[Tallguy]

McCain wanted to win, I agree. But there were certain lines he was unwilling to cross. For instance, McCain felt duty-bound to go back to Washington to work on the financial bailout. In hindsight that was a mistake. The public was broadly suspicious of the bailout plans — still are.

Obama’s main strategy was to tie McCain to Bush. McCain’s initiative, while patriotic in his own eyes, ‘made’ Obama’s argument. Practically the only people in favor of the bailout were — Bush & McCain.

It wasn’t ju jitsu on Obama’s part. He merely stepped back & allowed McCain to fall over.

[McGavin999]

McCain wanted to win, I agree. But there were certain lines he was unwilling to cross. For instance, McCain felt duty-bound to go back to Washington to work on the financial bailout. In hindsight that was a mistake. The public was broadly suspicious of the bailout plans — still are.

The mistake was not in going back to Washington, the mistake was not taking a leading and vocal role and not coming out and explaining to the people WHY he agreed with it. A leader has to lead.