So the Republican Party in North Carolina is running this ad:

And of all people, John McCain is asking that they pull it:

From the beginning of this election, I have been committed to running a respectful campaign based upon an honest debate about the great issues confronting America today. I expect all state parties to do so as well. The television advertisement you are planning to air degrades our civics and distracts us from the very real differences we have with the Democrats. In the strongest terms, I implore you to not run this advertisement. 

This ad does not live up to the very high standards we should hold ourselves to in this campaign. We need to run a campaign that is worthy of the people we seek to serve. There is no doubt that we will draw sharp contrasts with the Democrats on fundamental issues critical to the future course of our country. But we need not engage in political tactics that only seek to divide the American people. 

Once again, it is imperative that you withdraw this offensive advertisement. 

Quoth the NC GOP: No.

Now, in one sense, I smell setup. Obama’s whole thing has been that we need to tone down this sort of garbage; now McCain gets to plausibly claim that he, too, is in favor of civility. While the state party goes ahead and airs it. That’s called having your civility - and forcing your opponents to eat it, too.

John Cole tells us how it might work:

Step 1: GOP wingnut (is that redundant?) says something offensive, writes a nasty editorial, creates a vicious radio or tv spot.

Step 2: Ad receives widespread coverage and national attention.

Step 3: McCain condemns the ad/editorial/whatever.

Step 4: Chris Matthews and other bobbleheads in the media show off their man-crush for McCain while praising his integrity AND showing the offending ad/editorial on national television.

Step 5: I scream at the television and send another 25 bucks to the Obama campaign.

Still, if McCain is honest in his chagrin - good for him. Wouldn’t it be nice to have an “honest debate about the great issues confronting America today” - for once?