You are correct on all counts, which is why I expect to see the MSM carry tons of water for him from here until he's nominated by our mushy middle.
Hubby works with a lot of Dems. They're positively giddy about McCain getting the nomination. They know he'll be the easiest Republican, hands down, for Hillary to beat in '08.
Which is why we need to get out the conservative vote in the early primaries. McCain needs to be taken out quickly so a conservative candidate can emerge. Any decent conservative candidate should be able to beat Hillary.