So much for a more honest and dignified campaign

Senator John McCain started his quest for the Presidency saying he would run a different sort of campaign, that he would elevate the tone above the usual negative focus that permeates American politics.

Guess when you're down and sinking with only a month to go, that goes out the window.

Sen. John McCain and his Republican allies are readying a newly aggressive assault on Sen. Barack Obama's character, believing that to win in November they must shift the conversation back to questions about the Democrat's judgment, honesty and personal associations, several top Republicans said.
. . .
"We've got to question this guy's associations. Very soon. There's no question that we have to change the subject here," said the operative, who was not authorized to discuss strategy and spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Charming. The McCain of 2000 is gone.

Smeagol is dead, long live Gollum.