Conservative hopes for victory in November now rest on McCain's ability to gather a fractured and conflicted party under one big tent.

On many issues McCain's contrarian nature has served to divide the Republican Party, but for every cohort lost on the far right, he has gained supporters from the middle or even from the left; especially from progressives who believe in McCain's firm, unwavering commitment to national security.

One of the nation's most respected (former) Democratic leaders, Sen. Joe Lieberman, supports McCain for President for this reason and because he respects McCain's honesty, courage, vision and love for his county.

Certainly Democrats have plenty of reason to believe the time is their's to retake the White House, if for no other reason, than to capitalize on the gaping opportunity left by a distrusted, unpopular President. Democratic momentum isn't harmed either by the slings and arrows being launched at the Republican front runner by the same influential conservative pundits whose denunciation is usually reserved for Pelosi's, Reid's and Clinton's of the world.

Before McCain is counted out by either hard core conservatives or Democrats, they should ponder the reasons why he placed so much distance between himself and his challengers.

McCain is not a charismatic speaker nor has he benefited from a rich, steady pipeline of campaign funding or legions of grass root foot soldiers knocking on doors.

Those who question his conservative ideals should consider his lifetime positive approval rating of 83 percent from the American Conservative Union, rivaling that of Ronald Reagan.

John McCain has arrived at this momentous point in his long life because Americans desperately need someone they can trust to lead in a dangerous and uncertain world.

McCain's fierce individualism has survived intact over a long public life, but at a political price. If he and the conservative movement are to prevail, the party's priorities must be realigned and directed toward nation-building. The Democratic-lead Congress accomplished little on this score.

Come November, voters will make their final choice for the candidate who will instill confidence in the economy and insure national security. At this point in the campaign, time is on John McCain's side.