I don’t remember immigration being an issue in 2008. Once the market crashed and the bailout happened, the economy was the one and only issue, and McCain flubbed it.
What could McCain say about immigration that would make a conservative want to vote for him? It was best that he was silent on the issue.
His claims of having a change of heart and wanting to secure the border rang hollow for anybody that fought against McCain/Kennedy.
Likewise, Global Warning was an issue on which Republicans were unable to attack the Democrats.
The GOP ought to do something to correct way they select their candidate.