Even though the Democratic primary is still chugging along, today the AFL-CIO is Even though the Democratic primary is still chugging along, today the AFL-CIO is set to announce a $53 million campaign to elect a Democrat -- no matter which Democrat that happens to be. "McCain Revealed," as they're calling the campaign, will highlight John McCain's anti-working class policies and his support for the economic policies of George W. Bush. It will also include campaigns targeted to member unions on issues like education, and will do direct outreach through mailings and visits. The $53 million is a record for the AFL-CIO, and their anti-McCain message is likely to reach 13 million union members and their families -- tapping into more voters than any group but the campaigns themselves and the national committees. Since the AFL-CIO didn't endorse in the primary, they can put all their efforts behind this campaign.
The indefinite nature of the Democratic primary, in addition to being tedious and nerve wracking, means that McCain gets to sally forth to the nation as the official Republican candidate and start pushing his general election message. Meanwhile, the Democrats are still busy berating each other, which as the campaign drags on gets more worrisome for the general.
--Kate Sheppard
