The Trail

A MOUTHFUL FOR MCCAIN

Like Paul, Paul -- Paul Revere

LAS VEGAS -- John McCain on Wednesday gave a name to the grab bag

of energy proposals he has unveiled in the past week: the Lexington Project, named, he said, for one of the Massachusetts towns where Americans asserted their independence from Britain.

The Republican's speech at the University of Nevada offered little new in the way of policy. He promised to begin construction of 45 nuclear plants, offered tax credits to people who buy energy-efficient cars and pledged $300 million to whoever invents the next-generation electric car battery.

The speech also offered another glimpse of McCain's rhetorical struggles. When it came to naming his policy, he tripped over it.

"In recent days," he said, "I have set before the American people an energy plan, the Lexington -- the Lexington Project, Lexington Project. Remember that name."

The line fell flat, prompting no applause from the audience of about 200 people.

Republicans outside McCain's campaign have expressed frustration with McCain's speechmaking ability, especially the night Barack Obama clinched the Democratic nomination. Aides have acknowledged the problems of that night but haven't stopped scheduling speeches for McCain.

-- Michael D. Shear

A WIDENING GAP