I HAD respect for John McCain. However, since 2004, he has done everything to shake me off. Now if he thinks that he has better chances of being elected on the basis of his flip-floping to please the far right than by being his old self and attracting people in the center, nobody can deny him the right to destroy a great reputation.

As for me, when something in my refrigerator turns sour or starts to grow green fuzz, I immediately discard it and I don't look back. I am doing the same with what has become John McShame.

"...cozying up to Falwell isn't going to win him any friends on the extremes, because they won't believe his shift is real..."

The problem with this line of reasoning is that it assumes a rational group of observers; however, the belief system of the evangelical right is predicated on their ability to win converts. I doubt the vast majority will be skeptical of McCain precisely because they are convinced of both the correctness of their cause and the inherent ability of the Holy Spirit to cause change. And if that’s not enough, they may be even more convinced that only Democrats flip-flop.

I agree completely with Farhad... I watched "Meet the Press" this weekend and my heart sunk as I heard Senator McCain backtrack on some admirable stances he'd taken in the past. I respected McCain so much for being honorable, honest, and not willing to just tow the party line in every instance. I worry that may be changing... although I'll keep a close eye on him to see what his next steps are.

John McCain lost any shred of my respect when Karl Rove and George Bush used him a their personal latrine in the 2000 primaries, and he not only let them get away with it, he stuck his head up their asses. Jerry Falwell is no longer out of touch? Well Sen. McCain, Rev. Falwell hasn't changes a bit. Apparently you are the one who has had a change of heart. Weak, wormy pandering to win at any cost. After 8 years of, perhaps, the worst "leader" in this nation's history we don't need to follow it with four years of a worm like Sen. McCain.

I agree that John McCain seems like a genuine person and a man of his word. Any combination of John McCain and Colon Powell on the GOP ballot, i would vote for and vote for gladly. at least, that's what i thought until i saw the "Meet the Press" interview.

McCain is still head and shoulders above most of the GOP favored few, and if he were to run right now he would win, but he would have won because of Democrats and the middle-groud voters. the rabid GOP/Conservative voters would have crucified him (no pun intended) for his Gang of 14 role as well as agreeing to work with people to get the job done, no matter if they were red or blue

now, it seems as if he wants all the hard right support he can get, and that will lose him the victory, as far as i can see, both from dissapointed middle-ground voters and fickel hard-right voters

As jaded as one can get by politics on both sides these days, hearing about this genuinely made me sad.

Like the author, I had real hope for John McCain. Even if I landed far left of most of his opinions, I was at least soothed by the fact that he was pretty darn moderate. He seemed different and genuine.. I think I even respected the guy. Just last week I went out on a limb and said to my highly Republican girlfriend that I'd think about voting for him, against my (very blue) party loyalties. Now? He's so lost me.

I have never seen louder mouthpieces of intolerance than those smug leaders on the far right who bang the drum of religion as an excuse to hate everyone. If you cozy up to that bastard Jerry "Kill Tinky-Winky" Falwell and his everyone-bashing, you are no better than he is. Ugh.

Farhad?! Uh, perhaps McCain looked and sounded honest prior to the 2004 campaign but if you can do the math on how McCain flip-flopping on Falwell is bad for the country how can you overlook the 2004 McCain-Bus-Tour-for-Bush debacle? The only reason why Falwell is truly bad for the country is because the Bushies empowered him to be - and - McCain helped to put Bush in the position to empower Falwell.

I too once had respect for McCain but he has proved himself to be true to only his personal agenda, President in 2008. Regardless of whether or not he still makes an independent stand - he's a W Republican now anyway you slice it.

I understand the temptation to vote for a Republican you perceive as "honest," in contrast to the craven Democrats from whom we may again be forced to choose.

When the temptation arises, though, I suggest that you remember the following two words. "Robert Bork." As in, McCain voted to confirm him.

The man is what Theodore White would have called a "Western Primitive" Republican, and the mischief he could do to the Federal bench beggars description.

Terry Anastassiou

San Francisco

The man is a bore. Full blown bore. McCain spoke at my daughter's graduation a couple of years ago. He gave a very long and boring plug for his book. Worst speech I've EVER heard anyone give.

And what makes him a hero? He survived POW camp because his father's position got him special treatment. I'm not saying he should not be acknowledged for surviving, but to be called a HERO? Max Cleland is a hero. Not for what he suffered in the war, but for what he accomplished after that war.

McCain has always been a whore for political purposes--you just had to keep your eyes open. How could anyone ever like a political figure who will take any position on any subject just to get elected--and then calls his campaign the Straight (meaning anti-gay?) Talk Express. McCain supporters get what they deserve.