The GOP Candidate in What's Supposed to Be a 'Democratic Year'

Making News

A Light at the End of the Dark Economic Tunnel? ()

In St. Louis today, President Bush once again addressed the economy, contending that there is hope ahead. Sure enough, today's labor news was better than expected.  Last months, only 20,000 jobs were lost, as compared to the predicted 100,000.  James Politi is US economics and trade correspondent for London's Financial Times.

Guests:

• James Politi: US Economics and Trade Correspondent, Financial Times

Main Topic

The GOP Candidate in What's Supposed to Be a 'Democratic Year' ()

George Bush has a disapproval rating of 69%, the worst presidential rating in the history of the Gallup Poll.  The Wall Street Journal/NBC survey shows that just 27% of voters like the Republican Party. But it also indicates that the Republicans' presumptive presidential nominee, John McCain, who promises more of the same, runs nearly even against Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.  Are the political media giving McCain a free ride?  Is he really the "maverick" he's made out to be? We hear about tax cuts, the economy and what he means by "victory" in Iraq. Once the Democrats resolve their nomination fight, will the campaign focus on issues, or will it all be about personality and image?

Guests:

• Jackie Calmes: Chief Political Reporter, Wall Street Journal, @calmesnyt
• Dana Milbank: National Political Reporter, Washington Post, @Milbank
• Cliff Schecter: author, 'The Real McCain', @cliffschecter
• Harlan Ullman: Senior Associate, Center for Strategic and International Studies
• David Winston: Republican pollster and strategist, @dhwinston

Links:

• Schecter's 'The Real McCain'
• Harlan's 'Unfinished Business' (with a foreward by John McCain)
• Washington Post article on McCain's temperament
• Calmes' article on support for Bush, presidential candidates
• Milbank's article on 'the liberal media'
• Winston's article on McCain's position against his Democratic opponent

Reporter's Notebook

Horse Racing's Hapsburgs Run for the Roses ()

Native Dancer failed to win the Kentucky Derby in 1953, but his bloodline is now found in 75% of all thoroughbred horses. The last 13 Kentucky Derby winners were his descendents, and in tomorrow's race all 20 of the entrants are related to him.  But there's a tragic flaw in the gene pool. That raises some disturbing questions, according to Jon Weinbach of the Wall Street Journal.

Guests:

• Jon Weinbach: Sports-business Reporter, Wall Street Journal