George Packer, on New Hampshire.
The only Republican who seems capable of holding things together a little longer is McCain. Just how good a candidate he is becomes clear as soon as he begins to speak and a group of protesters erupt in a chant: “People with AIDS are dying and you’re not even trying!” When they won’t stop, security men start to lead them out of the gym, but McCain invites them to come back and wait their turn to ask a question. “Frankly, that’s why we’re winning this election,” McCain says. “This is what democracy is all about ... One of the great traditions of a town-hall meeting is that we treat each other with respect.”
McCain encourages follow-ups, he addresses the questioner in a direct and personal way, he seems to relish what he calls “open and honest disagreement” and emphasizes that he will sometimes tell people what they don’t want to hear. But he doesn’t give an inch.
Back from the dead, he’s now talked about in New Hampshire as the likeliest Republican nominee. He’s also the only one with a good chance of winning in November.
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After today, the campaign will be all about TV.
