If the nominee were Giuliani, the pro-Giuliani argument would be exactly the same. Of the three remaining, the Republican is the best choice, be it Giuliani or McCain.
I supported lots of other candidates before my choices were narrowed down to McCain on February 8th. The only Republicans lower on my list were Huckabee and Paul. But compared to any of the Democrats, but particularly to Mr. Obama or Mrs. Clinton, McCain is much much better.
So I want McCain to win. So I buckle down and make that happen. Whining about how little I like McCain is not going to help.
And, as you note, "putting pressure" on McCain and getting him to promise us the Moon and the stars on border security, or whatever issue, is not going to matter, because he is going to do what he is going to do, anyway.
So you recognize the situation for what it is (It Sucks), and move forward the only way you can (Go McCain!).
I'm voting third party. I'll no longer vote for anyone just because he has the magical "R" after his name. If you keep voting for RINO's, the old boys at the country club will just continue offering them to you.
>>And, as you note, “putting pressure” on McCain and getting him to promise us the Moon and the stars on border security, or whatever issue,<<
His promises mean very little to me by themselves. He is a US Senator and we can see if he is sincere. So far, looks like he isn’t.
>>is not going to matter, because he is going to do what he is going to do, anyway.<<
Political miracles have been known to happen (Truman 1948). McCain might think about making some adjustments If Bob Barr starts pulling away votes. Lots of surprises have already happened in 2008 (including McCain).