Mac Should Muzzle Staffers, Drop Robocalls, Talk Security

William Kristol has some advice for John McCain: “When you’re in a hole, stop digging.” In a recent poll, 64% of respondents said they believe McCain spends more time attacking Barack Obama than making his own case. The senator ought to pull his negative ads, robocalls, and mailers, “muzzle the campaign,” and make his own case, Kristol writes in the New York Times. That case in a nutshell: Security, security, security.

McCain must remind voters that “they’re not just electing a super-Treasury secretary," Kristol writes. "They’re electing a commander in chief in a time of war.” McCain intends to hit just that note in Florida Wednesday, with the help of former secretaries of state and military officers. The repositioning probably won’t work, but remember what General Foch said at the Battle of Marne: “My center is giving way. My right is in retreat. Situation excellent. I attack!” (More John McCain stories.)