Is McCain Coming Around?

Hugh Hewitt over the weekend speculated that "Maverick," his 2008 presidential ambitions exhibiting major foundational cracks as a result of his announced defection on breaking the confirmation filibuster a few weeks ago, may see discretion as being the better part of valor and return to the fold under some cock & bull spin that "despite all his efforts, the Democrats are beyond negotiating," all the while calmly shaking his head in mournful reasonableness.

I'm a bit less sanguine than Double-H about that since I have a great deal of difficulty believing McCain wouldn't grasp that shafting his own party on its top domestic priority in this Congress would be extremely detrimental to his chances of ever making it to the White House to live out his Teddy Roosevelt fantasies.

But after seeing this blurb today, perhaps anything is possible:

Senator John McCain, who once called two top evangelical leaders "evil," commended Christian conservatives on Sunday for their political activism, adding that their critics were wrong to complain that the religious right has too much political influence on the GOP.

"Religious conservatives have every right to affect the policies and programs of candidates of our party," McCain told ABC's This Week. "They have every right - and I respect it."

The possible 2008 presidential contender chastised critics of Christian leaders like the Reverend Pat Robertson and the Reverend Jerry Falwell, saying they should stop complaining.

"To my friends who say there's too much influence by the religious right - and I don't - I'd say, well, then get busy and regain your influence in the party," McCain urged.

Does Sailor believe this? Who knows? It really is well-nigh impossible to fathom what truly lies within his elusive heart - aside from his lust for fawning media attention and someday being addressed as "Mr. President."

Take it with a pillar of salt is my advice. But if it comes with a "yea" vote on the Byrd option, don't look that gift horse in the mouth before leading it to water it'll change its mind again about drinking.