Administrativia

pal·ter
Pronunciation: \ˈpȯl-tər\
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): pal·tered; pal·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1600
1 : to act insincerely or deceitfully : equivocate

I wonder if, at some future point unknown, the Villager reporters (as Atrios calls them) will quit waxing about the McCain that might have been.

McCain's problem is that he is neither a legend or a myth... but tries to be both to disastrous results.

When Clinton's myth of inevitability was pierced by Obama, she had the grace and good sense to wage a reality-based campaign. The same cannot be said of McCain/Palin -- who cling so desperately to the POW/Maverick of myth -- that they sublimate the very image they wish to project: honesty is replaced with lies; honor is displaced with sleaze; civility is replaced with incitement.

With the tacit and explicit approval of the candidates.