While McCain is technically a superior nominee to Bush, and certainly a superior nominee to his 2008 self, he's not really changing the political calculus here. Frist doesn't really change the game other than maybe reassure Christian Conservatives wary of McCain. Lieberman actually comes off worse for Gore, especially since, if it weren't for the fact he's pro-choice and pro-same-sex marriage, he'd be the perfect running mate for McCain (and almost was in 2008). I could easily see both Gore and McCain trying to have Lieberman as their running mate (even if the GOP base would never go along with it).
Senator John McCain (R-AZ)/Senator Bill Frist (R-TN) 49%
Vice President Al Gore (D-TN)/Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT) 49%
