Rumors are flying that, behind the scenes, John McCain is flexing his muscle in an attempt to “reshape” the Republican Party.  If you’re like me, you’re stunned that anyone is still listening to him.  Didn’t the spectacular failure of his candidacy squander whatever clout he once had? 

In a word, no.

No one’s saying he’s the renegade powerhouse he was during the Clinton years but make no mistake, he still has a following. In moderate circles, McCain is as well respected as ever.  He has a long history with the GOP elites, most of whom are more than willing to blame Palin for the great train wreck of 2008. 

The reality of ‘08 is that the nation just didn’t buy what McCain was selling.  He was in serious trouble long before Palin showed up. McCain’s senatorial history is one of indecision, waffling, and gamesmanship punctuated by a deft ability to play both sides of the aisle.  It works well in Congress, but it’s a difficult sell when you’re running for President.  Obama presented himself as a leader, a statesman, and a man with a plan.  His successes and failures since the election are irrelevant.  People who were on the fence shunned McCain because next to Obama, he looked and sounded weak.   

So now, quietly, McCain is trying to reform the GOP.  The goal is to make sure it stays the kind of place where people like himself will have a home, despite the overwhelming wishes of the party membership. During the next few months, expect to see the Lindsey Grahams of the world repaying their old buddy John by circling the wagons against an increasingly angry conservative base. 

The question, however, remains.  McCain’s brand of “moderate Republican” is really more akin to “early 60’s democrat.”  If he couldn’t sell it in ‘08, what makes him think it’s what his party needs now?

McCain’s philosophical ship has already sunk once.  Is anyone out there honestly interested in a second trip?

- Robert Laurie