I’m not too interested in this whole “cone of silence” question, but I am enjoying the new response McCain’s spokesfolks have settled on when McCain is questioned:

“The insinuation from the Obama campaign that John McCain, a former prisoner of war, cheated is outrageous,” [Nikole Wallace, a spokeswoman for Mr. McCain] said.

What’s mainly impressive here is the versatility of the defense. “The insinuation that John McCain, a former prisoner of war, burnt the toast is outrageous.” “The insinuation that John McCain, a former prisoner of war, thinks Val Kilmer was the best Batman is outrageous.” “The insinuation that John McCain, a former prisoner of war, would cynically leverage his POW status for political gain is outrageous.”

Ezra Klein is a former Prospect writer and current editor-in-chief at Vox. His work has appeared in the LA Times, The Guardian, The Washington Monthly, The New Republic, Slate, and The Columbia Journalism Review. He’s been a commentator on MSNBC, CNN, NPR, and more.