More propaganda from the New York Times as it desperately tries to influence the candidate selection process of the Republican Party:

McCain gains mainstream support
Republican establishment appears to be coalescing around candidate
By John M. Broder
The New York Times
updated 2:43 a.m. ET, Mon., Jan. 28, 2008

LADY LAKE, Fla. - Is John McCain , the maverick flyboy of the Republican Party , becoming the candidate of the Republican establishment?

Mr. McCain, who has delighted in sticking his thumb in the eye of mainstream Republicans throughout his political career, is now accumulating a base of support among party regulars who see him as the strongest general election candidate in the remaining Republican field.

The latest evidence came Saturday night with the endorsement of Florida’s popular Republican governor, Charlie Crist, which surprised even Mr. McCain. That state holds primary elections on Tuesday.

In an interview Sunday, Mr. Crist said his endorsement was based on “trust and confidence and friendship,â€