Are you guys SURE John McCain isn't running for president?

[alcuno]

Never in my life have I seen such a publicity hound; the man is on absolutely every show that's out there. I know he has a new book out, but this has been going on for some time. There are 100 people in the US Senate and John McCain appears to be representing almost all of them.

When does the man eat and sleep? He's in the Senate and on the cable and network shows from morning to night. His wife recently had a stroke and he's still on IMUS, AAR, and the 700 Club. I've seen several interviews where they inquire about Cindy's health, but he just keeps talking! What is he doing?

[teach1st]

1. Always have a backup

Just in case.

[jobycom]

3. That's it.

If Bush is impeached or falls under heavy investigation, the convention, which is very late this year, will listen to other suggestions. McCain is the anti-Bush of his party, but still loyal. That sets him up perfectly if Bush falls, while not endangering him if Bush doesn't.

Plus, he really, really hates Bush. on a very personal level. He would love to see Bush fall, even if he doesn't benefit. And he really might have a conscience, somewhere down in there.

[napi21]

4. I find that hard to believe, but if he runs, Kerry will lose!

Too many Pubs, and certainly all of the top ones in the Admin. hate McCain, so I find it very hard to believe he would even be considered for a possible Presidential Candidate if Bush has to go away.

BUT, if that were to happen, the Pubs would vote for him to keep in power, and there are a lot of Dems & Inds who really like, and trust him. I do thin he would win!

[jobycom]

7. Your second point is right

If Bush goes down because of his policies and his failures, the Republicans will trample each other in their rush to distance themselves from Bush. McCain is as far away as they can go within their party. It's why they don't denounce him now-- they are hedging their bets, too.

It's unlikely in the extreme, but it's a possibility every politician recognizes and prepares for anyway.

[KittyWampus]

2. Getting Ready For A Spot In The Kerry Administration

:)

[napi21]

6. Maybe, and I think he just might get one!

I thought it was a great move by Clinton when he selected a Repug to head the DOD. I don't think it would be a bad idea for Kerry to offer McCain a top spot.

[Snellius]

5. McCain ruled out being a Dem, but not being part of a Dem admin

You get the sense that McCain, and probably Hagel -- all Vietnam vets --, are backroom Kerry supporters. Kerry is very good at working up allies long before the coming battle starts, so they are there when he needs them. (He courted Don Imus and the DNC this way). So it may be possible that the reason he has taken such a McCainian line on Iraq and the reason McCain has been so outspoken lately, is that they have some kind of secret agreement. Perhaps Secretary of State or of Defense.

It's possible too that they make some joint announcment BEFORE the election, as Bush did with Powell.

[jobycom]

8. I think it more likely that McCain would gain power in the Senate

If Kerry wins, McCain could become a powerful senator, if the Repubs retain the senate. He would be the liason between the president and his own party. I can't see McCain serving in a Kerry cabinet, but I can see McCain's role in the senate increasing under Kerry.

Plus, Kerry and McCain are long-time friends, and McCain genuinely hates Bush, on a personal and political level. His loyalties are genuinely divided here.