With no "good" conservative from which to choose, and Thompson acting in a diffident manner, McCain used his "base" to build a lead. At some point, Huckabee mind-melded to McCain to weaken Richie Rich, who has a face uncreased by worry. McCain, under these circumstances, wins the nomination, and Huckabee gets a job. I think Florida's governor Crist would be a better fit. Many Republicans would sit home or vote against a McCain-Huckabee ticket out of spite.