McCain Versus Allen?



(image via jedinet)

Is it just The Corsair or has Senator John McCain lost some of his lustre? Arianna Huffington likens the sad McCain operetta to Goethe's "Faust." McCain doesn't quite shine like he used to. This Sunday's appearance on "Meet the Press" was particularly brutal. We sat there cringing as Tim Russert tore through McCain like a grinder into bologna.(Exaggerated cough suggesting feigned detachment)

The wear and tear of unblinklingly support of President George Bush's war -- and his ridiculous alienation of Russia -- is wearing on him. Should he become the 44th President of the United States, the horrible weight of the Iraq War will fall on his heroic shoulders.

And let's not even talk about McCain's position on Creationism or gay marriage. Still, McCain is the Republican frontrunner for '08.

Unless, of course, Senator George Allen has something to say about it. Allen, who we cannot fail to add has never lost an election, is also running for the 2008 nomination, as is Christian Conservative favorite Bill Frist, who is laboring mightily to recapute some of the goodwill of The Chattering Classes (after those atrocious "Justice Sunday" event ancillary to Schiavo).

But Allen-McCain is the heavyweight main event for 2008 Republican politics. Interestingly, McCain, a long-term political strategist and 3rd generation Naval Captain has friend who just happens -- wink, wink -- to be challenging Senator George Allen in what appears to be a tough race that just might dethrone the undefeated Virginia Senator, or show cracks in his armor enough for McCain to best him. But it's only a coincidence. Says TheHill:

"Sens. George Allen (Va.) and John McCain (Ariz.) could square off for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination � if an old McCain friend doesn�t get to Allen first.

Former Navy Secretary James Webb, one of McCain�s 'oldest friends,' is vying for the Democratic nomination to take on Allen in his reelection bid this November. Although Webb must first get past lobbyist Harris Miller in the Democratic primary, political analysts say his candidacy could end up hampering Allen�s presidential aspirations and bolstering McCain�s.

"'Party activists expect a presidential contender to have strong home support, and if Webb (or Miller) could even come close to Allen in 2006, the results would raise questions about Allen�s own base,' said Larry J. Sabato, director of the University of Virginia�s Center for Politics. 'Indirectly, any weakening of Allen would help McCain, and some other GOP presidential candidates.'

"Despite the longtime friendship between McCain and Webb, a former Republican, the Arizona senator said he is backing Allen. Even so, in an interview outside the Senate chamber last week, McCain called Webb 'a war hero' and 'a great patriot.'"

And remember, boys and girls: It's just a coincidence that he's running in Virginia at this point in time. Just. A Coincidence.

More here.