John McCain has been put where he is by moderates, independents and cross overs. He cannot carry a plurality, much less a majority, of primary voters who self identify in exit polls as Republicans, to say nothing of “Conservative Republicans”.
These problems McCain has with the conservative voter - fatal though they are - pale in comparison to his other problems, such as age, ethics, and mental stability, which will be brought into focus by his current buddies in the MSM as soon as he is nominated. Or do you think the NY Slimes endorsed him because they think he has the best chance to win in November?
McCain, Ron Paul and I all have something in common — Zero probability of being elected President.
He was one percentage point shy of carrying the plurality in SC. In a general election, GOP voters who did not support him would have a choice of wasting their vote, essentially electing Hillary, or picking the lesser of evils. I realize some would refuse to vote for him, but a lot are not that stubborn.
He has a lot better chance of being elected than Romney or Huck. Which is a big part of why he is doing so well in the primary. His poll numbers against Hillary are impressive, even in some blue states, where he is currently ahead of her.