New York: Encouraged by the fact that Democrats have so far been unable to do any harm to him, Republican presidential hopeful John McCain plans to woo voters of the constituencies, which the party had traditionally ignored.

Analysts and pollsters agree that so far Democrats have failed in their effort to project McCain's presidency as "Bush's third term" and thus continuation of economic woes and unpopular policies.

That was the theme that Democrats started with but they could not keep the heat on because of the continuing fight between party's two hopefuls for presidential nomination Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

The Democratic infighting, analysts say, is giving time to McCain to consolidate his position and woo the sections of voters, which his predecessors have had little time.

In an interview telecast by Fox News yesterday, McCain said he would go after votes of blacks and Hispanics as also independent and young voters who analysts consider to be traditionally Democratic constituencies.

"I am not sure that the old red state, blue state scenario that prevailed for last several elections works," he said. He was referring to the fact that televisions networks show in red the Republican States and in blue the Democratic ones.

"I think most of these states that we have either red or blue are going to be up for grabs," he said, promising a tough fight to Democrats in California which was once a Republic State but now is considered Democratic stronghold.

Analysts said the strategy could help him if he is unable to win a part of conservative votes because of his policies or choice of the running mate.
Source : PTI