The Heat Is On

U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is the target for all the 2008 presidential hopefuls these days, since he is perceived as the GOP front-runner and -- most likely -- the overall favorite. Considering McCain's history of "thin-skinnedness," it will be interesting to see how long he lasts before flashing his famous temper.

No doubt the assailing of McCain is only just beginning and he surely won't let the charges go unanswered indefinitely. The first primary contests are still a year away and the general election isn't until November 2008.

Still, attacking McCain, a political celebrity, this early allows lesser-known prospective candidates of all political stripes to raise their profiles and generate media coverage -- if even for one news cycle.

Republican critics, for their part, aim to chip away at McCain's credentials and raise questions about his positions to ensure he doesn't solidify his status as the one to beat.

Democratic foes, in the meantime, go after McCain in hopes of projecting strength and showing that they can take on the Republican heavyweight, particularly on the national security issues that are considered McCain's forte.

McCain is hardly a moderate, despite his status as Favorite Liberal Media Republican. And we cannot see ourselves voting for him in a general election unless the Democrats nominate another dolt like this guy ... or this one ... or this one. But we will always respect his tribute to 9-11 hero Mark Bingham. His words can a glimmer of hope that maybe he can be the best person for the job.

But for now, it's still Rudy '08!