They've been so conditioned by the media, which McCain loves, that they can't understand WHY the lefty media love him so--because he's a pain in the butt to Bush.
I think the left will idolize McCain during the republican primaries, and if he makes it as the presidential; candidate they will demonize him when he runs against their guy. Unfortuneately, he has given them plenty of ammunition to use against him. I hope that he backs out of the race before the primaries.
Last time he ran he slung tremendous mud against Bush, divided the party and weakened Bush for the election against Gore.