In 1992 and 1996, the Republican presidential nominee drew about a third of the vote, attracting almost no independents or Democratic crossovers.  The GOP doesn't have much hope of retaking the White House if they keep offering candidates who appeal only to their party's base.  

Into this breach steps John McCain, who is drawing support across party lines and also from previously apathetic young people.  Today's electorate prefers independent-minded candidates to machine politicians, and voters are choosing the Arizona Senator in droves. 

People are joining McCain to recast the Grand Old Party as the true party of reform.  His heroism as a Vietnam POW and pledge to "always tell you the truth" have all Americans listening to what he has to say - including those who've never voted Republican in their lives.

"We are creating a new majority, my friends," McCain says of his broad-based coalition. "And we are Al Gore's worst nightmare." 

Throughout history, the GOP candidates who crashed the party like Roosevelt, Eisenhower and Reagan are the ones who rode on to greatness.  Like superstar athletes, they attracted support from every city and every walk of life.  They even had fans on the other team.

The only way for Team Republican to win the presidency is to reach out to every last voter.  The party must meet the challenge Senator McCain made after sweeping the Michigan and Arizona primaries: "Don't fear this campaign, my fellow Republicans.  Join it.  Join it." 

McCain's broad-based support and stunning victories have left the party with two choices.  The first is to give the maverick Arizona senator the nomination.  The second is to tell McCain to stop rocking the boat, which could mean four more years of Republicans standing outside the White House looking in.