I was reading this widely referenced interview with Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart (well worth 10 minutes), and I was struck by just how much they get the fabled ‘it’. I think if I was the President, from either party, I’d have these two talk to me for half an hour every Friday. I’d ask questions, but not try to argue or defend anything, just listen. I think I’d learn a lot, or at least be reminded of things it’s too easy to forget when you’re in power. Plus they’re funny, and when you’re the oxymoronic leader of the free world that’s probably healthy.

It is an interesting card for Senator McCain to play, given that his campaign manager, Rick Davis, was paid by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac several hundred thousand dollars early in this decade to head up an organization to lobby in their behalf called The Homeownership Alliance. …

Davis, was president of the Homeownership Alliance, a Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-led advocacy group which has tried to fend off regulation sought by large private banks and mortgage lenders.

from Americablog.

Obama was paid positively Senatorial amounts of cash by Fannie and Freddie. My understanding of American political financing theory is he got that because he was already a supporter of theirs, and they wanted him to continue in office (riiight). Fortunately the same logic says that Davis was only an employee, and therefore not responsible for what he did.

McCain thinks the recent conflict between Russia and Georgia was "the first probably serious crisis internationally since the end of the Cold War." He thinks Iraq and Pakistan share a border. He believes Czechoslovakia is still a country. He’s been confused about the difference between Sudan and Somalia. He’s been confused about whether he wants more U.S. troops in Afghanistan, more NATO troops in Afghanistan, or both. He’s been confused about how many U.S. troops are in Iraq. He's been confused about whether the U.S. can maintain a long-term presence in Iraq. He’s been confused about Iran’s relationship with al Qaeda. He's been confused about the difference between Sunni and Shi'ia. McCain, following a recent trip to Germany, even referred to "President Putin of Germany." All of this incoherence on his signature issue.

The Washington Monthly.

Here’s the thing. Any of those individually is just a slip. Put together they could still just be one (or 11) of those things. But what if they’re not? What if McCain really is fading away, something that wouldn’t be too surprising for any 72 year old? At what point would the Republicans (or Democrats, in a similar situation) say “You know what, our candidate was a brilliant man, but time has passed and it’s become clear that he’s just not up to the job”? My guess is no earlier than November 8th.

Here’s the audio of McCain missing the point.

“But what about Europe? I’m talking about the President of Spain.”

McCain: “What about me, what?

Interviewer: “Are you willing to meet with him if you’re elected president?”

McCain: “I am willing to meet with any leader who is dedicated to the same principles and philosophy that we are for humans rights, democracy and freedom. And I will stand up to those who do not.”

Update: To clarify, Spain *is* for human rights, democracy and freedom. So that’s OK then.