James Rainey

Reporters covering the Republican in 2000 recall an engaging conversationalist who would talk incessantly, have a quip ready or field impromptu questions. His rigidity is now a stark contrast.

It’s not surprising the candidates are flummoxed by a meltdown like none we have seen in our lifetimes. But reporters need to keep asking the tough questions.

News outlets and independent truth squads seem to agree that the McCain camp’s distortions on Barack Obama have gone too far.

Given the opportunity to address substantive issues in interviews with the political couple, Fox News hosts Hannity and Van Susteren instead pander to their partisan audience.