By Randy Evans – It is not even Labor Day and the 2008 Presidential race has already reached fever pitch. Interestingly, recent polls suggest that Senator John McCain may have fared a little better than anyone could have reasonably expected in these early skirmishes.

In a noticeable turn, the center of gravity in the Presidential race has changed and changed rather dramatically.

Heading into the General Election, Senator Barack Obama and Democrats had hoped the 2008 election would be a referendum on President George W. Bush with a core message of “CHANGE.” After all, no one doubts that an election centered on the Bush Administration would yield another big Democratic election year.

Buoyed by pre-election coronations by the media, and polls suggesting an Election Day blow-out, Senator Obama moved more recently toward a different kind of referendum election. With a world tour and a larger than life “Obama centric” message, Senator Obama seemed to be comfortable with a referendum election on Senator Barack Obama.

Senator McCain’s team, content with an Obama referendum election, immediately engaged on the topic of “Obama” with two different attack advertisements. First, the Republican nominee highlighted Senator Obama’s decision to pass on visiting troops in the hospital during his world tour. Then, there was the advertisement grouping Senator Obama with well known vapid celebrities Paris Hilton and Britney Spears.

Notably, the ensuing political firefight in the media centered on Senator Obama and not on “change” or George W. Bush. Since Senator McCain has no option now but to spend his campaign war chest before the Republican National Convention, Senator McCain got his bang for his buck. Every newscast and cable news program replayed the advertisements repeatedly.

So, the gap between Senator Obama and Senator McCain in national polls, and more importantly in key battleground states, narrowed and narrowed considerably. (For Senator McCain, just avoiding the fate of Senator Bob Dole in 1996 – i.e., left behind with no chance to catch up – has been a victory of sorts.)

But no one should kid themselves. Senator Obama’s campaign will be the most formidable in American history. Oprah Winfrey; Hillary Clinton; Bill Clinton; Senate Democrats, House Democrats, Hollywood stars; network television; professional athletes; musicians; and a ground operation the likes of which the United States has never seen will all combine in October 2008 with a single message of political correctness capable of stifling even the strongest dissent.

And, this is just the start. On top of these resources, Senator Obama has his two greatest assets. First, he is himself a formidable man. He is charismatic, eloquent, and smart.

Second, Senator Obama has virtually limitless resources available to communicate his message. His campaign fundraising machine can literally raise more money than he can spend.

Against these odds, Senator McCain will have to take some bold steps in order to have a meaningful chance in November – and bold means BOLD!

First, Senator McCain will never convince Americans that he is young or “hip” (using a word from a different time). After all, he would be the oldest person elected as President. Convincing Americans that he is the “future” is a near impossible task. On the other hand, he could genuinely argue that he is the bridge from the last generation to the next. It would require that he make clear his commitment to serve only one term. As a one term President, he could be the bridge from the past to the future.

Second, Americans love the opportunity to make history. Senator Obama offers that opportunity in a real and meaningful way as the first African-American President, if elected. Senator McCain can afford that opportunity as well. To do that, Senator McCain should select forty-four year old mother of five, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential running mate. She is a pro-life, reform minded, big game hunter who is telegenic, energetic, eloquent and smart. If selected as Senator McCain’s running mate, Governor Palin would take the issue of making history off the table. Americans would make history regardless of whether they voted Democrat or Republican.

Finally, Senator McCain must offer bold solutions to old problems and even bolder answers to the worries of the next generation. More of the same will only mean an almost certain Election Day defeat for the Republican nominee.

Candidly, absent these kinds of bold actions, it could be a long year for the Republicans.