Not Either Or

Almost seven years since his first presidential run, the press is still going around in circles trying to pigeonhole McCain.  Is he the fierce independent who refuses to be fit into an ideological box?  Or, is he the long-standing conservative who is now emphasizing those credentials in order to broaden his appeal?

Going back to this ’99 cover, perhaps the most telling aspect in McCain’s expression is its sense of coyness. In response to the camera’s demand for character, it seems the reply is that he will never be framed.

(Revised 9:21 am EST)

(image: TIME Magazine. December 13, 1999. Cover)