Nov. 5 (Bloomberg) — On Sept. 15, John McCain shared with a Miami audience his sense of foreboding at the unraveling of the U.S. financial system, warning that the nation was facing “a strong headwind.”
What the Republican nominee didn’t realize was that a headwind was also gathering for his presidential ambitions that would ensure his defeat by Democrat Barack Obama, 47.
McCain’s campaign was derailed by the most hostile environment his party has faced in decades, with voters blaming Republicans for the meltdown of the markets, a looming recession and the burden of two wars. His troubles were compounded by his struggle to show leadership during the financial crisis, as well as the compromises he made to secure the nomination, which sullied his “maverick” image.
“It may have turned out that no Republican could have won,” said media consultant Mark McKinnon, an unpaid adviser to the campaign.
McCain, speaking to a crowd of supporters in Phoenix after his defeat, said: “It is natural to feel some disappointment tonight. Though we fell short, the failure is mine, not yours.”
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