This is what I think is going on.
There must be internal polling that says the base has solidified behind the conservative banner. You can’t get more than exist. So that part of the electorate has been given their conservative “fix.”
McCain also already HAS a portion of the pissed off hillary voters who would never vote FOR Obama.
Obama is still struggling to reach angry hillary voters and that 20% anit-democrat democrats.
Obama now has his colorado firewall stategy to deny colorado to mccain. (keeping in mind, c-span sill has alaska as a toss up...really)
This leaves mccain free to go out foraging for UNLIKELY republican voters.
Was the speech only fair? yes. Did they screw up the slides? yes. Was the end from the heart? ABSOLUTLY.
(is mccain still going to push amnesty and the dream act amnesty? does a moose poop in the woods?)
I think it is SMART to reach out, but reach out to come TO CONSERVATISM. NOT to reach out and go to THEY left wing view.
It was almost sad to watch McCain use his gestures for emphasis. But as you said, his polling must suggest that he start tacking left.
But for those people who think we aren't going to take a bath in the House and Senate, I've got news for you: only by the grace of God are we going to avoid a 60-vote Senate majority for the Dems.