In an electorate of around 130 million people, why would anyone expect to find a candidate that agrees with all their personal positions? A candidate has to straddle enough issues to win over 60 million votes. Any one of us should feel lucky to find a candidate who agrees with 50% of our positions.
McCain doesn't have what it takes to do any better. A REAL choice (Hunter, Thompson, Paul, Huckabee) would have provided a sharper contrast to the Dems candidate and possibly stirred the base more.
You don't ignore 30% of your likely voters hoping you can pander to the Left far enough to make up the votes.