McCain beat W. in 2000 because it was an open primary and a lot of Independents voted in the Republican primary for McCain (we also have same-day voter registration). That was his high watermark. On the Democrat side, Bradley had basically flamed out and Gore was already the assumed nominee, so that race drew far fewer independent voters.
McCain beat W. in 2000 because it was an open primary and a lot of Independents voted in the Republican primary for McCain
By the looks of this election NH is more "moderate" and "independent" than they were in 2000.