I really don't think he is going to fade bitterly, he doesn't have that much time left in office and he has been about getting stuff done and getting rid of the unheplful government practices. and he's "mavericky" so that might factor in haha

If he's anything, McCain is a passionate patriot.  He'll do whatever he thinks he needs to to fix issues he considers important.  But he's old now, and he doesn't even write his own bills, so I imagine he'll be kind of pushed to the side as the younger Republicans try to come in and reform the party.

sunshine he hasnt been mavericky in the last ten years hes just followed bush

maybe when bush is gone and he doesnt have war to focus on he'll go back to the environment and immigration where he can actually do something

What about telling him the surge was necesary when Bush was cringing from the flak he was taking about the war?

I believe that the real McCain is a maverick. He just stopped being one for his 2000 and 2008 presidential bids. I look forward to seeing the old McCain again.

Yes. Agreeing completely.

Ditto the reply to D-Rock.

I think McCain will serve out his term, perhaps be reelected once more, then be pushed aside by the newer arrivals. By the time Obama is up for reelection, McCain will be living out his last years somewhere far away from Capitol Hill.