I think you are correct. McCain realizes he has no chance of ever being the Republican nominee, but a very good chance of being the demonRAT nominee (if he can survive Hillary's attacks).
"but a very good chance of being the demonRAT nominee (if he can survive Hillary's attacks)."
He would never survive the media. While the media love him now for going against the hated conservatives, he would be burned at the stake by the media if he run as anything. That is something that McLame's ego can't digest. He's a tool and nothing but a tool.
And I think the latter is unlikely. He will be shattered like so much glass.
The rejection will come from both sides. The horrid personal attacks from Hitlery, then the subtle "I don't know you and don't want to" behavior from conservatives. From our side it will be another "Trent Lott - You're a worthlesss Eunich" scenario all over again. It will be far worse for him than we can imagine.
It will start out as a big media drum beat for his candidacy. He'll be all confident. Then the media will turn on a dime against him once Hitlery barks an order.
If he runs, the 2008 elections will leave him in ruins. After what he did with the compromise, it would be justice served.
My opinion of McScam is so low I can imagine him being Hillery's running mate.