Austin raises a point in his comment to the post about filibusters that ought be expanded:
"I would expect a filibuster on the war funding legislation, because even still, many in both parties are so diametrically opposed on that subject. What I didn't expect was one on the minimum wage hike that seems all but a sure thing. And especially from Senator McCain, who seems like a normal guy with a good head on his shoulders. I haven't always agreed with his decisions, but it seemed like he was acting on what he believed, and not just voting along party lines. This seems as if he's just he's trying to win a popularity contest. I can't blame him, considering his failed bid for the party nomination in 2000, and the fact that he is really the only strong prospect for the presidency that the party has right now. But to resist a rise in the minimum wage now? Not only may it hurt his already weakened party's chances for the presidency, but I think it would shake the middle and lower classes' confidence in the Republican's even more. It really demonstrates the dichotomy between the rich and poor to see someone deny people a living wage. If the GOP want to keep their base (what's left of it, at least) the should forget their newly rediscovered "fiscal responsibility" for a moment, and just sit this one out."
Let's assume that McCain is an intelligent, rational person who is taking positions that are poll and focus group tested and are likely to (1) win him the nomination of his party and (2) not hurt his chances of winning the presidency. Now let's try to figure out what that reasoning is.
This applies especially to 2301 since we cover elections, political parties and campaigning.
What's McCain up to?
