McCain the Frontrunner

Polls have him ahead or very competitive in both Michigan and South Carolina. And according to The Politico he came out unscathed in last night's debate. (I couldn't watch. I've watched every one recently, from top to bottom, and the pundit post-game. It's beginning to impact my relationships, and I keep claiming I have my habit "under control".)

If you would have told me, two years ago, that John McCain would be leading the GOP field in 2008 I would not have believed you. If you would have told me seven years ago that I'd be so unimpressed - I would have been quite surprised.

My problem with John McCain these days isn't his stand on certain key issues, although I can understand why some critics have found him exasperating over the years. By and large I have no problem with leaders who go against the party line, provided they defend their stance with intelligence and wit.

These days, my problem with John McCain is temperament. I think the guy can fly off the handle too easily, and I'm concerned that his passions could over his judgment. This isn't a problem for a Senator because there are 49 other people that need to be involved in various key decisions. But it can be a problem for an executive, who can , owing to the nature of the office, bully past advisers and cabinet members if they so choose.

The presidency is a different nut. McCain hopefully understands this - and much will be decided if it comes to the point where he needs to pick a running mate. Order me up one rock-ribbed, fiscal conservative with strict constructionist tendencies and I might just get back on the Strait Talk Express.

And I would vote for McCain in a New York second over Hillary.