Yes and no. McCain was the “maverick,” remember? That means he himself repudiated most of the Republican platform and principles. So he’s just thinking this is another affirmation of himself.
It’s not. It’s an affirmation of what were traditionally the GOP planks, which were revived by the Tea Party (with which he has NO connection).
McCain wants the old RINO party back again.
“So he’s just thinking this is another affirmation of himself”
Funny how everything’s always, or almost always, an affirmation of the person who notices them.