Why McCain Lost: He Ran Away from Himself

Though those who know me well would quickly acknowledge that I am pragmatic centrist, some have mistakenly taken me as a raving liberal (mostly for my defense of socially liberal policies). I am not alone as a pragmatic centrist, I firmly believe I am typical of most of America.

"Pragmatic centrist" was one way to describe Sen. John McCain prior to his 2008 Presidential bid, or at least a viable narrative of his career. Sen. McCain attempted to forge practical solutions to his pet problems. For example, McCain-Feingold (though much of it found to be unconstitutional) strived for practical, tangible, understandable measures to manage the perception of inappropriate campaign finance methods.

McCain developed a reputation of ignoring his party leadership when he thought they were wrong, lending credence to the mythology of a man unconstrained by partisan fetters. He also sought alliances throughout the Senate to develop paths to success through any party.

But McCain as the "pragmatic centrist" McCain learned a very important lesson from his 2000 Presidential try: one will not be a Republican nominee by being a centrist. McCain's understanding of the essentiality of gaining approval from the right wing of the Republicans led him to turn right during the primary. His fear of the effect of his maverick reputation compelled him to continually campaign to the right, away from the center, and away from his nature.

McCain is not Reagan, not Romney, and (thankfully) not Palin. McCain was attractive as McCain: the right-leaning pragmatist who would abandon ideological solutions if they didn't make sense.

Though the failing economy didn't help his chances, and blaming his loss on the economy makes conservative ideologues feel better, McCain lost because he didn't understand his role. He didn't understand his relationship to the Republican party, he didn't understand his strategic message, and he didn't understand the tactical steps to pursue a winning strategy. 

Nothing typified his confusions more than his VP pick. Mrs. Palin seemed unprepared, too conservative, too divisive, too inexperienced, too little of nearly every required attribute. Palin proved he didn't understand his audience (hint: it wasn't the extreme right).

Personally, McCain is inspiring and admirable. Unfortunately for him, he couldn't effectively communicate his pragmatic, centrist, principled political instincts to the right demographic. But he deserves congratulations, if for nothing else than his honorable and gracious concession.