The oldest trick in the book

By Libby Spencer

Digby has already put McCain's apology for his front man at a recent rally into the proper context but I would add this. Yes, it's good that McCain denounced the idiot hatejock but let's not get all starry eyed over it. I mean the guy is a radio personality and surely that's not the first time he's made such remarks. I assume he makes a living from exactly this sort of slander. If McCain didn't expect him to come out and do his schtick, he certainly should have.

It's a classic trial lawyer trick to insert inadmissible content into the narrative. Ask a question that's clearly out of bounds. The judge upholds opposing counsel's objection and instructs the jury to ignore what has just been said in their deliberations. But it's like asking someone not to think of the word hippopotamus. The mere suggestion allows you to think of nothing else.

I have to say, it was a pretty good tactical move. Let the surrgogate look like the bad guy and then take the high road with a heartfelt -- tut tut, we don't countenance name calling in this campaign. But give me a break. As Digby illustrates, Johnny hasn't exactly taken the high road on this sort of smear in the past.

(Cross-posted at The Impolitic.)