" McCain's best argument may be that contradictions and reversals are necessary byproducts of attempts to get things done in changing circumstances."

This is actually a very sensible argument, but republicans will never be able to use it based on their treatment of John Kerry in 2004, and their elevation of never, ever changing your thinking or position as conditions change to being the hallmark of courage, integrity and leadership.

I can see it now. Dems run footage of the Republicans treatment of John Kerry flip flops and juxtapose them with McCain.

"So you're saying Kerry was right?"

McCain is TOAST.

"This is actually a very sensible argument, but republicans will never be able to use it based on their treatment of John Kerry in 2004, and their elevation of never, ever changing your thinking or position as conditions change to being the hallmark of courage, integrity and leadership."

Not to mention how effectively Dubya has demonstrated the unwisdom of actually practicing that form of leadership.

His entire party is toast, or maybe ash. They are the people even they themselves are running against.