The L.A. Times reports on the politicians courting Hollywood for funds in anticipation of presidential runs. There are many familiar Democratic names, but only one Republican: Sen. John McCain. It’s no big surprise, but it’s important to remember that the good senator isn’t just friendly with liberals — he’s cut from a similiar ideological cloth.

McCain’s picked up a good deal of steam for a 2008 run lately. But would primary voters, or even Americans at large, elect an also-ran? Who are the victorious also-rans of post-World War II politics? Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush. Two had the benefit of the vice presidency and one was riding an upsurgent political movement. McCain may benefit from an otherwise mediocre Republican field, but he has little else to recommend him for the presidency besides a vague likability.