The equation changes again

From Crooks and Liars, as recently as 2001, John McCain was negotiating a possible defection with Democrat Senators.

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) was close to leaving the Republican Party in 2001, weeks before then-Sen. Jim Jeffords (Vt.) famously announced his decision to become an Independent, according to former Democratic lawmakers who say they were involved in the discussions.

In interviews with The Hill this month, former Sen. Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) and ex-Rep. Tom Downey (D-N.Y.) said there were nearly two months of talks with the maverick lawmaker following an approach by John Weaver, McCain’s chief political strategist.

Democrats had contacted Jeffords and then-Sen. Lincoln Chafee (R-R.I.) in the early months of 2001 about switching parties, but in McCain’s case, they said, it was McCain’s top strategist who came to them. (emphasis added)

And why would these Democrats reveal this now? If you were them, in November would you rather face Mitt Romney's Bushism on meth or a canny 'maverick' who might peel off some of the independents identifying as Democrat now. Yeah it's a contrived image that doesn't withstand serious scrutiny, but the media shows no interest in aiming any at their bestest buddy.

This news either costs McCain the nomination or cripples him even if he wins. The only hope the Republicans have of avoiding electoral Armageddon and they've gone into circular firing squad mode.

There are Democrat strategists praying for Mitt to win.