The Hiller Instinct: McCain: Hypocrite or Helper?

He called for campaign finance reform, attacking Washington's unholy trinity of money, special interests and lobbyists.

Senator John McCain
"We're taking on the iron triangle, my friends."

His win in New Hampshire put him on a collision course with George Bush, and when Bush won the next key primary, McCain ridiculed his rival as...

February 19, 2000
Senator John McCain
"A choice between a record of reform and an empty slogan of reform, a choice between experience and pretense."

As GOP voters chose Bush, McCain called him a puppet of the radical right.

February 29, 2000
Senator John McCain
"We will not let Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson run the republican party of the United States of America."

So you can understand the skepticism that accompanied McCain's unenthusiastic endorsement of Bush.

May 9, 2000
Senator John McCain
"I endorse Governor Bush."

Headed for Philadelphia, on the Straight Talk Express this weekend, McCain insisted he gets along fine with Bush.

July 29, 2000
Senator John McCain
"I think that he likes me, as I like him. We have a cordial relationship and our relationship between our families is also there."

But, when McCain repeats what he said Sunday, many of his supporters still won't believe it:

July 29, 2000
Senator John McCain
"I am obliged not by party loyalty, but by sincere conviction to urge all americans to support my party's nominee, Governor George Bush of Texas."

Odds are, you've seen the last of John McCain as a presidential candidate. Even if Bush loses in November, McCain will be 68 when the next White House race rolls around. But the ideas McCain stood for will stay standing, because there are millions of voters who believe in them.