"We Know Where He Stands"

Bob Tyrrell's latest piece in The American Spectator makes a case for Senator McCain, even as it points out the deficiencies of Senator Obama's resume.  The main point of the article is to elaborate on McCain's integrity - and to contrast his life of public service with Obama's "community service". 

Mr Tyrrell also seeks to assuage some of the fears of those of us on the right:

Ironically, and notwithstanding McCain's waywardness, he is conservatism's best chance to win the White House: for he can attract Reagan Democrats and independents. Many conservatives have been understandably critical of some of the Arizona senator's feints to the Kultursmog, but for the most part he is conservative, a maverick conservative yet one who will be campaigning on a platform shaped by four decades of the modern conservative movement's policy desiderata. Moreover, whereas the Republican backsliders on the Hill have deceived us, McCain has been forthright in his disagreements with us. We know where he stands.

The article also touches on McCain's Naval record and the "richly heritage" of service he inherited from his father and grandfather.  It is a story that should receive more play. 

Mr Tyrrell ends with this suggestion to Senator McCain:

Still, in the months ahead John McCain needs to speak more to his base and reassure its members. Then there is one thing more. John, find a dramatist among the Republican image consultants to present your extraordinary life of service as the heroic narrative that it is. Humility has no place in modern politics.