His opposition to torture included the process of water-boarding, a technique McCain said began during the Spanish Inquisition.

NPR: GOP Debate Showcases Candidates' Differences

He has edged to the right on two other areas where he used to be hated by his party's conservatives as a dangerous maverick: on torture (he won't rule out water-boarding) and immigration reform (he says fix the border first, which will take an eternity).

ECONOMIST: The presidential campaign