The Brian Lehrer Show

I think it will help.

Ann Colter is a caricature. Who even listens to her?

Well said Jesse

I really wish McCain wouldn't associate himself with president Bush, not least because such an association cost him support from Republican non-Bush supporters in the past. Also, let's not forget the Libertarian voters who would be willing to support McCain only if he disassociates himself from the Bush administration and the Republican party as a whole.

Furthermore, on the issue of McCain appealing to the truly conservative base of the Republican party: I really don't think he has anything to worry about, especially since there isn't anyone else who DOES appeal to the conservative base.

Will McCain appear with VP Chenney?

Did anyone watch "The Colbert Report" last night? I though his Word segment about McCain and experience was right on.

http://www.comedycentral.com/colbertreport/index.jhtml

Experience: Stephen uses his where-o-meter to prove that John McCain is where he is.

Brian - A good follow-up to this would be to look at whether Al Gore had a similar public endorsement meeting with Clinton after clinching the nomination. Since Gore had similar reservations about being saddled with Clinton's baggage, there could be some interesting parallels in that story.