Steve Schmidt, John McCain's campaign manager, was on talk radio this week talking amid considerable poll turbulence about the endgame they plan as time continues to tick away for the Republican come-from-behinder.

Schmidt was talking with Scott Hennen, one of the Midwest's top conservative regional radio hosts, and professed confidence while admitting trailing.

"The race is tightening through last week and this week," Schmidt said. "Were being badly outspent. Clearly