Really? The republicans to loose? With Bush's approval rating in the toilet, no real conservative in the race now that Hunter and Thompson are out, and an unpopular war still claiming lives? I think the democrats could run a bag of sand and walk away with this election - people are going to come out and vote against the party in power and that is going to translate into a Democrat president, and give them control over both houses, and more state governorships, more city councilors, etc. etc. etc. This election should prove to be a watershed for progressives in America.
McCain is too 'old-guard' republican to win a General Election. There's no way liberals and progressives will vote for a republican, and he's too far left for conservatives. His only 'base' is moderates and I think even moderate Democrats would vote for that bag of sand before any Republican candidate.
Here are some of his policy quotes from his website:
Health Care -
Bringing costs under control is the only way to stop the erosion of affordable health insurance, save Medicare and Medicaid, protect private health benefits for retirees,
and allow our companies to effectively compete around the world ... promote competition throughout the health care system - between providers and among alternative treatments.
[emphasis added]
Iraq & Military -
A greater military commitment now is necessary if we are to achieve long-term success in Iraq ... John McCain thinks it is especially important to increase the size of the Army and Marine Corps to defend against the threats we face today.
Abortion -
John McCain believes Roe v. Wade is a flawed decision that must be overturned, and as president he will nominate judges who understand that courts should not be in the business of legislating from the bench. Constitutional balance would be restored by the reversal of Roe v. Wade, returning the abortion question to the individual states.
[emphasis added]
Gay Marriage -
The family represents the foundation of Western Civilization and civil society and John McCain believes the institution of marriage is a union between one man and one woman.
Stem Cell Research -
John McCain opposes the intentional creation of human embryos for research purposes ... Furthermore, he voted to ban attempts to use or obtain human cells gestated in animals.
Environment -
John McCain believes that America's economic and environmental interests are not mutually exclusive, but rather inextricably linked. Our economic prospects depend greatly upon the sustainable use of ample and unspoiled natural resources. By addressing this problem responsibly, John McCain believes we can meet our obligation to be proper
caretakers of creation.
[emphasis added]
Gun Control -
Gun control is a proven failure in fighting crime ... John McCain opposes restrictions on so-called "assault rifles" and voted consistently against such bans ... John McCain opposes bans on the importation of certain types of ammunition magazines and has voted against such limitations ... He voted against an amendment that would have banned many of the most commonly used hunting cartridges on the spurious grounds that they were "armor-piercing." ... John McCain has opposed "waiting periods" for law abiding citizen's purchase of firearms.
all quotes from
www.johnmccain.com