PV: As I've said before, I don't think it could have. Just like Gore couldn't get out from under Clinton, the Republican candidate, no matter who was chosen, would have had a very difficult time getting out from under Bush.
Then you agree with me, I take it, that focusing on McCain's alleged "failures" in not being conservative enough, in not sufficiently articulating the limited government message, etc., is neither illuminating nor helpful.
My essential point here is that too often the "if we only had the right candidate who said the right things" focus leads to thinking such a candidate magically would be elected. It's much more complicated than that, and failure to accept that fact is both delusional and a severe hindrance to success in the future.
Agreed.