Playing the centrist who appeals to the middle is a lot more effective than you think. Just ask Arnold Schwarzenegger. A couple years after winning the recall his initaitives bombed hard and his popularity among Californians nearly fell to George Bush level.
But during reelction Arnold decided to hijack certain “democrat” issues (like global warming) as well playing up traditional GOP values (tough on crime, strong economy). Phil Angelides ran multiple ads depicting scenes of Arnold making speeches for President Bush, but he eventually lost in a landslide. A considerable number of democrats ended up voting for Arnold.
During the midterm elections the GOP failed to attract the center and the moderate voters. Barack Obama (and his pastor) is too radical for some voters. Americans who disline Bush but distrust the Obama / Clinton ticket hold the key for Mccain.
