Mark Halperin's Final Campaign 2008 Report Cards

Grading the Players

John McCain

Robyn Beck / AFP / Getty
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His risky, reckless running-mate choice, instantly forgettable acceptance speech and uneven debate performances were all a prelude to an erratic, rudderless reaction to the economic crisis. He lost his bearings as often as he failed to drive a message, and presided over a campaign so disorganized and faction-filled that it might as well have been the effort of a Democrat. His warmly gracious, powerfully patriotic, earnestly bipartisan concession speech showed what might have been.

Grade: B-

See pictures of John McCain's family tree.

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