The Backstory: Why McCain Snubbed Santorum

In politics there's almost always a backstory -- the story behind what you see.
And often the backstory involves swipes, snubs or disloyalty.
It's no secret that Rick Santorum was to the right of John McCain when both served in the Senate. And Santorum kept his distance from McCain who can be fearless and temperamental. The two were not exactly best buds.
But Santorum has certainly not been averse to reaching out to more moderate Republicans when it suits his interest -- when it advances him.
So, in 2006 when Santorum was running in a tough race for re-election to the Senate, he called McCain and pleaded with him to come to Pennsylvania and help him out. Santorum needed to convince Pennsylvanians that he wasn't as far to the right as he seemed to be. He needed someone who would vouch for his suddenly desirable "moderate credentials."
Santorum needed a certified "common sense" lawmaker by his side. And so McCain agreed to help Santorum. And he stood by his side and campaigned for him.
But even solid support from McCain and kind words from then-Republican Senator Arlen Specter were not enough to save Santorum. He lost to someone who seduced Pennsylvanians with a magic name: Bob Casey.
Then, in 2008 when McCain sought the GOP nod and went head-to-head against Obama, it seems Santorum was not as visible for McCain as McCain was for Santorum.
By 2008 Santorum had already begun moving back to the right -- attempting to reposition himself as a major conservative force.
Of course, McCain ran against Mitt Romney for the nomination in 2008 and there was no love lost between McCain and Romney. But they nonetheless seemed to respect one another.
After he lost the nomination to McCain however, Romney vigorously supported the party's nominee. In fact, Romney threw his support to McCain just as soon as he got out of the race himself. He said it. He meant it. He did it. That's Mitt Romney.
Romney repaired his relationship with McCain. He proved his mettle.
So, what goes around comes around. And turnaround time arrived this week.
On the heels of Santorum's surprise showing in the Iowa caucuses, who should pop up but John McCain.
But not to rush to endorse Santorum. No way. This time, turnaround is fair play and McCain strategically and vigorously endorsed Romney.
And he did it in New Hampshire -- the place where McCain may be even more popular that he is in his native Arizona.
Elephants have long memories -- and so do most politicians.
It's a sweet, sweet moment.
Touché!