His NON-LINK to Conservatives is hurting him MORE.
I agree completely. It is instructive for all other ambitious Republicans paying attention that McCain is today being tattooed with the Bush label even after the grief and betrayal he gave W on multiple issues (eg. Gang of 8 - Judges).
If any Republican earned the right of incumbent separation it was McCain. What did he get for his troubles? No Conservative support that doesn't originate with Sarah Palin and no Liberal support when the game is on the line.
He didn't want to, but McCain proved once and for all that the Conservative Base is the key to Republican victory. Period.
I think he's counting on conservatives to vote for him because they are so afraid of the alternative. Most people aren't that far to the right, and he's trying to appeal to most people. People are so fed up with George Bush and his administration that I was beginning to think that Republicans could nominate Jesus Christ and still not win. But McCain is doing surprisingly well. Choosing Palin was I think probably a brilliant move on his part. Republicans might just squeak this one out, and I can't think of any other candidate that could have done this for us. Candidates farther to the right would never have been able to get the kind of support McCain is getting.