When McCain and Palin campaigned together in the days immediately following the Republican convention, the duo regularly drew more than 10,000 people to their rallies (even allowing for some crowd inflation by the campaign).
But Monday, McCain could have been forgiven for feeling a little abandoned.
He was accompanied by Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and Republican Sen. Mel Martinez, as well as several other current and former politicians, including Jack Kemp, Bob Dole’s 1996 VP running mate on the GOP ticket that Bill Clinton crushed. Not even a lot of lipstick would perk up these attractions.
So no more than 3,500 supporters filled a few sections of the cavernous, dark arena for the Jacksonville rally. Not good at all for the pictures.
And as McCain entered with his wife, Cindy, the crowd was in the midst of chanting responsively “Sarah” and “Palin.” She was far away in Colorado and probably couldn't hear.
McCain is scheduled to be reunited again with his running mate Tuesday in Ohio.
Can't come too soon for the McCain crowd-counters.
-- Noam Levey