Others have observed a new seriousness of purpose and adeptness in John McCain’s political execution. But this is perhaps not unexpected, nor is the closeness of the race.

McCain’s current performance was greatly aided and in some sense foretold by his primary run. Deprived of money and support he and his campaign learned to live off the land, perfect cheap web ads and counterpunch his better funded opponent (then Mitt Romney). All of that made him a better candidate. His team is now beating the overstuffed, overstaffed Obama camp day after day.

Certainly it helps to have a bombastic and ideologically extreme candidate. As John noted, Obama’s missed opportunity to reach out to independents won’t be lost on McCain. McCain frankly has had the good fortune both in the primary and in the general election to run against candidates who did more damage to themselves than McCain could possibly have inflicted.

Finally, Obama is goaded and encouraged by the MSM to perpetuate bad habits and do silly things. “Yeah–stand up to Bush!” “Sure–attack McCain’s determination to get Osama bin Laden!” The media cocoon never warns or alerts Obama to pending errors or contrary views. By contrast, McCain adapts, listens, and learns–he has to or the media machine will eat him alive.

In short, neither Republicans nor Democrats (and certainly not the MSM) believed it was possible until recently that McCain could win. He may still not win–but he can. And no one thought that possible for a very long time.