of the Hispanics. Small businesses, less regulation, lower taxes, pro-military and so we’ve got to re-emphasize that message.” McCain made a smart move in not only promoting himself but the Republican Party for future elections. His recognition of the importance of Hispanic residents realizing the Republican Party is something they would be interesting in could be a gift for the future.

             With the election coming up very quickly it is interesting to see McCain take a stand in the general election while both Clinton and Obama are still fighting for the nomination. It is important to get McCain’s message to the public, it is just a concern that his funding is so much lower than both Clinton and Obama. Hopefully with careful budgeting, he will arise to prove that this was in fact a smart move on his campaigns behalf. Without the incivility just yet, McCain looks like a strong candidate where confidence and patriotism are roles he seems to portray to his audience every time.

            The question for me is that does he want to keep this role as a positive person if when the Democratic candidate is nominated challenges him negatively. This could greatly change his image from positive and confidence to not defensive and easy to step on. Fundraising will be an issue for the future but for now, stating his purpose in the election is a good strategy to have. We’ll see if he cannot only keep up with his image, but with his opponent in the race for President 2008.