Ryan Lizza highlighted an important comment from McCain's morning shows appearances (the one where he says Kerry is not weak on national security) - about the importance of the Atlantic Alliance in thw War on Terror -
KERRY'S BEST SURROGATE: It looks like John McCain might actually serve Kerry better as an off-message Bush supporter than as a Kerry running-mate. Here are some excerpts of what McCain said this morning on "The Today Show":
. . .
McCain on whether "the image of America suffered during the presidency of George W. Bush":
"I think on the issue of weapons of mass destruction, we need to get to the bottom of the intelligence situation. I think America is still the strongest and most respected nation in the world. Yes, we have a problem with public opinion in Europe and we need to work on it. But I think the Europeans also need to understand that the Atlantic Alliance is what won the Cold War. And it will be the Atlantic Alliance that can win our war on terror. And we have to work more closely together. No, I don't like the--the public opinion numbers, but I believe that they can and will change with proper leadership."
I think it's safe to say that none of these comments come from the officially approved Bush-Cheney talking points. . . ."
http://www.tnr.com/blog/campaignjournal
Of course, McCain directs his lecture in the wrong direction; it is is Bush that needs the reminding and the understanding.
Needless to say, Wes Clark has been saying this for some time now.