> Whether he intended to or not, Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse has taken over the mantle of the late Arizona Senator John McCain, who was seen as the standard bearer in the Senate. McCain presented himself as a “reasonable” Republican who wanted to instruct on true authenticity and democracy, reach across the aisle, and be chummy with the media. > I say this is intentional. Getting two books published before you’re 40 and using your Senate platform to paint yourself as a true champion of the party looks like a careful crafting of an image. With Sasse’s educational background and career as an academic, a theoretician, and a policy wonk, crafting is required if one wishes to reach for higher office; and slathering for higher ground is written all over Sasse’s face.