Personally, I don't see this election year YET being as contentious as the last two presidential elections.
That may be because McCain's supporters are not as enthused about him as they would be for a more conservative candidate. He's a moderate, but compared to Obama, he is decidedly "right wing." Those of us on his right have no choice but to embrace him in this thing.
Side by side, McCain/Obama--there are a few issues that are my hot button issues:
1. Abortion ... the contrast there is almost black and white.
2. Military, Defense, and Homeland Security ... McCain's been there and done that like few ever have (read about the amazing things he did for others while a POW, while himself suffering real torture). And he's flexible enough to change his mind when warranted and admit he was wrong (i.e. on illegal immigration and border security in the past year)
3. Guns ... I can trust McCain's proven defense of gun rights far more than I can trust Obama's recent lip synching on the topic.
4. A few other items on my radar include taxes, values, government reform/pork barrel spending/earmarks, crime and the death penalty,
5. And maybe the most promising ... he actually can and does work with those on the other side of the aisle to get things done, which will be neccessary with a Democratic Congress.
Here's an independent tally of the issues for McCain ...
http://www.issues2000.org/Senate/John_McCain.htm
All this stuff about him being "evil" is strange to me. He's a genuine American hero who has devoted his life to defending it and improving it. I certainly can find issues I disagree with him on, but he still pitches a shutout against Obama.