Blogging for the British newspaper the Telegraph, Toby Harnden lists ten reasons for John McCain to worry about the next two months. Although the lists could be longer, on the one hand, and shorter at the other (one does not necessarily have to agree with all reasons for concern Toby lists), the list is generally quite good and extensive.

The first reason Harnden gives is the unpopularity of George W. Bush. Sure, McCain does a good job distancing himself from the highly unpopular Republican president, but in the end, both men are and remain Republicans. The times are against Republicans, also against McCain.

This is a reason for concern McCain cannot do much about; he can only try to distance himself from Bush but it is true that no matter how much distance he creates between himself and the president, the two men will still represent one and the same party.

Another reason to worry, and that is something McCain did and does have influence on, is Sarah Palin, according to Harnden that is. Revelations of the pregnancy of her daughter, Palin’s connection to indited Senator Ted Stevens, and her membership of the Alaskan Independence Party may all prove problematic. The first issue is purely personal, but McCain’s opponents have already made it political. As for the other two; they can most certainly be considered political, and especially the second one deserves more scrutiny; which it will undoubtedly receive.

The third reason for McCain to worry he lists that stands out to me is the lack of enthusiasm among Republicans. As Harnden points out, Palin may create some enthusiasm in the coming weeks and months – she has already created quite some; notice the fact that McCain’s campaign raised $10 million in the four days after it became clear that Palin would be his running mate – but enthusiasm among Democrats in general and Barack Obama supporters specifically is greater.

In order to do something about the last concern, McCain has to run on a platform that energizes both the Republican base – or at least part of it – and moderate and independent voters. He has to come up with something that gives people the impression of being part of a movement. Energy, abortion, economy, states rights, foreign policy, are all important issues, but McCain has not, thus far, exploited them enough. He has to do what Obama has done with other issues, and with his candidacy in general; he has to convince people that his candidacy is about more than policies.

The reason for the above is that Americans seem to favor politicians who offer more, who stand for more. Being a dry 18th century politician does not suffice to win elections. McCain has, to a degree, become something he is not; a charismatic populist. If he cannot do this, winning will be difficult.

Luckily for him he has a running mate who should be able to energize the conservative base and create a movement for them. That would be useful, but in the end the movement should be about McCain, not Palin.