Is that what this is about? I ask because our good friends at postbourgie point out that not only would John McCain like an extension, history be damned, on this Friday’s debate, but he’s hoping to shift that tilt into the slot that was previously reserved for the vice presidential debate, which, as CNN reports, “would be rescheduled for a date yet to be determined.” As G.D. says, “GTFOHWTBS.”

So here’s my question: how does this end? Public polling suggests the electorate isn’t impressed with this latest bit of mavericky performance art; David Letterman will be mocking McCain tonight for his inability to walk and chew gum at the same time; Harry Reid has already asked the candidates to keep clear of Washington, lest politics sully the otherwise pristine process of crafting bailout legislation. But wait, there’s good news for McCain: Newt Gingrich says his decision to forgo debating Obama is “the greatest single act of responsibility ever taken by a presidential candidate”. And Newt Gingrich knows about responsibility! Kidding aside, what’s McCain’s next move? Is Barack Obama going to debate an empty chair on Friday?