by Evie Stone

McCain communications director Jill Hazelbaker promised this ad would be "historic." I don't know if I'd go that far, but it's definitely a departure from the McCain camp's recent negative efforts — including rare DNC-week contrast spots. In it, McCain, talking directly into the camera, congratulates Obama and adds, "how perfect that your nomination would come on this historic day" (i.e. the 45th anniversary of "I Have A Dream"). McCain doesn't overtly mention race, but he's clearly talking about the ground Obama is breaking as he becomes the first major-party black nominee.

So...genuine gesture of goodwill or gambit to grab a little airtime on Obama's big night and revive a fraying reputation for high-mindedness? (Or, well, both? The two don't have to be mutually exclusive, do they?)