The Senator lost his bearings a long time ago, and it has nothing to do with his money pot today or his sentiments re Iraq.

It has to do with his convictions. Or lack thereof.

Back when he was running against the current President, he was admired by a great number of independents and Democrats for his steadfastness and toughness, despite what you might hear today.

He would have won that election, I believe, outright. No ifs, ands, or chads. But he wasn't there, because the Republicans went for the neophyte with the backing of the heaviest of hitters, and conservative/moderate Democrats (and many independents) were never permitted the opportunity to support him.

Tragically, or perhaps providentially, McCain has since been seen to sell out to the religious right he once disdained, an error of the greatest degree, and has waivered as well on any number of other issues, the perception being that he is interested in the Presidency at the expense of upholding the principles he once appeared to hold so dear.

The game is lost, because he lost himself in the game.

James Webb, who is in his brightest image, in a sense, would take care to heed the lesson.