First, while he does differentiate himself from McCain, so far he not landed any punches that would be considered mud slinging. It been pretty much soft balls. It keeps McCain a little more honest. Yes, McCain's people would rather he go away, but so far he's done it in such a manner that he's annoying at worst and causing no real problems to McCain and his campaign. At this point, if McCain goes after him, it looks more like aggression on McCain's behalf.
Second, let's fact it. He's having the time of his life. He's a likable guy, has a way with one liners and is getting a lot of face time in a lot of different venues that traditionally aren't open to an openly evangelical person without them being trashed in the process. He actually does fairly well. And when there is something lobbed at him that most republicans and/or conservatives get red faced about, he turns it and gives it back in a charming rather than a scorched earth manner. Sure, some of the left leaning comedians may view him as a freak show act, but he's been able to capitalize on it without allowing himself to become or be portrayed as the freak show. Most people of faith can't pull that off. Their first reaction is to get indignant. Exactly what those shows are trying to get them to do. Prove that the metaphor is true. Conservative evangelicals are intolerant hotheads.
He's had amazing longevity considering his shoe string budget. He's very adept at squeezing financial lemons into lemonade.
I think he's being savvy by trying to get face time, build his recognition, get his message out and position himself for the next phase in his life. At some point, he'll have to fold his tent. And probably sooner than later. But he's done amazingly well considering he was largely viewed by many in his party as some well meaning hick from Arkansas.
1. Florida
2. The inland west
3. The Ohio valley
4. The plains states.
Assuming that McCain can carry Florida and the inland west on his own, he will probably have a veep to assist in 3 or 4
Can anyone post that
“Master of the Obvious” picture? :)