Maverick is just another term for erratic antagonist (in McCain's case old antagonist) who thinks himself so important that he refuses to get along with others, even if he knows they are right.
McCain had no business running in 2008, just like Dole had no business running in '96.
The first plank in the new Republican Contract with America should read: 'We will never again nominate the 'elder statesman' of our party simply because that person claims it's their turn.'
Such a plank would have saved the GOP, and the nation, a lot of damage.
“’We will never again nominate the ‘elder statesman’ of our party simply because that person claims it’s their turn.’”
Like it or not, it was the Republicans in California that decided who our nomineee would be.