CHAPTER EIGHT
McCain's Continuing Challenge
His "straight talk" primary campaign worked in N.H. and turned things around. But can he win over the GOP's conservative base?
- Related Interviews
Lindsey Graham
McCain's friend and Senate ally, Graham (R-S.C.) talks about McCain's stance on Iraq and the campaign's turnaround.
Mark Salter
McCain's longtime counselor, speechwriter and co-author on the comeback and McCain's relationship with conservatives.
Orson Swindle
A fellow POW and supporter, Swindle explains why he advised McCain to shake up his campaign.
RELATED CONTENT FOR CHAPTER EIGHT
McCain's Core Values
A roundup of views from people interviewed for FRONTLINE's report.
A roundup of views from people interviewed for FRONTLINE's report.
Sen. McCain's Letter to President Bush on the Surge (PDF file)
McCain wrote the president privately in December 2006 advocating a change of strategy in Iraq.
McCain wrote the president privately in December 2006 advocating a change of strategy in Iraq.
The Wars of John McCain
The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg asks, "Is McCain's quest for victory [in Iraq] a reflection of an antiquated pre-Vietnam mind-set? Or of a commitment to principles we abandon at our peril?" (October 2008)
The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg asks, "Is McCain's quest for victory [in Iraq] a reflection of an antiquated pre-Vietnam mind-set? Or of a commitment to principles we abandon at our peril?" (October 2008)
The Republican Conservative Base
McCain and the GOP
A roundup of views from people interviewed for FRONTLINE's report.
A roundup of views from people interviewed for FRONTLINE's report.
Mr. Conservative
"John McCain hasn't betrayed conservatism; his party has," argues The Atlantic's Jonathan Rauch. (May 2008)
"John McCain hasn't betrayed conservatism; his party has," argues The Atlantic's Jonathan Rauch. (May 2008)
The Fall of Conservatism
The New Yorker's George Packer surveys the history of the conservative movement and where McCain fits. (May 26, 2008)
The New Yorker's George Packer surveys the history of the conservative movement and where McCain fits. (May 26, 2008)
McCain's Comeback
2008 Campaign -- How He Ran It
A roundup of views from people interviewed for FRONTLINE's report.
A roundup of views from people interviewed for FRONTLINE's report.
My Christmas Story
Watch McCain's "cross in the dirt" campaign commercial.
Watch McCain's "cross in the dirt" campaign commercial.
On the Bus
Following McCain's comeback in the primaries, The New Yorker's Ryan Lizza reported from the McCain's Straight Talk Express. (Feb. 25, 2008)
Following McCain's comeback in the primaries, The New Yorker's Ryan Lizza reported from the McCain's Straight Talk Express. (Feb. 25, 2008)
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