McCain Goes Hollywood -- Again!

I'm beginning to wonder about John McCain's frequent appearances with Jay Leno on The Tonight Show.

I think only Terry Bradshaw is a guest more often.

After Chris Matthews' recent Bush-bashing appearance, I am sort of glad that McCain was on to offer a tiny bit of balance.

While Matthews was rabidly and completely anti-Bush during his segment, McCain did claim allegiance to the President.

But, he also took the opportunity to get in some shots at the Administration.

When McCain was interviewed by Tim Russert on April 2, it seemed that he was straining to present himself as a candidate that conservatives could support in 2008.

With Leno, McCain was more interested in catering to the independents and even trying to win over some liberals. He's such a chameleon.

His supposed straight talk isn't sincere. It's shameless, cheap pandering.

Leno probed McCain on what a mess the Bush Administration has made in Iraq, Iran, and with immigration.

Of course, neither Leno nor McCain mentioned any of the positive economic news.

Regarding Iraq, McCain said, "It was very badly mishandled in many ways."

He added, "But, we need to win. We can win."

"The American people need to be told that it’s very tough."

Then came the questions about the stampede of retired generals calling for Donald Rumsfeld's resignation.

McCain said, "I respect their right to do that. When they retire, they have the right to do that."

Leno inquired about the mutiny by the generals, "Is that unprecedented?...Is this unusual?"

McCain pointed out the rarity of such an outcry from retired generals, but gave the example of General McClellan running for president against Lincoln as a historical reference to illustrate that it has happened in America’s past.

That exchange ended with McCain referring to the Civil War by saying, "It’s a great war we won."

A word of advice to McCain: A Republican can't win the presidency without the South.

Leno continued on Rumsfeld, "Why are these generals coming out against him? What is the reason? They say he’s arrogant and...is this true? Is there anything to this?"

McCain showed no love for Rummy.

He said, "I think that he’s pretty rough on a lot of these people. I also understand their concerns and maybe we can learn from them. He is still the president’s choice. The president was elected and reelected and I have to respect the President’s choice."

McCain didn't hesitate to say, "I had a lot of disagreements with Secretary Rumsfeld," but McCain did acknowledge that the situation in Iraq is difficult, calling it "a long hard slog."

The interview ended with Leno suggesting, "Come back when you’re running for president."

In a nod to Arnold Schwarzenegger, McCain quipped, "Thank you, it’s a great place to announce."

McCain has to pick a skin and get comfortable in it.

Who is the real McCain?

The Hollywood-friendly, "all things to all people" guy, or a conservative truly interested in advancing a conservative agenda?

At present, McCain seems to be interested in doing whatever is expedient for his personal political future, serving himself rather than being a public servant.

I don't think that's a winning strategy.