Senator Lindsey Graham is placing his presidential hopes on a strong showing in New Hampshire, but he has a problem: He’s currently tied for tenth in the state, according to RealClearPolitics’ polling average. To restore his flagging fortunes, Graham is taking a page out of John McCain’s 2000 playbook by planning a blitz of 100 town hall meetings in the Granite State:
“I was with John McCain when he was fifth in a four-person race. He did 100 town hall meetings in New Hampshire. I’m going to try to duplicate that,” Graham told CNN’s Chris Cuomo on “New Day.” “I think I’m the best person to be commander-in-chief. And I thank God for Iowa and New Hampshire, because it gives a person like me a chance.”
It’s an interesting idea, and the same strategy did help McCain come from behind to win the state 15 years ago. That said, I still have doubts about the Senator’s staying power in 2016. Town halls might give Graham some much needed attention from Republican voters, but he would still need to develop a compelling economic and social message to appeal to conservatives if he wants to capture the nomination.
Nick Arnold is a researcher for American Principles In Action.
