This surprised me because until that point I had given McCain the benefit of the doubt. I had assumed all his belligerent posturing was not really him but his campaign speaking. After all, mock outrage and “tough talk” are the hallmarks of any successful Republican candidate, and most of the time their jabs–however vicious–seem merely theatrical.

But not this time. This time it looked personal. McCain actually dislikes Obama–really dislikes him. When he threw his hand in Obama’s direction and spat out “That One,” he looked every bit the ornery old man that he is, furious that Obama was besting him on a national stage. And yes, there were definitely racist overtones–not quite as bad but in the same general category as “you people.”

Bravo, McCain. You finally gave the press (remember, they’re the people you and Palin now hate) something to really get excited about.