Places where McCain was a better candidate than Bush

[Wall St. Wiz]

McCain wasn't a better candiate then Bush in any respect.  He is another example of why moderate republicanism and watered down conservatism lose time and time again in presidential politics.

He inspired no enthusiasm among base conserative voters.  In fact he caused many to stay home as they viewed the election as a choice between two liberals. 

He was a mess on the campaign trail, saying ridicuclous things that made it easy for his opponents to attack him (100 years in Iraq, economy is fundamentally sound).  Bush was a much more disciplined candidate, sticking to his main themes and generally not making mistakes. 

McCain was a lousy debater. The guy brought up hair transplants in a presidential debate lol.  McCain was too repetitive with pork barrel spending and Maverick every other word.  Bush wasn't the best stylistically, but he hammered home his points and was able to come off to the average voter as well intentioned and genuine.

In 2000 and 2004 Bush was a terrific candidate.  Let's not let our personal views of him cloud that.  In the same vein, I hated Bill Clinton, but readily admit that he was a great candidate, which is why our side could never beat him.