[El Blanco]

I think another big reason your examples won, Kevin, is because they also focused on regionalism over political parties.

Kaine wasn't the Democrat running for governor of Virginia. He was the Virginian running for governor on the Democrat ticket. I know it seems like semantics, but it makes him seem more personable. He didn't focus on the national party. He focused on Virginia and what he would do.

Rudy won't get the GOP nod. He's a New York Republican. Same with Pataki. Pro-gay rights. Pro-abortion. Pro-gun control. Thats the big disadvantage to regionalism. As you pointed out, you have to please the far end of your party.

Admit it. You would love to see McCain as president. The press conferences alone would more than make up for any ideological differences you have with him.