A maverick no more

"Unfit to lead" -- the Boston Globe takes back its endorsement of McInsane/Failin.

Back in December, when we endorsed John McCain in the republican presidential primaries, we wrote that he would conduct a campaign of "substance, not demagoguery." We didn't count on the other John McCain -- the one who showed up for the general election. Whether in thrall to his handlers or his own ambition, McCain has abandoned respectful discussion of differences for a trough of pandering and invective.

"Boy, are our asses red now!"

McCain's alarming choice of Sarah Palin as his running mate came only after more moderate and experienced candidates whom McCain preferred were rejected by his operatives. The choice of Palin - whom we would find unqualified even if she didn't hold such extreme policy views - was a cynical ploy aimed at exciting ideological conservatives and luring disgruntled supporters of Hillary Clinton. McCain likes to complain that Barack Obama has never taken on his party leaders, but McCain can't even control his hired staff.

Campaigns are crucibles, and this one has revealed McCain to be erratic, out of touch with ordinary Americans, and, with Palin as his shotgun messenger, too quick with the sneer, smear, and division. He has been a profound disappointment, and he is unfit to lead the nation into its perilous future.

"Unfit to lead." Wow. How cool is that. I think they've "bought into the Obama campaign’s party line!"