Much as I despise McCain, I cant imagine Kerry actually nominating him. McCain's hawkish and pro-life views would cause a huge revolt in the party and send voters to Nader.

Is it just me, or does John McCain sound *exactly* like Butters? My fervent wish is that somebody could goad him into saying something about how "the Simpsons already did it."

"That call to duty is powerful for McCain. He'll be 68 later this summer, and he knows that his time to shape American public life is now."

=

"At 68, McCain doesn't have too many years left in which to be taken seriously by either party, which is why he's willing to extend his political career by attaching himself to the most cynical presidential candidate in recent decades."

"public demurrals"? I have seen John McCain say flat out on Hannity and Colmes less than a month ago that he would not accept any post in a Kerry White House, including V.P. and Sec. Def. No way. Nuh uh. Never. Frankly, I believe him. I didn't read the article cause I didn't want to bother with registration, but unless John McCain is quoted as saying something akin to "I'm giving it serious thought" this guy is pulling this out of his ass. McCain cannot have been more explicit. No way. Never. He isn't a Republican for shits and giggles. He may be a moderate Republican, but he has always been loyal to the party. I call bullshit on this article.

Moreover, does anyone actually believe that John Kerry doesn't know who his veep selection will be yet? This close to the convention and the guy is supposedly still feeling out a member of the opposition who has stated on national television no less than a dozen times that he doesn't want the job? This is about something else entirely. I don't know the authors motivation here but this story is pure crap. It's insane. If it's true then John Kerry has already lost the election cause he is waaaay behind strategically and he'll never catch up. And McCain will never accept so he's definitely in the crapper - if this is true. The nominee is either Edwards or Ghephardt. I'm hoping Edwards.

McCain won't do it. not now, not ever.

Another thought just occurred to me. McCain's reputation as a "maverick" rests on him being inside the Republican tent pissing in. If he leaves the tent, his usefulness to the media and the Democrats is shot.

you should see if your Andrew Sullivan flip watch can pull double duty and track McCain's status as well