Sen. John McCain talks to the press following a political rally in Peterborough, January 5, 2008. (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)
by Jill Zuckman
Peterborough, N.H. – It was déja vu all over again for Sen. John McCain today.
At his 100th town hall meeting this year, McCain returned to the Peterborough town hall, greeted by an over-capacity crowd similar to the one that was there eight years ago. This time, more than 200 people stood outside, unable to breach the masses standing in the doorways and along the walls.
“This is very nostalgic for us,” McCain said afterwards, as red, white and blue confetti and streamers rained down.
Feeling confident just three days before the New Hampshire primary, McCain stuck to his usual approach, talking about Iraq, Islamic extremism and every other possible topic depending upon the whims of the voters who came to question him.
Asked what he needs to do to close the deal with voters, McCain said he planned no changes to his steady diet of town hall meetings.
“I think keep doing what we’re doing,” he said.
Asked whether he would talk more about his chief rival, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, McCain said he would stick to themes of honesty, integrity, trust and confidence, and the willingness to do the hard things.
“I’m not running against Romney,” McCain said. “I’m running for the presidency.”