***For instance, with the bailout bill, Congress would have started out at a trillion dollars, and McCain would have held out to sign it until they reduced the bill down to “only” 600 billion.***
Would you like to drive off the cliff at 10 mph (D) or 5 mph (R)?
At least now, many (not all) Repubs are saying "Hey, I don't want to drive off this cliff at all!" and are fastening seatbelts, looking for cushy pillows, etc etc etc.
Whereas, with McCain Driving the Bus, they'd be in the passenger seat telling him that he was fine and to go faster.