The New York Times on Monday examined how presumptive Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) since his failed 2000 presidential campaign has "mastered the art of political triangulation -- variously teaming up with ... the new Republican leaders, with Democrats against Republicans and with the president against the Democrats" on health care and other issues -- to "become perhaps the chamber's most influential member."
According to the Times, "McCain's supporters argue that he demonstrated the kind of bipartisan bridge-building" that presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) has "often pledged but seldom displayed," but critics maintain that McCain "was a fickle gadfly who ultimately traded his independence to pander to the right."
McCain "was a reliable Reaganite until around 1998 -- his first big break from his party -- when the Republican leaders chose him to negotiate a bill that would address tobacco lawsuits and finance public health programs," the Times reports. "As conservatives outmaneuvered him on the floor, Mr. McCain lashed out at his fellow Republicans, accusing them of turning a cold shoulder to children's health," a move that resulted in a standing ovation from Democrats, according to the Times.