WNYC's Bob Hennelly says the campaign stop is a preview of the presumptive Republican nominee's unconventional fall strategy.

Today, as Sen. John McCain tours the Liberty Science Center, he'll be flanked by Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman - now an independent - and former Governor Tom Kean. Kean served as chairman of the 9/11 Commission and was constantly at odds with the Bush White House, assigning it "F's" for 9/11 follow through.

New Jersey may be blue but by the numbers, independents outnumber both Republicans and Democrats combined. A Republican has not carried the state in decades. Yet, McCain strategists think here the very things that got him in hot water with conservatives, like his leadership on campaign finance reform, will make him attractive to Jersey independents and disaffected Democrats.

Also, Jersey McCain boosters think the senator's stand on global warming shades him just green enough for a state allergic to off-shore drilling.

For WNYC, I'm Bob Hennelly.