Here's an interesting thought question for everyone - what if McCain, seeing he isn't getting anywhere in the GOP primary, decided to make an independent bid, like Ross Perot did in 1992? Any thoughts?
Actually, the better analogy would be Buchanan in 2000, and likely with similar results.
Call it the Gang of 14 Party?
The problem is, centrists are not a majority by themselves. A centrist movement worked in a closely-divided Senate, but it won't accomplish much in a presidential election. It sure could be a spoiler, however.
If you've seen any of his appearances in Iraq over the last few days, you see a man who looks like he's aged ten years in the last six months -- and who knows damn well that he tossed away all of his presidential aspirations by going so far out on a limb to be a "hawk" for a war in Iraq that ain't going so well.
To be honest with you, I don't think he was ever a serious presidential candidate. He's a mediocrity who was built up as a so-called "straight-talk maverick" only because he wasn't George W. Bush.
McCain could be a real spoiler for the Republicans (regardless of the nominee) if he ran as a third-party candidate. However, I don't think that he has the personal financial wealth to self-finance and none of the third parties have the financial resources to wage a viable campaign. Maybe McCain could have Bloomberg run as his VP, then finances wouldn't be an issue. If McCain doesn't get the nomination, I see him as being spiteful enough that he would love to be the skunk at the garden party.
I’m more of the opinion that McCain will eventually see the writing on the wall and angle for the veep slot on a Fred Thompson ticket.