McCain Campaign Starts to Unravel

Washington, DC (TLS). All of Washington is abuzz this afternoon with the announcement of some key resignations within the John McCain campaign that could well spell the end of his bid for the Presidency.

McCain's chief political strategist and his campaign manager both announced their resignations today in a major shakeup that most insiders say bodes ill for the candidate.

The two key staff members have been McCain loyalists from the start.

One top Republican operative stated that the departure of the two key players in McCain's inner circle is earth-shattering news that could have ominous ramifications down the road for the candidate.

Stating that major shakeups such as these rarely turn out well, the operative said that it would be very easy at this point for the entire campaign to unravel. McCain's cash woes certainly play into this assessment, but without the energy, drive, and strategy offered by the two staffers who are now gone, the McCain campaign finds itself at a turning point.

Can McCain carry on without two of his most trusted and loyal operatives?

One Beltway strategist answers that question with a resounding 'no.' McCain has already suffered from his support of the disastrous immigration reform bill. And, despite the fact that the candidate is a certified war hero--a Viet Nam Vet who underwent the most gruelling and torturous experiences of being a prisoner of war--his unswerving support of the Iraq War has not won him any votes.

As Americans, unfortunately, turn their backs on the War on Terror and its tributary in Iraq, they increasingly view with suspicion politicians such as McCain who support the President's strategy almost without question.

In addition, the Senator's record on gun rights and taxes has certainly not won him any support with the Republican base.

And the worst news of all for McCain is that he has now fallen to fourth place in available campaign cash as rival Ron Paul has surged ahead into third place.

The real energy within the Republican field of candidates revolves around Fred Thompson and Ron Paul. Most politicos are increasingly regarding the McCain campaign as a lackluster attempt to recapture the energy surrounding his campaign in 2000.

That energy and momentum is simply gone this time around.

As one Republican operative stated today, 'Now that his top lieutenants are gone, look for more to leave. And look for the money to start drying up as well.'