[dmz]

Are you now, e-s, speaking for meadsjn? Please share, then, what was the proper way to construe the following words:

McCain’s numbers were dropping like a rock in late 2009, so he asked Palin to help him out, in return for him becoming more conservative so he wouldn’t be such an embarassment to Republicans everywhere.

As written, it is clear that McCain requested something of Palin (her being his veep), with her specifying the condition that he become more conservative. I know of no other way to read 'in return for'.

[editor-surveyor]

I just didn’t read in the part about Palin specifying anything. His statement implied that McSwine did some begging, but didn’t indicate that palin had to put a particular price on it. It looked more like he knew what his own problem was. (as well he should!)

[meadsjn]

If you had watched the videos of Palin's appearance with McCain and his wife from Friday, you should have any further questions about whatever was speculated last week.

If you did watch the videos of the Friday campaign appearance, and you still think McCain has some influence over Palin, then nothing I can tell you will change that very wrong perception.

In my not so humble opinion, it appeared to me that Juan and Cindy now know that they have very little influence among Republicans, and even less among conservatives and independents.