Sometimes in the maelstrom of election year hijinks, when partisan branding threatens to crowd out the messiness of real life inhabited by real people, it can be hard to separate the facts from the oft-repeated slogan. And one of the most repeated slogans this year is that Sen. John McCain would represent a continuation of the President Bush’s presidency if he wins in November. 

With this in mind, the New York Times sought to tackle this election-year assertion head on in a front-page news story today that is illuminating and comes with an issue-by-issue graphic that shows where the men stand on key subjects. The facts, as usual, are a little more complex than the sloganeering. 

The assumption behind the McCain-Bush slogan is that the two share many of the same beliefs, therefore McCain will continue many of Bush’s policies. Of course, in more practical terms, it’s Politics 101 to hang an unpopular president — in this case a very unpopular President Bush — around the neck of the opposing candidate, especially one who has cultivated a reputation for independence.

It’s classic politics. And both national parties do it whenever they get the chance. It just so happens that it’s the Democrats’ turn this time. 

How independent is McCain? You be the judge. Read the story and tell us what you think.