"Finally, a year ago, six months ago, even 60 days ago, the conventional wisdom held that the Iraq War would be an albatross around the neck of any candidate who supported it, especially a candidate who supported President George W. Bush's risky surge strategy. In fact, the candidate most closely linked with the surge—and most un-nuanced, unequivocal, unconfused and unembarrassed about his position on the war—is John McCain, the man who is painstakingly wrapping up the GOP nomination.

While his critics alternately say he's undependable, unpredictable and unelectable, McCain has been this war's—and this commander-in-chief's—most dependable and articulate ally in Congress. And because he stuck to his guns and took a huge political risk—reminding us that "presidents don't lose wars; political parties don't lose wars; nations lose wars"—voters have steadily rallied to his side. In fact, recent polls indicate he would beat Clinton, is in a statistical dead-heat with Obama, and would capture more Democratic voters than Obama would Republicans."

TCS Daily has the story.

Thanks, Marlowe.