Desperation trumps honor

Sen. John McCain: "I pledge again a respectful campaign. A respectful campaign based on the issues and based on the stark differences we have on the vision for the future of America." (March 5, 2008)

McCain: "It's not the message of the Republican Party. It's not the message of my campaign. I've pledged to conduct a respectful campaign" (April,23, 2008 - declaring that the Wright issue was off limits for the duration of the campaign)