co·nun·drum < kə núndrəm > (plural co·nun·drums)
noun
Definition:
1. something confusing: something that is puzzling or confusing
2. word puzzle: a riddle, especially one with an answer in the form of a play on words
John McCain and the GOP are faced with a conundrum.
If John McCain keeps Sarah Palin on his ticket he runs the risk of further unvetted scandals hitting the light of day as the media continues on in their feeding frenzy for more and more dirt. This further risks GOP seats all the way across the ticket. This could potentially alienate not only conservative leaning Independent, but also moderate Republicans. Keeping her could insure he loses.
If John McCain dumps Sarah Palin from his ticket, he runs the risk of further alienating the core religious right base of the Republican party thus resulting in not only the loss of his ticket, but potentially some seats where the religious right vote is essential to success.
Here is the pass where John McCain's decision making process has lead.
John McCain is in a no win scenario. Nothing will reveal the tenor of a leader more than how they conduct themselves when there is no way out of a particular problem.
John McCain has entered the crucible. What comes out will reveal the true nature of the person that is John McCain.
I fear this will be a sight far uglier than anybody ever imagined.