Also, as I remember, the initial "anointed candidate" was Giuliani. Romney also looked strong at first. McCain only emerged as dominant after early challengers eliminated each other.
Mccain was leading the polls before Rudy overtook him and his campaign began to implode.
I remember MSM giving McCain nonstop coverage when his campaign flatlined.
He had a lot of free help.
I don’t think Hunter fell for anyone’s shtick. I do believe had Huckabee gotten the nomination and won, Hunter would have had an important job in that administration. That certainly would be preferable to what we are dealing with right now.