McCain - Maverick or Gambler

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I saw a short note on a blog posing the question of whether or not McCain is a Maverick or a Gambler. The definition of a maverick is a nonconformist, eccentric, individualist, rebel, one of a kind or "odd man out." A gambler is someone who wages money or other items of value on uncertain events, dependent either wholly or in part on chance. It appeals to the human desire for gain and the thrill of uncertainty or risk. As I read those definitions and I look at two big errors of judgement on the part of McCain, I believe that he has to be looked on as a gambler. For example, McCain chose Palin. She gave his campaign a shot in the arm but she wasn't fully vetted. To my way of thinking, this was a wild gamble on McCain's part that "seemed" to give his campaign a boost. He was gambling and I believe he was gambling the fate of the nation on a person he really didn't fully know. We can now see that she is not the best pick as a VP. Republican writers are even suggesting that she pull out of the race. As to his charging into Washington to try and look as the hero and solve the bailout talks, that was a gamble. He didn't care that it could negatively effect negotiations. He was gambling that it would give him a boost and propel his campaign forward. We have learned that imposing election politics into the discussions was a show stopper. No one wants to seem to give the "other guy" the "look" at have solving any problems. He lost on that gamble and it was a gamble. Bottom line is this. I don't think McCain is proving himself to be a Maverick. I think he is proving that he is a Gambler. We don't need a gambler as the president of the United States. The question is this. Do you believe that McCain is a Maverick or a Gambler?