John McCain's speech to CPAC yesterday was a masterclass in how to win over a hostile audience. McCain was hardly the first choice of many US conservatives, and there's been a lot of talk about many voting Democrat rather than for a RINO (Republican In Name Only).
So he had one task yesterday - and it was a delicate one. He had to reassure those sceptical conservatives that he was a true conservative, whilst not frightening off the very centre voters that he can attract - his USP.
If you want to watch a class act, have a look at this (and then the second and third extracts). Trust me, it's worth it, whatever your views. As one of the Fox News analysts put it afterwards - he hit it out of the park.