John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate has convinced many social conservatives that the Senator's right for the White House.

Focus on the Family leader James Dobson this week lauded McCain's decision, saying that he hasn't been this excited about an election since the days of Ronald Reagan, a former president Republicans idolize to the point of fetish.

Family Research Council Tony Perkins, meanwhile, told the press he has more "confidence" in McCain's presidency than Bush's. That's not the most ringing endorsement, but the recent rush of conservative love proves that McCain's efforts to woo the right have paid off.

Still, one can't help but wonder if McCain's really the one calling the shots in the GOP:

[McCain] has abandoned previous calls to moderate the Republican platform’s support for a ban on abortion without exception. Instead, he allowed conservative organizers like Phyllis Schlafly to shape what many advocates say is the most conservative platform in the party’s history. At Ms. Schlafly’s behest, for example, the party approved an immigration plank calling for new laws to speed widespread deportations and other punitive measures at odds with Mr. McCain’s stance on one of his signature issues.

To make up for a history of conflict with the Christian conservative wing of his party, Mr. McCain has in some ways gone further than Mr. Bush to reassure the right of his intentions, even at the risk of spooking more moderate voters.

Wait, isn't this the candidate who calls himself a maverick? We guess kissing conservative ass tops consistency…