John McCain: 'ABBA fan'

by Mark Silva

"John McCain is a huge ABBA fan.''

That's what we're learning today at the candidate's new campaign blog, The McCain Report.

Of course, the Abba anthem displayed there, Take a Chance on Me, provides the perfect soundtrack for the headline on the blog: "Take a Chance on McCain.'' (This the song that the McCain camp played at rallies in South Carolina and Florida as he was closing in on the GOP nomination.)

And this blog-entry is directed at a very specific audience on this day that Hillary Clinton finally bows to Barack Obama, the Democrats' candidate : "Attention disaffected Hillary supporters, John McCain is a huge ABBA fan. Seriously.''

With this report just in Friday from AZCentral.com:

"Sure, you may know where Sen. John McCain stands on such issues as health care and abortion. But on Friday morning, he took a bold stand on one of the most controversial issues of the day.

"The man loves ABBA.

"The intriguing - some might say disturbing - revelation occurred during the Johnjay and Rich show at 104.7 FM (KZZP). The presidential candidate called in at 6 a.m. as part of the duo's Who Do You Know contest, in which famous people phone in and stump for everyday folks to win a car. "He said that a lot of people won't admit that they love ABBA, but he would," radio jock Rich Berra says. "Then he asked us if it was old-fashioned to like ABBA, and we said that it wasn't old-fashioned at all.''

Of course, McCain is keeping up with the Obamas in the addition of a new campaign blog to the campaign Web-site. The Obamablog offers testimonials from supporters displayed on a first-name basis, such as this one from "Phil from New York'' following the senator's clinching of the Democratic Party's presidential nomination this week:

"Ever since I woke up this morning, I've been in a giddy mood, trying hard not to beam wide until we reached that magic number. I cannot even imagine the emotion of it all. Just pure elation, shared by millions in this country and millions more around the world who want so much for Barack Obama to be president. Yes, there's still five hard months to go, and the GOP attack machine will throw everything imaginable for us. But NOTHING can stand in the way of millions of people thirsty for change. We are the ones we've been waiting for... YES WE CAN!! ''

Now, McCain already has adapted the theme of the Obama campaign, "Change We Can Believe In,'' to suit his message about the experience he offers: "A Leader We Can Believe In.''

(McCain 72 on Election Day, Obama 47).

So in the interest of hip, the synchronicity of the Web campaign brings us The McCain Report. It "will provide voters across the country a unique vehicle to keep in touch with the campaign,'' spokesman Tucker Bounds explains. "As a part of our continual effort to reach voters, allow unprecedented access and bring greater transparency to American politics, our blog... will provide a sounding board for all.''

Including ABBA.