McCain's greatest advantage is himself. His life story is compelling and
something neither Clinton nor Obama can match. He can own the issue of
national security. He must now convince voters that on domestic issues he is
better able to manage the economy while reducing the size and cost of
government.
McCain's consistency on earmarks is a good start. But because the greatest
costs are tied up in Social Security and Medicare, McCain must sell a plan
that will transform these programs. Democrats will practice their usual
demagoguery in the face of any attempt to fix what even they know are two
programs in drastic need of repair, but if he can persuade the public on the
need to reform our two biggest entitlement programs, he will do for these
what Republicans did for welfare reform. And, like welfare reform, he can
prove the critics wrong.
Knowing that the Clintons are not quitters, it will be fascinating to watch
them deal with Florida and Michigan and the superdelegates. Will those two
states hold new primary elections? Will there be a floor fight over the
seating of delegates this summer at the Democratic convention in Denver?
Will superdelegates that seemed to trend toward Obama before last Tuesday's
primaries continue to do so, or will Sen. Clinton's victories freeze them in
place?
There is nothing inevitable about any of this, which is why the 2008
presidential race continues to be the most fascinating in modern times.