2008 takes a dramatic twist, McCain wins the Democratic nomination

[Lincoln Republican]

Impossible I know, would never have happened I know, but......

Following the 2004 Presidential election, re-elected President George W Bush and Senator John McCain began to have serious disagreements, in particular over the course of the Iraq war, and in important matters involving the economy.

McCain began to advocate an organized withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq and turning over responsibility for the war as quickly as possible to the Iraqi government.  Of course, McCain continued to advocate a strong military.

On the economic front, McCain began to advocate the elimination of tax breaks for wealthy Americans, instead opting for targeted tax cuts for lower and middle class Americans.

Senator McCain was approached by a group of Democratic law makers in the spring of 2006, negotiating with him to switch parties and join the Democrats.  After much soul searching, McCain announces to the nation in July that he is joining the Democratic Party. 

The newest Democratic Senator becomes a star attractiion in the Democratic Party, and goes on a nationwide speaking tour in support of Democratic candidates for the 2006 off year congressional and gubernatiorial elections.  McCain's campaigning in behalf of Democratic candidates proves to be very successful in helping switch control of Congress from Republican into Democratic hands.

McCain becomes a rising star in the Democratic Party.

A group of influential Democrats begin a movement to draft McCain into running for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination.  McCain accepts the endorsement, and launches his bid in January of 2007.  McCain barnstorms the nation, competing in all the primaries and caucuses. 

As it turns out, Democratic primary voters are attracted to McCain's maverick image and straight talking campaign, and are also impressed with his credentials on national security issues.  McCain narrowly locks up the Democratic Presidential nomination after the final primaries in Montana and South Dakota, with his combination of elected delegates and super delegates.

The other major contenders for the nomination, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois and Senator Hillary Clinton of New York, both concede the nomination to McCain the day after the Montana and South Dakota primaries, endorsing him, and promising to campaign for him and to do all they can to help him get elected President.

To help shore up the Democratic base, Democratic Presidential nominee Senator Johm McCain picks popular liberal Democrat, Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin for Vice President.

The Republicans nominate the very capable and respected former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist of Tennessee for President.  Frist picks up and coming Republican star Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota for Vice President.

How does this election go?

Please discuss, using maps if you choose.

Democratic Ticket
Senator John McCain of Arizona
Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin

Republican Ticket
Former Senator Bill Frist of Tennessee
Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota

Former Republican Congressman Bob Barr is the nominee of the Libertarian Party

Consumer advocate Ralph Nader is the nominee of the Green Party

[Kaine for Senate '18]

A 365-173 McCain victory.

[Хahar 🤔]

A 365-173 McCain victory.

That avatar doesn't change anything.

[DownWithTheLeft]

Many disenfranchised Republicans blame Frist for losing congress in 2006, they also see a McCain presidency as moving the Democratic party far to the right.  For this reason, McCain dominates Frist in the election:

[Kaine for Senate '18]

A 365-173 McCain victory.

That avatar doesn't change anything.

What?

[Lief 🗽]

There would be a (very) significant leftist third party, probably the greens, or some liberal independent.