McCain and Pledges

I agree with the entry below on McCain's no new taxes pledge.

1) The battle over the economy is going to be fought in a time of recession so taking a strong stance in favor of stimulus and against any form of tax increase will create a stark contrast with Obama/Clinton.

2) This shores up the base without spending much time or money.

3) It creates free press.

4) As stated below, McCain is not likely to run again, so why should he care.

Finally, McCain's tendency to do what he wants is precisely what conservatives have hated about him. By making pledges to tow the line on issues like tax McCain will play to the one thing most conservatives don't doubt about him, his honor. So, pledges allow McCain not only to create contrasts with is potential opponents and set minds at ease in the present but they also do the more important work of binding McCain to the Republican party in key areas - reducing his freedom and tendency to do what he wants to do. That doesn't mean he's hamstrung since taxes and abortion and regulation and so forth are a small portion of the issues on facing this country.

I say this is a good call by the McCain camp and I suggest they make a contract with america set of 10 pledges to rally the base for the showdown this fall.