'Deep down'
OK, Boston-focused posts to come. But Reader No. 1 insists on one more convention-related smack down:

Another reason why at least some Republican delegates seemed "subdued" during McCain's speech is that deep down, they already agreed with McCain's diagnosis that they valued "power over our principles." It is possible to regret the mismanagement of the past few years while championing Governor Palin (and being angry about the ridiculous establishment condescension she has received).

Deep down, you might agree with this year's Republican delegates more than you think.

Actually, the last line might be rewritten to be more accurate: “Deep down, most of this year's Republican delegates who never openly said boo about their regrets might agree with McCain, Hub Blog and other critics more than they care to think or applaud." ... For, of course, it's 'possible' some Republicans are only now conceding their 'regrets' because they have no other option. Despite the modern argumentative mindset of conservatives, they realize now they have to literally run against themselves in order to win. So it's 'possible' that the 'regrets' are merely part of a tactical phase to get back into the swing of things, conceding arguments while not really conceding arguments, so they can resume their all-important fight against their mirror-image lefty counterparts. ...

P.S. -- Reader No. 1 recommends this Michael Barone piece about how McCain can learn from Nicolas Sarkozy. McCain already seems to be following the Sarkozy blueprint. Not that Sarkozy has done so well after getting into office, though nabbing an Italian supermodel was quite a feat. The family-values plain folk wouldn't appreciate such a move by McCain. Just a wild guess. ... Bottom line (again): We're looking at a very close November election. ...  ¶ 7:08 AM