McCain's Colors

Senator McCain loves to be called a Maverick. This is not breaking news.

That he repeatedly poked his finger in Republican eyes made him a semi-precious commodity in liberal circles. This moniker, bestowed by the liberal media, kept the left wing crowd hovering around his campaign during the 2000 primaries.

At its core, this mob was pro-Gore and anti-Bush. They thought of McCain as a tarnished Democrat, the enemy of their enemy. That’s why he was blessed with their semi-endorsement.

They jumped back on his bus in this election cycle. Many pundits believe they resurrected his campaign to thwart the conservatives. Although this ascertain is open to speculation, McCain’s comeback certainly isn’t attributable to his charm or politics.

Now that McCain is the Republican presidential nominee, he’s regarded as a threat. The free publicity and fawning have evaporated. Today these anti-Bush jackals see McCain as just another politician who stands between their anointed candidate, Senator Obama, and the Oval Office.

Don’t be surprised or dismayed that he is being treated with the same distain that Senator Clinton endured. The stampede of news anchors to Obama’s Middle East whistle stop tour, and the New York Times’ outright rejection of his rebuttal to an Obama editorial defined their position. He is not the one.

The national media has turned a blind eye on McCain. And short of declaring himself a Democrat and conceding the election to Obama, there is nothing he can do to regain their temporary admiration.

This begs the question: Does McCain realize that his fate is now tied to Republicans, some independents and conservative Democrats?

His political chivalry suggests he hasn’t bridged this reality. Who does he think he is wooing when he dons his Maverick hat and attacks Obama’s detractors? Granted his remarks attract media coverage. But he only hurts himself by providing cover for Obama’s radical political background.

Put this entire election in context. Despite losing the primary contest, Hillary Clinton thrashed Obama in the swing states. She did this positioned as a centrist (relative to Obama). And Reagan won these voters as an unabashed conservative.

Senator Obama has been tagged as an elitist, socialist snob. He is wavering on every issue except his anti-drilling energy policy. Many Americans are having second thoughts about his candidacy. They can be swayed.

And there stands McCain sounding neither like fish nor fowl. He won’t win this election pretending or acting like a wishy-washy socialist, or an anti-Republican candidate.

The 2006 mid-term election provided ample evidence of Republican success when they sound and spend like Democrats. They get run out of town. McCain has a choice. He can either show pride in the conservative label, or kiss the Oval Office good-bye.

Fortunately for McCain, Senator Obama has shown his colors. Now McCain must do the same.