“Also, conservatives, though unhappy, will do the right thing for the country if only through a sense of duty.”
If the author considers the “right” thing to be voting for Sen. McCain, then I agree with him so far as his prediction is concerned. The vast bulk of conservatives will vote for Sen. McCain. But it won’t be enough. The 15-25% who choose to stay home or vote third party will sink any chance of Sen. McCain becoming President.
I’m not sure that a GOP candidate who was absolutely adored by the conservative base could pull this off. The country has moved to the left. Sen. McCain is attempting to address that by moving to the left himself. (Not that it takes much effort on his part.) The problem is that given the choice between socialism-lite and a bonafide socialist, voters will most likely pick the real thing.
This is Sen. Obama’s election to lose. And I don’t see him losing it.
I'm part of that 15-20%, and I think you're right. He seems to think he can get elected by Hillary supporters and the masses brainwashed into believing the "maverick" label. I really don't think that strategy is going to work.
One of the most dangerous things in politics is to start believing your own press releases. He's in for some serious disillusionment over the next several months as the press he's played so hard to make love him, turns on him like the rabid dogs they are.