Would Palin be to McCain what Cheney is to Bush? An interesting question/observation by Frank Rich in today's NY Times.

Sorry to say but the McCain of 2000 is no longer with us. He first so wanted the power/ position of president and is now so smitten with the crowds that he basically does what he is told to do by his handlers. He's like Theoden, King of Rohan in Lord of the Rings. Except I think that it is not Palin who has him under thought control (she is the vitality figurehead), it is Rick Davis, Charlie Black et al that do.

A really terrible one.

Unfortunately, there isn't a Gandalf or Eowyn to redeem him. I have voted in eight presidential elections, and I think my voting pattern had been that of a true independent: four times Democratic, three times Republican, once Independent. I'm willling to admit that I might have voted for the McCain of 2000 myself, since I make my judgements on the basis of the candidate, not the party (though I find my contempt for the Republicans growing day by day). Today, the prospect of a McCain presidency makes me profoundly depressed. The prospect of a Palin presidency makes me glad I never had kids so they'd never have to live in her kind of world.

Jorjor - your comment made me recall my voting pattern - 2 republican votes, 2 democrats, 2 independents. I too have a real independent voting record though perhaps it would be less so one if how I voted was referenced with time. Nonetheless I consider my true home the Republican party in many ways but right now some people have taken it over and I cannot in good conscience vote for any of them.