The advantage John McCain gains by his contentious prospective opponents, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are three fold. He can use this time to posture and refine his image. He can let the Democrats do the dirty work of tearing each other apart. Thirdly, he can bide his time before he commits to a concrete platform.

Every one knows what John McCain has been, and what he has stood for. He doesn't have the luxury of pulling an identity out of thin air. What he does have now is time. While his opponents use there time hustling for delegates, he can grow into the wise, reserved candidate. He has no one singling him out, so he can let his presidential prospects bolster his confidence. For a seasoned politician like McCain, it is not so much inventing an image, as it is merely allowing the public to conclude that he is finally rising to his fullest potential. No one doubts his patriotism, nor his ability. They question weather he can win. With no one challenging, and the Democrats consuming each other, it may be exactly what he needs to push him into the mindset of inevitable presidentiality.

Not only is no one provoking McCain, as his opponents squabble, he can remain composed while they tear into each others dirty laundry for him. There are issues and perceptions being exploited by the Democrats that a Republican could not even think of. Attacks only insider Democrats could even get to. Clinton and Obama are becoming so intense in their battles, they risk fracturing the constituency in two. If this happens, it is very likely that one half of the potential voting Democrats will have such a sour taste in their mouths, they may turn on the eventual nominee. Some may turn out for McCain. Some may turn out for Nader. Some may not turn up at all! McCain doesn't have to poison the Democratic well, their doing it for him. He can let them drink as much as they like, while he grows in confidence. Reluctant Republicans will only be inspired to align behind him as they grow ever so irritated by the constant media focus on the so called 'liberals'. In turn he will find the support he has thus far lacked, financially and other. The Republicans are financially powerful as a people, and this Democratic infighting only makes them embrace McCain all the more.

Possibly the most vital of his gained advantage is he doesn't have to commit to a concrete platform until the Democrats are done fighting. All he has to do is remain unambiguous about the positions he has held up to this point. The war in Iraq, the economy, who he will be running against are all issues that are still up in the air. The situation in Iraq could change drastically between now and the election. The economy could shift dramatically one way or the other. McCain has the luxury of not needing to commit to any altered position on these subjects. His opponents on the other hand, answer and re-answer daily to their constantly adjusted stance on these issues. It makes them appear opportunistic, as if they are changing there tune as the seas of war and economy constantly shift. He can remain stoic and vague. He can strategize multiple platforms in case of differing realities here and abroad once the true fight for the presidency begins.

Learn more about this author, Joe Scherer.
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