Even Obama was puzzled at him for that crapjob of a response.

Yet, I keep asking, was this exchange what was being addressed in stories saying Obama pulled the rug out from under McCain by publicly backing out of a deal he'd made with McCain?

I'm not quite sure what to think about this. I don't argue that McCain's reaction isn't over-the-top. But do you think it's possible Obama is tweaking him, maybe in hopes of provoking this sort of response?

If so, let me hasten to add, I fully approve.

The letters don't give us the full context of what went on between these two guys before and during McCain's bipartisan meeting. But given that it WAS McCain's meeting, and that it WAS bipartisan, is it altogether surprising that he would take exception to Obama's written follow-up? Because in effect, Barack opens with a few sentences of bland political nostrums ("The discussion clearly underscored the difficult challenge facing Congress") then launches into a pitch for a proposal by Sen. Reid and the Democratic caucus. McCain doesn't want to hear this shit.

Abd wouldn't Obama, being a smart guy, KNOW that McCain -- who views his own efforts as the centerpiece of the reform agenda -- won't take kindly to this? It is possible that Obama, in a very sly and subtle way, is fucking with McCain's head?

This question becomes more pointed when you consider recent events, like the closed-door White House meeting at which, according to some great reporting in the WashPost, Obama repeatedly addressed McCain directly, pressing him about the House GOP proposals. Surely he knew this would put McCain in a tough position, caught between either opposing his own GOP colleagues, or opposing the White House, or -- as it played out -- not taking a clear stand one way or the other.

No wonder McCain was so mad the following night at the debate that he wouldn't look Obama in the eye.

Then we see Obama, on the floor of the Senate, literally crossing the aisle to greet McCain -- who at this point would rather rip his throat out than shake hands with him. Obama is all friendliness and collegiality. And why not? He's totally into McCain's head, and there's nothing McCain can do about it that doesn't make himself look even more petty and mean.

I think we may be too quick to forget that Obama is, among other things, a skilled Chicago politician. He's still one now, and he was one that day when he sat down to write his "Dear John" letter.

Short version:

Obama: "Considering all your senatorial experience and bipartisan influence, I was hoping, based on your previous remarks, that I can count on your support for my ethics reform bill?"

McCain: "Fuck off, newbie partisan hack."

Obama: "Oh well, I will just ask better, saner senators for their support. I still think you're great."

Check down the front page where Josh references these letters a few days ago. And his own prescient blog on that at the time it occurred:

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/221895.php