"John McCain has become the de facto running mate of George W. Bush"

The expression "John McCain has become the de facto running mate of George W. Bush", as priced quote by Mark Shields, describes a political reality during the 2000 U.S. presidential election. In spite of not being the main vice-presidential nominee along with George W. Bush, John McCain played a significant and prominent role in Bush's campaign and political landscape. The term "de facto running mate" indicates that McCain operated in a capability comparable to that of an official running mate due to his political actions, recommendations, and assistance, though he was not the formal nominee.

To understand the context and ramifications of this quote, it's necessary to think about the political characteristics of the time. During the Republican primaries in 2000, John McCain was a strong contender against Bush, known for his radical style and attract independent voters. McCain's popularity and reliability, specifically amongst moderates and specific factions within the Republican Party, implied that his assistance or opposition could considerably affect Bush's campaign.

By backing George W. Bush after their contentious main battle, McCain's assistance arguably boosted Bush's standing with the electorate, providing him extra legitimacy and appeal. In this sense, McCain was acting to unify the party and reinforce Bush's candidacy in the basic election, comparable to what a vice-presidential prospect would intend to do. McCain's involvement was essential in attracting voters who might have otherwise been hesitant to support Bush, efficiently widening Bush's base.

Additionally, the phrase underscores how political alliances and recommendations can in some cases overshadow main titles and roles. In politics, the influence of a popular figure like McCain can bring weight comparable to those holding official positions. Thus, through strategic collaboration and shared political objectives, McCain became an implicit however impactful ally to Bush, comparable to the collaboration typically seen in a presidential ticket.