McBush

Senator John McCain spent a tense half-an-hour on Meet The Press Sunday getting grilled by Tim Russert about past comments including a dislike of George Bush, an opposition to tax cuts for the wealthy and a disdain for intolerant religious zealots like Jerry Falwell. McCain glossed over, and in some cases actually denied, the clear implications of those prior statements. His about-face was total and unambiguous.

McCain's attempt to re-define his presidential persona stank, appearing inauthentic and calculated. And it was underscored by ridiculous video of him and Bush hugging and mugging on a campaign platform four years after the Bush people savagely smeared him.

In the spirit of a world-class Flip-Flopper, McCain has abandoned his integrity to curry favor with the Bush base, the same people he had open and legitimate disdain for in the past.

Whatever respect has accrued from his reputation as a maverick is now evaporating. And trying to become a converted team player is only going to damage his image if he is trying to join the cellar-dwelling Team Bush, arguably the worst and most disliked administration in a lifetime.

Why hitch his horse to a sinking wagon? He feels he can't steal the nomination from Bill Frist unless he panders to the GOP base. Too bad for McCain. It makes him look like a fool, like a person who would rather spin, gloss and deny his real opinions than stick to his values to win a race.

We've had enough dishonesty in recent years. It is no longer working for President Bush, and it won’t work for McCain either.