he had a game changing moment but the same old policy crap. And don’t forget that he tried to cancel the first debate. And then it came out that he had a katie Couric interview before going to DC.
It's actually worse because he went back ostensibly to corral the House republicans who were making noise that they wouldnt support it, but in spite of him they voted it down. So even though he supported the thing his base and his coalition didn't (vintage McCain!) he looked ineffective at leading his party. Had he gotten the house to pass it, you could say well I don't like his position but he was a leader. In this case you didnt like his position AND you thought he couldnt lead.