During the 2004 election campaign, the general opinion around the world was that there was no way George W. Bush would remain president of the United States. And while Democrats, who have a penchant for thinking that the American voter uses common sense in making election decisions, refused to believe he could be re-elected, it was Bush, not John Kerry, who stood with his hand on the bible on inauguration day.

The genie in the bottle was Karl Rove, who had buried the aspirations of John McCain, as well as that of Al Gore, to become president of the United States in 2000 and would do the same to the Democratic candidate four years later. But now, after Rove donated $2300 to the McCain's campaign, not only has his name popped again, but with it a long list of names who returned Bush to power in spite of his poor performance as president and the growing anti-Iraq War agitation in the United States.

In spite of an article in a December 1999 issue of Dallas Morning News, pointing out that Rove was linked to the series of whispering campaigns dirty tricks that led to his defeat in 2000, McCain is now happy to have the man who has been described as having the shrewdest political mind in America advising his campaign.

Rove brings with him Ken Mehlman, one of the architects of Bush's 2004 campaign, as an outside, political advisor. Add to the list Dan Bartlett, a former aide and Sara Taylor, who was involved with the 2004 strategy. All are old hands with a track record while working in tough political environments. There are others waiting in the wings to join the fray and no shrinking violets will be found among them.

Some have speculated that the Republican's best strategy encompasses Barack Obama becoming the nominee of the Democrats in November. According to some insiders, his connections to Ayers, Rezko, Wright and others who helped to build his political career are fertile ground for the kind of whispering campaign that defeated McCain in 2000 and Kerry in 2004. It goes without saying the Swiftboating plans are already in the works.

Another technique would be to convince the disheartened Hillary Clinton supporters to vote for McCain or stay home from the polls in November as a protest against her perceived treatment by the Democratic National Committee. In May, the polls show that 38% of her supporters have indicated they would not vote for Obama so that is fertile ground to be cultivated. Add to that the resentment of the "Judas Train" of people who had served under Bill Clinton but not only did not endorse Hillary, but supported her rival.

In a Disney movie, Aladdin finds an ornate bottle and after accidentally rubbing it a few times, comes face to face with a genie who is ready and willing to grant him three wishes.

In real life, McCain's genie, Karl Rove, may grant him the wish he has harbored since before the year 2000: the presidency of the United States.

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