It could have been Jesus Christ himself on the ticket and the Republicans were going to make attacks.  I think the media would have fawned over McCain and given Kerry props for "bipartisanship."  It might all be horseshit, but I believe it would have been very effective.

What problems with the base?  Maybe Nader pulls more votes, but I don't know one Democrat who was EXCITED about Kerry.  We all voted for him anyway.  I don't think McCain would have made me less excited about a Kerry Presidency.  McCain would have been a terrific coup.