McCain's Potential Downfall: The War in Iraq or the Economy?

With the Democratic side of the presidential race dominating the media, many Americans have relatively limited knowledge of the policies and ideals of Republican candidate John McCain. Because of this, these Americans are quick to pigeonhole the Vietnam vet as the "Iraq War supporter," which is an accurate categorization, but one that perhaps requires further explanation. While McCain absolutely advocates the war, he has never been entirely on board with George Bush’s plan of action, a fact that either is unimportant to or unrecognized by many Americans.

On his campaign website, McCain’s opinion that the number of troops in Iraq has never been adequate is clearly stated. He spoke out in full support of General David Petraeus’s recent promotion to leader of U.S. Central Command and still argues for bolstering the number of troops in Iraq. Numbers of critics contend that McCain’s stance on the war should be his downfall as advocacy for the war among Americans continues to plummet. He, like George Bush, promotes the United States remaining in Iraq until we are victorious, a thought that concerns and angers many Americans.

However, others note that as focus in the media and the minds of voters is shifting from the war to the economy, his issues lie elsewhere. It appears as though McCain has not tried to hide the fact that he is “not an expert” on the economy. Because of his repeated statements indicating that he isn’t as knowledgeable as a presidential hopeful should be, even voters who support McCain have become concerned. As the economy has taken over the number one slot as the most important issue that voters are considering when voting this November, perhaps it is time for McCain to step up his game in that arena.