[Fundamentally Fair]

The likely Democratic nominee, Mr. Obama, is portraying Mr. McCain as an honorable man of "the past" who will provide a third Bush term.

As opposed to Obama providing a second Carter term

[Grunthor]

“In contrast, Mr. McCain is trying to distinguish himself from the Republican brand”

ROFLMAO!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! OMG....OMG.....Too easy. Just too damned easy.

[mgc1122]

Johnny Mac couldn’t find a path to victory with both hands, roadmap and a flashlight.

[ishabibble]

>>In contrast to Mr. Obama’s slogan of “Change,” Mr. McCain should offer “Victory.” This is an electoral agenda pledging to deliver five victories: in Iraq, over a sluggish economy, in securing energy independence, in sealing the border and for the pro-life movement by reversing Roe v. Wade (through the appointment of strict constructionists to the Supreme Court).<<<

Oh yeah, Free Republic, how about that? How about VICTORY over our enemies? We are faced with the possibility of a Muslim/BLT radical unknown as CIC. Do you people think for one second that John McCain would surrender to the ISLAMIC JIHAD? BARRY WOULD. END OF DISCUSSION.

[ChiefBoatswain]

Hate to say this, but it would be better for Republicans with either one of the democrats in office. Why? Because we can resist anything a demo would try to do.

With McCain in office, anything he wants to do will pass. Much better if he doesn't make it, then the GOP takes back the WH with a REAL Conservative in 2012. IMHO

[TLI]

He must also energize the Republican base — including appealing to evangelicals and conservatives who are lukewarm or downright hostile to his candidacy

noooooo... get outta here! Hostile? Ya think?

[AuntB]

“For months, Mr. McCain has tried to unite the Republican base while assiduously targeting swing voters such as Jews, Hispanics, independents”

When was that uniting part supposed to take place? Missed that! The Hispandering and leftie butt kissing was apparent.

[SoConPubbie]

For months, Mr. McCain has tried to unite the Republican base while assiduously targeting swing voters such as Jews, Hispanics, independents and white, blue collar voters. In courting Jews, Mr. McCain visited Israel in March and has been trumpeting the endorsement of Democratic-turned-independent Sen. Lieberman. To appeal to Hispanics nationwide (whose vote he won handily in Arizona by margins of 65 percent and 70 percent in elections in 1998 and 2004) he unveiled a Spanish site on Cinco de Mayo.

So the pandering to non-republican groups by Mr. Maverick continues while he stabs the base of the party in the back.

Tell me again how this is a winning strategy?

[KentTrappedInLiberalSeattle]

[the invisib1e hand]

McCain comes across as kind of scary.