I can answer that.
McCain has been in the race for the Presidency since 2000 (or earlier). He knew this was his last shot, so he was in it regardless of who else was in the race and regardless of any other consideration.
Any number of bona fide conservative Republicans COULD have gotten into the race but either chickened out or bailed too early. Many listened to the likes of Sean Hannity and others and, defying all common sense, actually BELIEVED that the Presidency was Hillary's to lose. "President Hillary" was inevitable, you see....
The stupidity of such a belief is staggering. When the time comes for real Americans to enter their real polling places and vote, they are never going to elect Hillary Clinton as President of the United States. She has the highest negatives of any candidate in history for a reason. Hillary's candidacy has always been a landslide waiting to happen. Period. Experienced politicians should know this instinctively.
Anyway, I digress....
As a result of the stupidity and cowardice of so many conservative Republicans who COULD have jumped into the race and had a legitimate chance, only a few longshots bothered. Those longshots were all either too flawed or too unfamiliar to the American public. As with all elections, the ignorant chattering class casts the most votes and in this year's case, the Republican chattering class ended up going with the candidate they had at least heard of before - - you know, that "Straight Talk Express" guy.
In essence McCain is their, "He's alright I guess, what the heck, why not?", candidate.
I hope this answers your question.
FRegards,
LH
BUT... I disagree... that Hillary can't win.
There are many angry conservatives out there that will NOT vote for McCain, ... NO MATTER WHAT!!!
We will simply NOT break out principles.
NOW... that said... there may be enough Democrats, disgusted with their own party, that will vote for McCain, seeing McCain as a conservative choice for the DEMOCRAT VALUES.
No sarcasm, but could you name the conservatives who could have gotten into the race? I was hoping for Thompson but he turned into a pilot that failed to light. I can’t come up with any names, which is a shame as we have had 8 years to coalesce around someone.
McCain won because 70 percent of the republican party hate his guts and voted against him ..... for 5 other candidates.
70 percent of republicans still have a vomit reflex when they see McCain. The 30 percent that adore him are about to find out he is an imbecile with a bad temper. He still beats Obama. It is a pathetic choice.